The Interstate Driver License Compact involves states cooperating in exchanging information, such as when someone has a DUI. For example, someone who gets a DUI in California who has a New York license could let New York know that they have a DUI.
New York would have the ability to verify whether or not that person has any DUIs on their record and whether their license is suspended. I've seen situations where people get a DUI outside Los Angeles, California, move into Los Angeles, and try to obtain a permit in California.
Subsequently, the DMV, under the interstate compact, can identify a DUI from another state. In such cases, California may reinstate their license, but they will be subject to the same penalties as if the DUI occurred in California.
They'll make them do a first offender three-month alcohol program and other things to get their driver's license in California.
A DUI in California might affect your home state's driving privileges, but that will depend on the rules in your home state. For instance, some states might suspend your license if you receive a DUI in California. Often, people will go to California with another driver's license and get arrested for a DUI. Still, the police won't usually take their driver's license away if it's from a different state.
The California DMV often does nothing about that type of DUI arrest. They don't want to mess around with another state's driver's license, so they typically leave the handling of the DUI to the driver's home state DMV.
But, if there is some interstate compact between your state and California, and you get a DUI in California, your state might find out about it and punish you.
Each state has its regulations. Suppose you receive a DUI in California and hold a license from another state. In that case, it's advisable to seek legal counsel or visit your state's DMV to ensure your driving privileges remain intact. Additionally, a DUI in California could significantly increase your insurance rates, so it's important to discuss this with your insurance provider as well.
Do I Have To Be Present For My DUI Proceedings In California?
If you receive a DUI in Los Angeles, California, but reside in another state, we can provide significant assistance. We can handle most, if not all, court appearances on your behalf, even if you're not physically present.
However, if your case goes to trial, especially if it's a felony, you'll have to be there to have any chance of winning the test. If it's a misdemeanor DUI, we can make the appearances for you and retain us over the phone if you're back in your home state.
When facing a DUI charge in California as an out-of-state driver, it's essential to seek legal advice. Your attorney can provide you with all the necessary information, including the strength of the evidence against you and the best course of action to take. With the right legal counsel, you can navigate the complexities of DUI laws with confidence and support.
Most of the time, you can do the DUI offender programs in your home state and then send us proof that you're doing it. That's something that can be done. I've done it for thousands of clients over the last 26 years of DUI practice in Los Angeles.
If I Get Sentenced To Community Service In California, Will I Have To Serve It Here?
Many of the courts in Los Angeles, California, have taken the position that if you do community service or community labor, they want you to do it in California. But, depending on the circumstances, your attorney can argue that if you do have to do community service, you should be able to do it in another state. The problem is that it might be challenging to monitor and keep track of.
In California, they have an office that handles community service with a list of court-approved community service work for you to pick from. The list helps track your community service. And so, this is something you want to bring up with your attorney.
If you're an out-of-state driver sentenced to community service in California, it's important to communicate your situation to your attorney. They can discuss your circumstances with the judge and prosecutor, potentially arranging for you to fulfill your community service in your home state. This possibility can provide some relief in an otherwise stressful situation.
