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If you’ve already heard the famous slogan “DUI: You Can’t Afford It�, you better believe the person who coined it was not kidding.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI), also known as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or “drunk driving�, is a criminal traffic violation in California.
But regardless of classification, a DUI is a serious offense that involves hefty fines and sanctions that can drain your bank account, zap your energy, and endanger your reputation including your profession.
If you get caught driving with alcohol content higher than the legal limit and charged for DUI, you will be facing criminal issues and you will need to deal with ramification to your California drivers license. The next step then will be to prepare yourself for a financially distressing and frustrating experience that could eventually lead to even graver consequences.
Traffic violations, whether minor or criminal, are classified as moving or non-moving.
Moving traffic violations, involve movement or motion and non-moving traffic violations involve vehicles that are stationary.
A minor traffic violation is commonly referred to as traffic ticket or civil infractions, do not constitute criminal intent.
These moving violations include speeding, failure to stop at stop signs or traffic light violations, failure to yield, driving without headlights or brake lights, turning into the wrong lane, or failing to yield at a cross walk. If the offender is caught and asked to pull over, the penalties can become harder if the driver does not have a driver’s license or proof of car insurance. On the other hand, non-moving minor traffic violations may include illegal parking, having expired registration or inspection stickers, and unpaid parking tickets.
DUI, a criminal traffic violation, can be classified as either moving or non-moving depending on the specific jurisdiction. In some states, an intoxicated driver sitting in his or her parked vehicle while holding the car keys can be charged for DUI as the act constitutes the driver’s intent to drive while impaired. DUI penalties are severe because driving under the influence can potentially cause accidents that may put lives in danger.
Depending on the state, other criminal traffic violations may include any form of reckless driving that endangers the lives of others, especially if malice is involved. If a driver decides to drag race in the streets, for example, and hits a motorist or a pedestrian in the process causing life endangerment or death, the commonly considered minor traffic violation such as street racing will be elevated to a criminal offense.
Traffic fines are not the only cost you incur when you get a ticket from a criminal traffic violation such as DUI.
A criminal traffic violation conviction may include fees. It may also include incarceration, loss of ones license, classes, community service and auto monitoring devices. A judge can allow for restricted licenses, but in some case a judge may fully suspend your license. A restricted license is a license that allows legal use for pre-defined transportation destinations, like to and from work, school or court.
For DUI offenders, the legal penalties as well as the consequences incurred from being charged with such a criminal traffic violation can be lengthy and overwhelming. This list of “hidden fees� from a DUI charge is not comprehensive, but includes the move common costs of operating your vehicle while intoxicated.
California take DUI very seriously by imposing hefty fines on offenders. Depending on your circumstances and the jurisdiction you’re under, a DUI fine can range from $2,000 to $10,000. These fees / fines include courts cost, traffic violation fines and financial renumeration for any injury or damage which might have be caused.
Some DUI offenders get jail time even if it’s their first offense. On a 2nd or 3rd offense the length of jail time increases. Jail time can easily translate to wasted money and opportunities. Often upon physical release from jail, one may be on probation for a period. Probate may require frequent check ins with a probation / parole officer. Probation may include the installation of the breath tester in your vehicle. Probation may include rehabilitation classes and / or community service.
Like any criminal offense there will be record. Some potential employers will be able to see this record even is you have it expunged. DUI offense will also impact your driving record and will have a negative impact on your auto insurance.
If your license gets revoked, you will not be able to drive. You will have to depend on other people or hire transportation services to get you from one place to another. If there’s an important event that you used to participate in as the designated driver for friends, families, or colleagues, it can be frustrating to know that you just cannot fulfill that role anymore.
What most DUI offenders don’t know is the instantaneous effect of a criminal traffic violation charge on their insurance premiums. Because you have become a risk on the road as a DUI offender, your insurance company is not taking any chances and will ensure they’re getting enough from you if you get into another traffic incident that they may have to cover as part of your benefit. Expect your premium to rise after obtaining a DUI charge.
DUI endanger lives. Sometimes, DUI cause the loss of lives. DUI is also a leading cause of property damage. Anything the impairs your driving will increase both the likely hood of an accident that causes injury and accidents that only cause property damage.
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If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact us today. Call us toll free at (800) 215-1190 or fill out our online form for your free Traffic lawyer referral.
If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact Attorney Search Network.
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