Many of us have been in the precarious position of not knowing when “enough is enough,” especially as it pertains to the consumption of alcohol.  Regardless of the circumstance, getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcoholic beverages puts you at risk of being pulled-over, tested, and ultimately charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).  The following are a list of stats that may help shed light on your specific situation, as well as give you an idea of just how prevalent DUI cases are in the state of California.  The “drink chart guide” was provided courtesy of the California Highway Patrol website (www.chp.ca.gov):

Drink Chart Guide

BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS

• (.01% - .04%) May be DUI: Anyone, after one drink during a two-hour period - and people weighing 170 pounds or more, after two drinks.)
• (.05% - .07%) Likely DUI: People weighing less than 170 pounds, after two drinks - people weighing 150 pounds or more, after three drinks - and people weighing 190 pounds or more, after four drinks.
• (.08% - UP) Definitely DUI: People weighing less than 150 pounds, after three drinks - people weighing less than 190 pounds, after four drinks - and anyone, after five drinks.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), California has some of the nation’s most complicated DUI laws. They are part of the uniform state code, and do not change in individual cities or counties.

DUI offenses are charged under motor vehicle and criminal codes, so when someone is charged, they are essentially facing two misdemeanor or felony counts, not one. The criminal citation may be either misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances such as collision, damages, injuries, fatalities, etc.

The latest year that the statistics are reported is 2003. The following are the findings as reported by AAA:

• Bail amounts range from $1,600 to $5,000 dollars.
• Fines range from $390 to $5,000 dollars.
• Restitution amounts range from $100 to $10,000 dollars.
• Penalty assessments of 70% are attached all court-imposed fines.
• Jail time ranges from 48 hours to 1 year for misdemeanors, and 5 days to 5 years for felonies.
• Driver's license restriction/suspension/revocation may be from 6 months to 5 years.
• Vehicle impound is the norm, but vehicles may be seized, confiscated and/or sold by the state.
• Probation is usual.
• Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment programs are also part of the process.

The codes and statutes that comprise California DUI laws can be complex and confusing to interpret.  Anyone who has been charged with DUI must understand the significance of the charge, and the penalties and fines that will be administered should you be found guilty.  If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you need to consult an experienced legal defense team immediately.  Stand up for your rights and call someone who knows how to make DUI litigation work for you today.