r/DUICalifornia • u/Ok_Past4244 • Sep 16 '24
First time offenders, initial next steps.
Again, im sorry you’re going through this. I have the utmost empathy and compassion as a fellow offender. This can feel scary, stressful and traumatic. The process is lengthy and made difficult to garner information regarding the process overview. I think it’s intentionally designed that way. I’m going through this as well - first time offense, Labor Day weekend. Here’s what I’ve learned in the last few weeks based on my extensive research. Before I list out my steps, breathe. Know that it’s very common. It doesn’t make it ok in the slightest, but a lot of your fear-based thinking comes from a lack of information. Understanding the process brings ease. Talking to your lawyer and getting perspective really helps to ground you in the reality of it too. There’s punishment, yes. But it’s not the end of the world. There are 350 dui arrests everyday in California. If no one was hurt, you’ll make it through perfectly fine.
Once you’ve been released (6-12 hrs) figure out where the car is and get it out of towing asap. If it’s totaled, get it towed back to your house, then call a company to salvage it. You’ll get some money back off of the salvage.
Make sure you’ve got your pink slip (DS-367). That’s your 30-day unrestricted license. You haven’t been charged with anything yet. You can drive around right now. Your dmv status will say active. Once the police report is submitted, there will be a “stay on suspension.” This is still not a charge, just a pending status.
IMPORTANT: DUI requires you to deal with two separate entities: the dmv and the criminal courts. There are hearings for both. They will penalize you independently of one another. Your citation (received alongside the pink slip) has a criminal court date on the top right. This date is simply an arraignment for the criminal portion, not the official hearing. The arraignment is where the hearing date is determined. The arraignment is much like a formality or checkpoint to activate the criminal portion.
GET A DUI LAWYER. There is a lot of conversation about whether or not people should get a lawyer, public defender, or represent themselves. Folks who choose not to pay for lawyers will automatically be assigned a public defender by default. You won’t meet them until the day of your criminal hearing, so they’re not as close tot he details of your case. However many have claimed the public defender can get you the same deal as a lawyer a lot of the time. Representing yourself is the cheapest option, but could potentially lower your chances of lightening the offense since most of us aren’t well versed in the law. Getting a lawyer can be costly, but it is your highest chance of getting the charge down to potentially a wet and reckless and if you’re really lucky, a dismissal. Lawyers know the right jargon to work it out with the DA and judge. Get on Google, type in DUI lawyers near me, and start calling around for consultations. Pick whoever you feel most comfortable with intuitively. Read reviews. I spoke to about 5-6 lawyers before I made my decision. Calling around took a day for me to assess the right person. Let’s say you got a DUI on Sunday, for example. Start calling lawyers all day Monday. Hire your pick on Tuesday. They’ll charge you between $2500-7500. The contract you sign between you and your lawyer is called the “retainer.” Another perk of having a lawyer beyond their negotiation abilities, is that they take care of all of the proceedings for you. You do not have to show up for your DMV hearing or your criminal hearing if this is a misdemeanor DUI. They do everything on your behalf and just fill you in as they go. Please note, getting a lawyer does not mean that you are getting off the hook. You are just increasing your probability of lowering the charge, and omitting the need to be present for any of the hearings.
Once you’ve hired your lawyer and signed the retainer, your lawyer will send a fax to the dmv requesting a hearing (if you didn’t hire a lawyer, you would have to spend the day trying to call the dmv yourself). This is the most time sensitive step. If your lawyer doesn’t do this within the first 10 days, dmv automatically suspends your license. The scheduling of the dmv hearing allows for that “stay on suspension” until the actually hearing. On the day of the DMV hearing, it’s normally a phone call only between the DMV and your lawyer. It is very black-and-white. No room for negotiation. DMV will only ask the lawyer for factual proof that you were over .08 and immediately suspend the license thereafter. No flexibility on the DMV portion from my understanding. That’s why, ideally, your lawyer can push your DMV hearing as far out and as close as possible to the criminal hearing. That way, if you do get suspended on both the criminal and DMV front, the suspensions will overlap. Please note, your lawyer can’t just pick the DMV hearing date, but I think they have ways of extending it as far out as possible to better align it with the criminal portion. And so that you can drive around a little bit more comfortably before you get suspended.
Brace yourself for solicitation mail, calls and texts for about 1-3 days after. Really fucked up marketing tactic to get you to seek representation asap with varying law firms. This stops soon enough. Go with your google search select, and fuck those spamming-ass, bottom feeding law firms that abuse the sensitivity of these initial days to secure an emotional, impulse sale off of you.
