What do jockey Patrick Valenzuela, actress Lindsey Lohan and Vice President Dick Cheney have in common? They all currently, or in the past, have DUI issues. The last few years have been riddled with DUI arrests and violations, and this year started off with a bang as well. Celebrities and secretaries share one major issue, they all drink and drive. In California alone last year, there were over 178,000 DUI arrests.
The legal ramifications of this are obvious, get arrested and screw up your record. However, offenders can also have their licenses revoked (making getting to and from work impossible) and other punishments. Here are a few of the consequences in the state of California for those who choose to drink and drive:
First Offense
- 1 Hour in Cuffs
- 4 Hours in Jail
- 2 Days at DMV
- 15 Weeks DUI Class
- 4 Months Without a License
- $2,700 Car Insurance Fee Increase
- 7 Years with 2 Points on Driving Record
- Over $5,000 in total of fees, assessments and fines
- Fine Between $390 and $1,000
- 10 Days to 1 Year in Jail
- 18-month License Suspension
- Over 2 Years in Alcohol/Drug Program
- Work-to-Home License Restrictions
Third Offense:
- 120 Days to 1 Year in Jail
- $390 to $1,000Fine
- 3 Year License Revocation
- 18 Month Substance Abuse Program
If you are arrested for such an offense, first see what the law says and what your options are and how you can get your car back.
Next step, get in touch with an attorney who specializes in DUI cases. Los Angeles has a number of DUI attorneys who can handle such matters. They may not be able to get your car out right away, but minimizing the damage to your license, your record and your future is vital if you're ever to make a recovery.
I cannot believe that so many celebrities get arrested for DUI. I think the punishment for a 3rd offense should be higher.