Thanks to the Irvine Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader technology, one of their police officers was alerted to a man who was wanted on an outstanding DUI warrant.
The police officer quickly located the suspect driving near the police department, pulled him over, and safely took him into custody.
The IPD officers use every technological tool available to deter crime and keep Irvine safe.
A DUI arrest and conviction in California can lead to serious legal, professional, and financial consequences. Here’s a summary of what the DUI driver in Irvine may now face:
Legal Penalties for DUI in California
The severity of penalties depends on prior offenses and aggravating factors:
- First Offense:
- Fines: $390 to $1,000 (plus court fees)
- Jail: Up to 6 months (often replaced with probation)
- License Suspension: 6 months (restricted license possible with ignition interlock device)
- DUI Education: 3 to 9 months
- Second Offense:
- Jail: 96 hours to 1 year
- License Suspension: 2 years
- DUI School: 18 to 30 months
- Third Offense:
- Jail: 120 days to 1 year
- License Suspension: 3 years
- DUI School: 30 months
- Aggravating Factors (e.g., high BAC, injury, minor in car, refusal to test) can lead to enhanced penalties, including felony charges.
Impact on Employment
- Job Loss: California is an “at-will” employment state, so employers can terminate employees for almost any reason, including a DUI—especially if driving is part of the job.
- Career Limitations: A DUI can hinder promotions, damage professional reputation, and limit future job opportunities.
- Privacy Protections: Employers generally cannot disclose arrest records unless the DUI directly affects job duties.
- Legal Protections: Employees may have rights under privacy laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act, depending on the circumstances.
Impact on Car Insurance
- Rate Increase: A DUI can raise insurance premiums by up to 148%. Average post-DUI rates in California can exceed $7,000 annually.
- High-Risk Classification: Insurers consider DUI offenders high-risk, which affects eligibility and pricing.
- SR-22 Requirement: Drivers must file an SR-22 form to prove minimum liability coverage for license reinstatement.
- Duration: A DUI stays on your DMV record for 10 years, affecting insurance rates for 3–7 years.
- Policy Changes: Insurers cannot cancel policies mid-term but may refuse renewal or remove discounts.