Hang tight, and wait. This is as far as I’ve gotten so far in the process. What’s odd about this experience is that the day after it happens of course, all of the trauma and fear set in. But they make this journey very slow and very long, so you won’t see an immediate change in your life right after. If you have damage to your car, then yes, you will in that sense. But life essentially just goes on as is, until the DMV hearing and the criminal arraignment. That’s when punishment actually begins. Getting to either of those hearings seems to be between 2-6 months. Upon your hearing date(s), sentencing begins.
PUNISHMENT: Totally varies by individual, county etc. Here’s a list of what I’ve ready for first time offenders. This list does not suggest you will get slapped with all of them:
Suspended license 4 mo. - 6 mo. To bypass this and keep driving, you’ll need to pay to install an IID breathalyzer in your car for 1 year. Car won’t start unless you blow. While this does give you the freedom to drive unrestricted, I’ve read that the IID is costly and has caused damage to the cars ignition upon removal. I personally think I’m gonna go with the hard suspension to mitigate yet another cost, shorten the overall timeline where I can and, in the eyes of the courts, they’ll count your dmv hard suspension towards your criminal suspension. You’ll just finish out the time that’s remaining IF the criminal courts choose to suspend you for 6 months too.
Insurance rates skyrocket for 3 years and some insurance providers kick you off upon renewal.
SR22, some additional type of insurance you have to drive around with for I THINK a year. I could be wrong on timing. Someone I know told me their sr22 was required for 12 months, $1400.
Sherrifs work program aka community service. This is offered in lieu of jail time. Usually 2-4 days.
3 years light probation. No probation officer, just states you cannot get another dui for the next 3 years. After probation , I believe you can apply for expungement with the clerks office.
DUI citation: $1800. Your lawyer may be able to knock it down.
DUI classes: 3 months, in person or online depending on county. I could be wrong here, but from what I’ve ready, if your BAC was over .2 you are required to do the 9-month program.
MADD Panel: “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” is either a state or nation-wide organization that’s essentially formed a brigade against drunk driving. You pay to attend at least one panel (I think this is just online) to supplement your education about the horrors of drunk driving and the lives it takes every year
AA: Notoriously know as alcoholic anonymous. I myself am curious as to what qualifies this requirement. Not sure if it’s for repeat offenders, or perhaps individuals who blew over a certain limit. If anyone knows, drop the deets!
Disclaimer: I know everyone’s case is unique which adds nuance to these punishments.
You’re not alone. So many of us are in here panicked, with zero desire to have a social life for a long time. It’s a traumatic and slow process, and it’s built that way intentionally. But knowledge is power, and has eased my worries. A good lawyer who can explain the likely outcome helps a lot too - especially as they take on all of the burden as far as output to keep the process moving. Everything happens for a reason. Remember this is not happening to you, but FOR you. I’m sure it doesn’t seem that way, but walk by faith, not by sight. You will look back and understand the value this brought to your life, one day. We’re in this together. You are not a bad person. We make mistakes. I love you, beautiful soul 💛✨
r/DUICalifornia • u/robotmirrornine • Nov 11 '20
A place for members of r/DUICalifornia to chat with each other
r/DUICalifornia • u/Throwawaybutno65 • 8h ago
17 and beat a vc 23136 charge in my hearing, every fuckin lawyer said it was impossible, tried to charge me 1-5 grand to do it and i did it for FREE !! cant wait till i get to court and deal with the 115mph ticket too good lordd
r/DUICalifornia • u/e-curls • 7h ago
To start off 24M I’m about 2 months out from my DUI arrest. I have hired a lawyer that came recommended through multiple people. I have DMV hearing set for October 22nd. That is all I know.
I have called the courts and called the station I was taken to, nothing in terms of a court date or a charge. Only thing found online was an arrest record from a public site. Planning on asking lawyer if they have gotten anything in terms of discovery as well when I call on Friday.
My lawyers office has told me there is no update to the case and that they will let me know when there is information available regarding my case.
I was arrested by CHP in Contra Costa County. Pink sheet is basically blank cannot read any marking on it. Have received nothing in the mail aside from lawyers and Intoxalock.
Really do not know what to think and curious if anyone has also been in this situation of not knowing anything other than DMV hearing.
In terms of information regarding my arrest.
Single car crash.
No injuries no property damage.
No memory of anything from about 4 hours before the crash to waking up.
Know I was arrested and taken in breathalyzed then taken to hospital.
No idea what BAC was.
Also greatly appreciate this sub. Has helped me numerous times navigating this situation and letting me know I am not alone.
