First Time Offense

The first offence of DUI in California is already a hard blow for many. Here, the state’s DMV first move is to  try to suspend the license of the driver  caught  for the crime.  This is also known as APS or  administrative per se hearing. If the hearing will not take place for the next 10 days, the DMV can proceed on suspending the license of the offender right away. If the driver has obtained their own scheduled APS hearing, then it there are also less chances of success.

A failed APS also opens the  possibility to check if the offenderwere previously caught with  DUI or if the offender refused to take the standard chemical test the last time they were caught or the results were way beyond the legal limit. Also offenders can get California DUI lawyer’s to assist them in court and also DMV hearing so they can  keep on their driving privileges.

So if you were caught with a first DUI and have submitted to proper test you will most likely just face 4 months suspension. You will also be required by the DMV to produce a type of formal proof of insurance. This is known as SR22. Furthermore, you will also sign up for some alcohol awareness course. And your license can have chances to be assigned with restrictions such as commutting while going to your alcohol awareness classes.

But if you will not consent to chemical test then expect a much heavier punishment. Your license will be suspended for a year without any restricted license during the whole year. And when your suspension comes to end you will have to secure an SR-22 if you want to obtain your license again.

If after all court hearings and was proven guilty then you have to pay an amount of $390 to $1000. First offense could end up with small punishment like probationary verdicts. If the probations are followed, going to jail can be avoided or minimized.

It is hoped that conditions provided in the probationary verdict and the few numbers in jail would teach the drivers their lesson.