Things that May Surprise You About Driving Under the Influence in California
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in California. Due to significant rates of recidivism, state lawmakers have imposed stricter penalties even on first offenses. It is important to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney if you are arrested for a DUI or other alcohol-related offense.
Here are 7 things you may not have known about driving under the influence in California:
- It’s not just alcohol. You can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Drugs may include both prescription and nonprescription medications as well as illicit drugs.
- A conviction for a DUI could cost you over $10,000. Between court fines and fees, attorney fees, insurance costs, and court-ordered programs, it is going to cost you a substantial amount.
- Alcohol is involved in approximately 40% of all fatal car crashes. According to the California courts, alcohol-related accidents account for just under half of all deadly traffic accidents.
- You can get arrested and charged for a DUI even if your blood alcohol level is under .08%. There are two counts of a drunk driving charge. California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a) states that it is unlawful for a person to drive under the influence of alcohol. This means that you can have a blood alcohol concentration under .08% and still be arrested for drunk driving if you show signs of intoxication or impairment.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.8% of motorists surveyed in California report “driving after drinking too much.” The national average was slightly higher at 1.9% of those surveyed.