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Memorial Day DUI Arrests in California: A Sharp Increase
During the Memorial Day weekend, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers reported over a dozen arrests for suspected drunk driving in Temecula. Alongside these arrests, they issued hundreds of traffic citations, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving during this busy holiday period.
Maximum Enforcement Period: An Overview
The holiday weekend’s “maximum enforcement period,” designated from 6 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, saw the deployment of all available CHP officers to enforce DUI laws. Over the course of this timeframe, officers made 17 arrests for suspicion of driving under the influence. This represents a slight decrease from the previous year, which witnessed 20 arrests.
Traffic Incidents on Memorial Day Weekend
In terms of public safety, there were six reported accidents resulting in injuries, alongside ten non-injury incidents. The figures show a slight improvement from 2014 when Temecula-based officers responded to 16 injury-related accidents and two non-injury crashes. Meanwhile, traffic citations increased from 275 last year to 300 in 2021.
Understanding California DUI Penalties
Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a “priorable” offense in California, meaning the penalties become progressively more severe with each successive conviction within a 10-year period. This duration is often referred to as the “washout” or “lookback” period. Importantly, other convictions such as California’s “wet reckless” or out-of-state DUIs will also factor against a driver’s record within this timeframe.
Initial DUI Conviction: Minimum Penalties
If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor DUI for the first time, and there were no injuries or fatalities, you can expect the following minimum penalties:
- Monetary fines and assessments totaling approximately $1,800
- A 48-hour jail sentence or a 90-day license restriction
- Mandatory attendance in a 3-month alcohol treatment program, at your own expense; a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.20% or higher necessitates a 9-month program
- A minimum 30-day license revocation
Subsequent DUI Convictions: Escalating Consequences
With each additional DUI conviction, individuals face much stiffer penalties. This may include the installation of an ignition interlock device, increased fines, extended jail time, stricter license revocation, and the potential impounding of their vehicle.
Felony DUI Charges: Serious Repercussions
When a DUI incident results in injury or fatality, the driver could be charged with a felony, carrying a prison sentence ranging from one to five years based on the severity of the offense. The number of prior misdemeanors, including DUIs and alcohol-related reckless driving convictions will heavily influence these charges. A driver can even be charged with a felony for a fourth DUI during the washout period, regardless of whether injuries occurred.
Protect Your Rights: Contact Our Oakland DUI Defense Attorneys
If you find yourself facing DUI charges, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Oakland DUI lawyer without delay. The Law Offices of Nabiel C. Ahmed are dedicated to defending your rights. Reach out for assistance by calling us at 510-576-5544.
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