The Super Bowl has finally arrived and thousands of fans are going to end up ruining the fun by getting behind the wheel while drunk.
Last year, there were 13,000 DUI arrests related to alcohol and 10,000 related to drugs nationwide. In California alone, authorities made 1,300 alcohol-related DUI arrests and 750 drug-related DUI arrests.
Many local police and sheriff agencies will be ramping up patrols today and don’t forget that the CHP has a location in Santa Ana. You can bet the CHP will be out in full force today!
Here’s how you can team up for safety for the big game:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely.
- Use Ride-Sharing Services or Public Transportation: Apps and transit options are great alternatives to driving if you’ve been drinking.
- Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure your guests have safe, sober rides home.
- Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride.
- Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers on the road and report them to local law enforcement by calling 911.
Penalties for a DUI in California
In California, the penalties for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be quite severe and vary depending on whether it’s a first offense or if there are prior convictions. Here are some general guidelines:
First Offense
- Fines: Up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
- License Suspension: Six months.
- DUI School: Three to nine months.
- Jail Time: Up to six months.
- Probation: Three to five years.
Second Offense
- Fines: Up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
- License Suspension: Two years.
- DUI School: 18 to 30 months.
- Jail Time: 96 hours to one year.
- Probation: Three to five years.
Third Offense
- Fines: Up to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
- License Suspension: Three years.
- DUI School: 30 months.
- Jail Time: 120 days to one year.
- Probation: Three to five years.
Additional Penalties
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for a certain period.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Possible for repeat offenders.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Significant increase in premiums.
These penalties can be more severe if there are aggravating factors, such as having a high blood alcohol content (BAC), causing an accident, or having minors in the vehicle.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
- Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony: Up to four years in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
- Felony: 10 years to life in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
DUI Causing Injury or Death
Felony: Up to 10 years in state prison, with additional years for each person injured or killed.
Additional Consequences
Restitution: Payment to victims’ families for medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages.
License Suspension: Mandatory suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Insurance: Significant increase in auto insurance premiums or cancellation of the policy.
These penalties can be even more severe if there are aggravating factors, such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC) or prior DUI convictions.