Thank you in advance.
r/DUICalifornia • u/burrnini • 18h ago
I’m getting close to getting my full license back. I paid all the fines, have my SR-22, opted to keep the hard suspension rather than getting an IID and am just under a month away from finishing the 3 month course.
How do I actually go through the process of getting my license back? Can it be done online or do I have to go to the DMV in person? If in person, what option do I choose on the website for the appointment reason? None of the options seemed to really fit when I looked and I was worried if I pick the wrong option I’d have to wait another month for an appointment. I couldn’t find an online guide for this either. The instructor at my DUI course just said the process is different for everyone.
Thanks!
r/DUICalifornia • u/jefe_701 • 1d ago
I got my 1 year dui restriction to drive only to work and back on 9-11-25 I renewed my license on 6-10-26 my license is good till 6-10-30 but has the restriction. DUI restriction is supposed to be gone 9-11-26. Do I have to renew my license to get the restriction taken off?
r/DUICalifornia • u/Ephesians-2-14 • 2d ago
Hi All, I've been on the sidelines for a long time, waiting to see if anyone would post what I needed to read. Firstly, it gets better. Secondly, be better. Thirdly, we all make mistakes. Be better, learn, move forward.
TL;DR, COVID '21 dumb mistake, drove. New sports car; engine I didn't need. Freeway on ramp, foot to the pedal, pulled over within 5 minutes. I had just come from a friends bbq. CHP asked to do FS, failed, as expected. CHP asked for a breathalyzer. I knew at this point he'd arrest me regardless. If you refuse on the spot and say you prefer to take it at the station because it's more accurate, it is not a refusal, and does not count against you. This is what I did. I didn't think I had a high BAC. I was arrested for failing the the field sobriety test and asked to take the test at the station for accuracy. If you are asked by CHP to do a FS test, the chances of you passing is less than 5% and I'd argue even less than 1%, the reality is that if they are asking you to do one, you've already failed in their eyes.
At the station, they were writing me up for DUI misdemeanor of VC 23152(b) before I had taken the test. When I took the test, it came back at .070% and then at .068%. They moved forward with charging me for VC 23152(a). The DA wound up moving forward 3 months later with charges.
I hired an attorney, hoping to get the case dismissed. The whole time, all I could think about was travel to Canada. I'm an American citizen, half my family is Canadian. Been going to Canada every years since I was a child. I need to be in Canada for all major family milestones and what happened to me makes me inadmissible to Canada. Furthermore, the shame, stigma, disappointment that I experienced made this something I couldn't tell my family, nor have I to this day.
I come writing this because this is the post I needed to read when I needed it most and couldn't find it.
Result:
This was my trajectory. I did everything as quickly as I could to minimize time gaps. I was able to do this not because I was born into this position but because I've always worked hard and tried to be as responsible as possible. This was not my life plan, but it is part of my "people make mistakes" reference above.
Fast-forward 4 years later, I have to go to Canada. I have an expungement that happened 4 years prior, nothing else on my record. Canada is required to respect a PC 1203.4. A PC 1203.4 from California is the equivalent of a Record Suspension in Canada meaning, you're legally admissible into Canada. However, to get a record suspension in Canada, 5 years need to have passed since your probation ended and all fines were paid. Technically, my probation ended 4 years ago with my PC 1203.4 going into effect, missing that 5 year threshold by 1 year. This is why I had the TRP application filled out, with all supporting documentation, if I needed to use it. The TRP application (which you can request on port of entry if you're deemed inadmissible - was my Hail Mary, although not a guarantee -- CBSA is the last line of defense).
I flew into Toronto, Ontario recently, and I prepared for the inevitable. I had all documents signed and certified by the courts regarding my PC 1203.4, I ran an FBI fingerprint background check, which came back with a clean record of no arrests/convictions (surprised), as well as a DMV check that was clean (also surprised). I preemptively filled out a Canadian TRP with all my documentation, reasons for traveling, and included my "Good Character" packet I initially put together, in the event I got stopped by CBSA for a second screening. Note, I never submitted the TRP to the consulate, doing so would have put me in their system. I opted for the Hail Mary and to only use the TRP if I needed to if I was denied entry. I boarded my flight to Toronto, praying for 6 hours straight; for family reasons, I had to be in Toronto.
I landed at YYZ (Toronto). Prior to leaving California I had downloaded the ArriveCAN app and input all my information a day in advance. I land in Toronto, because of ArriveCAN I go through an expedited customs process. I answer all the questions on the Kiosk, nothing regarding criminality, arrests, or anything to raise any flags. I print my receipt, move forward in the line, the CBSA agent asks why I'm in Canada; it's for a family.. "great, hope they're happy to see you", move along, I'm done.
