Moraga is a relatively small town in Contra Costa County, California, located in the San Francisco Bay area. With a population of approximately 17,000, Moraga covers 9.4 square miles and is adjacent to Lafayette and Orinda. The Moraga area was once abundant with pear orchards; however, over the years, homes have replaced many of those orchards. First inhabited by the Saklan Native Americans, the Sacramento Northern Railroad ran through Moraga in the first half of the 20th century.
If you are a resident of Moraga, California, you may have frequented the Round Up Saloon on Mr. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. The Round Up Saloon is the only dedicated bar in the entire Lamorinda area and is a cocktail bar. You may also have been in the Rustic Tavern on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette, CA, which offers seasonal American fare and a full bar with local beer and wine. Perhaps you stopped by one of these “watering holes” after a tough day at work, on a Friday after the work week, or on a weekend with friends.
Penalties for a First-Time DUI in the State of California
You may have had a couple of drinks, only to see flashing lights in your rearview mirror on your way home. There are many consequences associated with a DUI in the state of California, including stiff criminal penalties, even for a first-time conviction.
You could be facing the following:
- Incarceration for three days, with a maximum of six months
- Fines from $390 to $1,000
- Probation of no less than three years and no more than five
- Required to complete a DUI program lasting three, six, or nine months
- DUI conviction on your record for 10 years
Following your DUI conviction, you will likely find your insurance rates have skyrocketed to the point of being unaffordable—that’s if your insurance company doesn’t drop you altogether. The DUI conviction could affect your ability to obtain employment, or you could lose your current job.
Further, you are likely to lose your driver’s license for an extended period of time. In today’s busy world, finding yourself without a vehicle could result in serious consequences to your livelihood and your future.
Your DUI Charges & Your Driver’s License
At the time of your arrest, you would have been issued an Order of Suspension and Temporary License. You are legally allowed to drive for 30 days from the date the Order was issued; however, you must request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days of the date of your DUI charges.
The administrative hearing will give you the opportunity to show that a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license is not justified. Keep in mind that your administrative hearing and your DUI criminal case are two entirely separate processes.
If you submitted to a chemical test, are over the age of 21, and your results were 0.08 percent or higher, you will lose your license for a period of four months for a first DUI offense. A second offense within 10 years will result in a one-year suspension. If you refused a chemical test, you could lose your license for a year for a first offense DUI, 2 years for a second DUI offense within 10 years, and 3 years for a third DUI offense.
The DMV license suspension or revocation is the immediate action taken against your driving privileges—you could face additional driving privilege restrictions if you are convicted of your criminal DUI charges. Following the suspension of your license, you can apply for a restricted license to drive to and from work. This application must take place at a DMV field office.
Why Call the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed?
If you have been charged with a Moraga DUI, it is very important that you immediately contact an experienced DUI attorney who can ensure your rights are protected. Those who have a knowledgeable Moraga DUI attorney by their side are much more likely to have a more positive outcome to their DUI charges.
Call the Oakland office of our DUI defense attorney today—dial (510) 907-6600 or submit a simple online form to get in touch with our office. We serve clients all over the East Bay—if you have already been detained, we come to you for jail interviews or over-the-phone consultations.