How Does An Accident Affect My DUI Charges In California?
Having an accident associated with a DUI is the worst-case scenario a person can find themselves in and indicates a high level of danger to the police and prosecutors. In addition, defendants who pose a threat to the public are punished harshly.
In some cases, an individual driving under the influence will get involved in an accident that was not their fault, but the police will assume that it was simply because they were intoxicated.
Sometimes, bad injuries are not the defendant's fault but rather the responsibility of a third party or the injured driver. This is a massive issue because causation in DUI cases is a potential defense; if it can be shown that a DUI defendant did not cause any injuries, they cannot be charged with felony DUI.
Suppose an individual who has been convicted of an alcohol DUI-related accident cannot afford to pay for the damages caused. In that case, criminal restitution will be ordered against them in DUI court. If someone has been involved in a DUI-related accident, they need to obtain the best attorney possible to increase their chances of staying out of jail and protecting their record.
The sentence that accompanies a DUI charge will be significantly worsened if the defendant caused an accident that injured another person. In all likelihood, a defendant would be charged with a felony DUI.
If the injury were severe enough, the defendant would face a minimum of 90 days in jail, felony probation, and conviction for the DUI.
If the defendant caused another individual to sustain significant bodily injury, they could face up to six years in prison. Additionally, any crime involving significant physical damage is a strike that will remain on a person's record for life without exception.
For anyone dealing with a DUI-related accident, it's crucial to secure the services of an experienced attorney like myself, who has handled thousands of DUI cases over 25 years. I can anticipate the arguments the prosecutors will make and effectively counter them, providing you with the support and reassurance you need during this challenging time.
Together, we will go over everything step by step and start putting the moves in place.
Penalties For DUI With An Accident
A DUI in Los Angeles can be accompanied by fines ranging from $390 to $1,000. In addition, there's a 200 percent penalty assessment on all penalties in Los Angeles County, which can bring first-time DUI fines up to $2,000.
Second and subsequent DUI charges can result in jail or prison sentences, mandatory community service, Cal Trans Community Labor, and mandatory attendance to a Mothers Against Drunk Driving class.
Defendants can also be required to visit hospitals and morgues and write essays about their experiences. In some cases, they may have to wear a SCRAM bracelet, alerting them if they consume alcohol. Judges and prosecutors in LA County DUI cases have many different punishments at their disposal.
For an individual to have the best chance of combating their charge, they need to obtain a defense attorney who will meticulously review all of the details of their case. This thorough review ensures that the police report was written accurately, as it often contains mistakes that can negatively impact a defendant. This attention to detail will give you confidence in your defense.
DUI Conviction Impact On Professional License
A DUI with an accident conviction will impact a professional license in Los Angeles County, depending on the type of license; there are no hard and fast rules, as each licensing board creates its standards, some of which are much more rigid than others.
Surprisingly, the courts don't typically get involved with licensing issues in these cases.
If you're concerned about losing your professional license due to a DUI-related accident, it's crucial to take immediate action. Speak with a DUI defense attorney who can contact an administrative attorney and start working on your behalf as soon as possible. This proactive approach is key to protecting your professional future.