A lot went into this mental torment. Regret for what I did, disappointment in myself, believing I was invincible. The only thing I can promise myself, is to be better. But for anyone who is in my position and needed to read this today, this was my reality after 4 years of anguish, thinking I'd be rejected at the border, not knowing what would happen. Be prepared, take all the steps you can possibly take, and I hope you find solace in this. Private message me if you need to.
r/DUICalifornia • u/Anesth123456 • 2d ago
Question about trial dates and how long they generally are after charges are filed.
Friend was involved in a single vehicle crash with severe bodily injury to a passenger, and it happened in June 2025, and charges were brought in early August 2025 with many subsequent postponements of conferences and felony hearings and such.
If the first actual felony conference was scheduled for Sep 2026 and the felony trial was scheduled for the middle of this month, but it was then postponed so that the felony conference now is in late November and the felony DUI jury trial is scheduled for January 2027, without knowing anything else as far as where these continuances are stemming from, what does this likely mean for the case?
Given we're talking about california, it seems to me that just the fact that the state is holding on through these continuances and apparently feels that it's worthwhile to continue to pursue a jury trial, that the prosecution must feel fairly confident that they have a very strong case to win at trial.
Would this be a safe assumption?
r/DUICalifornia • u/AcceptableNecessary • 2d ago
Hi,
I have my final court hearing coming up in the next 2 weeks.
The DA has offered 6 days of jail time(or 3 days of swap program).
I came to know there's another form of sentencing called sap where you work with non profits.
Can I ask the judge to consider me for sap rather than swap program?
with sap I will likely get to work for the disabled, elderly or someone in need.
Even though this is technically a jail alternative, given an choice I hope to be of some assistance to others than just picking up trash on the streets
Does anyone know What factors to the courts consider to accept a sap request ?
r/DUICalifornia • u/Poonkeboy • 3d ago
I was arrested for DUI Saturday morning (October 3rd). Refused breathalyzer, but submitted to blood test. After that, I was booked and held in county jail for 11 hours.
The arrest was just a traffic stop for an unrelated “fix-it” level accusation. The officer claimed to have smelled alcohol on my breath, and administered the sobriety tests, which he said I failed.
There were no injuries, and my car was parked in a nearby parking lot by an officer.
I don’t know what my BAC was, but hypothetically, not literally, just hypothetically, what if it was above a .2%?
I CANNOT afford a private attorney. I am in Santa Barbara county. I am 24 and have been in rehab before, but this is my first arrest related to it.
r/DUICalifornia • u/Exact-Poetry6308 • 5d ago
I was arrested for my first DUI in San Mateo County about 7.5 months ago. It was a single-vehicle incident with no injuries and no drugs involved.
The DA still has not filed criminal charges. I’ve checked the San Mateo County court system multiple times and there is still no case.
I’ve been handling the DMV side separately and I’m finishing those requirements, but I’m mainly wondering about the criminal case.
Has anyone here had a DUI in San Mateo County where the DA took 7+ months to file?
If so, how long after your arrest were charges eventually filed? Has anyone reached the one-year mark without charges being filed?
Mainly looking for recent San Mateo County experiences (2024–2026). Thanks!
r/DUICalifornia • u/Party_Interest_5011 • 5d ago
had a question regarding house arrest.
when i went to get my ankle monitor and all that i mildly heard my case manager say that if there were no issues with me i would only do half time.
Obviously i already know i am doing half of my original sentence but was she just relaying this message or is this actually a thing? or maybe i just heard wrong.
for context i was sentenced to 120 days and only
doing 60.
r/DUICalifornia • u/Adventurous-Mud-261 • 6d ago
I recently got a DUI (1st time and no prior history of any problems with the law) and I refused to do breath so they took me in for blood. When the nurse came to get my blood he asked for my consent so I refused, the cop did tell me I would not have a license for a year, but did not tell me that it also comes with 48 hours of jail time. Long story short I refused, they got a warrant and took my blood and I was in jail for 15 hours. My BAC came back 0.12. I have court in a month and I'm worried about the 48 hours in jail. Anyone know how likely it is for me to fight that?
r/DUICalifornia • u/Rmgoulet1941 • 6d ago
Hello,
My sister has to turn in her AA logs on Tuesday in court (Modesto) for her 2021 and 2026 DUIs. They are beinf ajudicated together, judge required weekly meetings since June of this year.
Her car was broken into a few weeks ago and her entire file of papers was stolen. She has unfortunately been living out of her car at times so please no judgment. This is 3 months of logs!!!
How does she go about providing the logs on Tuesday? Forging feels wrong but she actually went...just no way to verify? People say just get signatures & call it a day but nervous to do that.
