How Does a DUI Charge Compare to Other Felonies?

There are two main types of DUI charges in the state of California: misdemeanor and felony. Knowing the difference between these two types of charges can help you understand why being arrested for DUI can be the end of your driving career or it can lead to a different type of charge. Regardless of your choice of charges, you'll want to know what the penalties for a DUI are so that you can plan ahead on how to best prepare yourself for the charges.

A DUI is technically considered a felony if the person is convicted of that charge. For example, if you were caught driving with a blood alcohol level of over twice the legal limit, then you would be facing felony charges. The penalties of a DUI vary depending on the circumstances of the case. While a DUI conviction is a serious matter, the penalties can depend on the severity of the offense. In some cases, individuals convicted of a DUI can face jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, and possible permanent license suspension.

Since a DUI is a serious crime, it is important to understand what the implications of being arrested for a DUI are. Although a conviction of a DUI is not necessarily a felony, it does carry with it a stigma in the eyes of society. Even though many people who are arrested for a DUI don't do so knowingly, the consequences can have a severe impact on their career. It's important to know what the ramifications are so that you can have a better understanding of what the charges mean and what they may bring.

If a person is arrested for a DUI, they can expect to be placed in the Los Angeles County Jail and undergo a DUI School Program. This means that they will have to attend classes where they will learn about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and drink. Additionally, they will also learn about how to handle the situation that has led them to their DUI arrest.

After spending a night in jail on a DUI charge, individuals may be expected to attend a court-ordered DUI School Program. Individuals who are going through this program will not only have to spend a night or two in jail, but they will also be required to go through classes where they will learn how to handle situations that could result in a DUI arrest. These classes may involve learning about signs that could signal the presence of an intoxicated driver on the road. They may also learn about specific ways to administer field sobriety tests or other types of self-defense techniques.

Individuals who are arrested for a DUI face the possibility of spending a night or two in jail. The type of offense and the length of time spent in jail will vary according to the judge who sentences them. However, even those who spend a night or two in jail face the possibility of spending several days in jail because a jury trial is required.

While individuals who are sentenced to spend time in jail will be subjected to what is known as "Bail," they may be ordered to forfeit some or all of their bail in exchange for a promise to appear in court. If an individual is unable to attend a court hearing, they may be ordered to stay away from the area or specific properties, including their own home. In order to avoid having their bail forfeited, many defendants agree to abide by these conditions or risk having their bail forfeited.

Individuals who have been arrested for a DUI may be asked to attend an evaluation for drug and alcohol abuse. If a judge determines that a DUI conviction is a factor in that person's inability to function normally, they may be ordered to take classes in dealing with alcohol. Even after an individual has successfully completed those classes, they may still be required to attend a program that involves abstinence from alcohol and drugs.