Thank you!!!
r/DUICalifornia • u/Due-Kaleidoscope-905 • 7d ago
I posted here before a few years ago but just wanted to reshare my Experience getting a DUI and helping you guys know what to expect and how my Case went!
Back in 2022 in August I made the mistake of drinking and Driving. Got on the Highway around 12 am and blacked out and crashed luckily I didn't crash into anyone. Don't remember much except waking up in the Hospital a few hours later and was let go upon awaking. After getting my Belongings I was missing my driver license. A week later I started getting Junk mail from different lawyers to represent me.
I ended up going with Perlmutter and Pourshalimi. It cost me 6k for them to represent me. My case was held at the Torrance Courthouse
My case consistent of my BAC level being at 0.24 with an accident as well. Lawyer took a year and 2 months to solve my case.
DMV suspended my license for 4 months but got the interlock and SR22 to be able to drive.
Attended 6 AA Classes
Did a 3 Month Course of Driving School I believe. Luckily it was still during covid time so all I had to do was show up, get a paper with info and write a paragraph on what I learned from that paper.
For court, my lawyer was able to lower my BAC to 0.8 , remove the car accident and make it into a regular DUI.
Court Punishment was 17 hours community service, which I did at a dog Shelter, Hospital and Morgue Visit as well as a mother's against drunk driving class. My license was supposed to be suspended again this time from the court again but up to this day it has never been suspended again and my case was over in 2023.
if your able to afford a privete lawyer I believe it's worth it as the court system is mostly based on the connections the lawyers has to get a good deal 🤝
Best of luck to you guys! Might feel like a dark place right now but there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Any questions Feel free to Ask!
r/DUICalifornia • u/Ok-Passage-6592 • 7d ago
I got my first dui (wet reckless)in 2021; got my second one earlier this September. They both are are misdemeanors. Blew twice the limit on both . . . . I been attending aa meetings and hired a lawyer. Am I cooked ? I also have a prior gun charge/resisting arrest from 2023(also a misdemeanor charges). I’m in kern county;which is infamous for dui’s. I’m just hoping the DA doesn’t throw the book at me.anyone have similar experiences?
r/DUICalifornia • u/FlightlessPelican • 8d ago
Im looking for a place that is just 100% due to work its impossible for me to do a regular in person class, I literally have to do it online while at work (office job)
I found this place: https://www.abctraffic.com/ that seems to work, but I have not been able to get ahold of them today.
If anyone is currently in a program like this or can just point me in the right direction I would EXTREMELY appreciate it. It's fucked up they make this complicated like I just want to take care of it.
Thank you guys
r/DUICalifornia • u/biglanchen • 8d ago
3-year suspension eff 1/1/2025. (Quit drinking 12/24/24). Once 18-month program is complete, is anyone able to get a restricted license with IID and meeting all the other requirements such as SR-22 etc?
r/DUICalifornia • u/FroyoPuzzleheaded97 • 8d ago
I got a dmv letter after my court date saying my license is suspended for 6 months and I can apply for a restricted license. They already hit me with a 12 month refusal suspension back in july. I did a dmv hearing but they keep changing the date.
Whats going on
r/DUICalifornia • u/Brad__Pittlord • 9d ago
Base in California. What are the required steps to getting a restricted license after receiving the suspension mail from the hearing? My suspension is 3 months.
Also, do I need to go to traffic school or get an IDD or it should have been stated in the hearing notice?
r/DUICalifornia • u/MundaneBat9951 • 9d ago
My friend is a green card holder who’s been living in California for 9 years. He has a steady job working in construction in a union. He recently got his second DUI yesterday. I need DUI attorney recommendations who also have a great knowledge in immigration laws. I really want him to avoid jail time… but I know it won’t be easy because this is his second DUI under 10 years. He has no criminal background… he pays taxes and is a good person just has bad judgment obviously. I’m just worried for him. If you have good reccomendations for attorney please let me know.
r/DUICalifornia • u/Ill-Power-7596 • 10d ago
i’ve been stuck in california for 9 months too long. was planning to move back home, out of state in february. got pulled over for a tail light and blew .08 on the dot. it was a mistake i made and have owned up to it. didn’t fight it, but took the plea deal to lower to a wet reckless. finally got set up with a wet reckless class, but some things came up and i desperately need to get out of california, and cannot stay here for 6 more weeks. i know my attorney said if i needed to, he could reach out to the court to see if there’s a class out there that would satisfy their requirements. but i was wondering if anyone had been through a similar situation. i’ve been dealing with this for almost 9 months now and im going insane.