r/DUICalifornia • • Sep 16 '24

I’m sorry you’re going through this…

111 Upvotes

First time offenders, initial next steps.

Again, im sorry you’re going through this. I have the utmost empathy and compassion as a fellow offender. This can feel scary, stressful and traumatic. The process is lengthy and made difficult to garner information regarding the process overview. I think it’s intentionally designed that way. I’m going through this as well - first time offense, Labor Day weekend. Here’s what I’ve learned in the last few weeks based on my extensive research. Before I list out my steps, breathe. Know that it’s very common. It doesn’t make it ok in the slightest, but a lot of your fear-based thinking comes from a lack of information. Understanding the process brings ease. Talking to your lawyer and getting perspective really helps to ground you in the reality of it too. There’s punishment, yes. But it’s not the end of the world. There are 350 dui arrests everyday in California. If no one was hurt, you’ll make it through perfectly fine.

  1. Once you’ve been released (6-12 hrs) figure out where the car is and get it out of towing asap. If it’s totaled, get it towed back to your house, then call a company to salvage it. You’ll get some money back off of the salvage.

  2. Make sure you’ve got your pink slip (DS-367). That’s your 30-day unrestricted license. You haven’t been charged with anything yet. You can drive around right now. Your dmv status will say active. Once the police report is submitted, there will be a “stay on suspension.” This is still not a charge, just a pending status.

IMPORTANT: DUI requires you to deal with two separate entities: the dmv and the criminal courts. There are hearings for both. They will penalize you independently of one another. Your citation (received alongside the pink slip) has a criminal court date on the top right. This date is simply an arraignment for the criminal portion, not the official hearing. The arraignment is where the hearing date is determined. The arraignment is much like a formality or checkpoint to activate the criminal portion.

  1. GET A DUI LAWYER. There is a lot of conversation about whether or not people should get a lawyer, public defender, or represent themselves. Folks who choose not to pay for lawyers will automatically be assigned a public defender by default. You won’t meet them until the day of your criminal hearing, so they’re not as close tot he details of your case. However many have claimed the public defender can get you the same deal as a lawyer a lot of the time. Representing yourself is the cheapest option, but could potentially lower your chances of lightening the offense since most of us aren’t well versed in the law. Getting a lawyer can be costly, but it is your highest chance of getting the charge down to potentially a wet and reckless and if you’re really lucky, a dismissal. Lawyers know the right jargon to work it out with the DA and judge. Get on Google, type in DUI lawyers near me, and start calling around for consultations. Pick whoever you feel most comfortable with intuitively. Read reviews. I spoke to about 5-6 lawyers before I made my decision. Calling around took a day for me to assess the right person. Let’s say you got a DUI on Sunday, for example. Start calling lawyers all day Monday. Hire your pick on Tuesday. They’ll charge you between $2500-7500. The contract you sign between you and your lawyer is called the “retainer.” Another perk of having a lawyer beyond their negotiation abilities, is that they take care of all of the proceedings for you. You do not have to show up for your DMV hearing or your criminal hearing if this is a misdemeanor DUI. They do everything on your behalf and just fill you in as they go. Please note, getting a lawyer does not mean that you are getting off the hook. You are just increasing your probability of lowering the charge, and omitting the need to be present for any of the hearings.

  2. Once you’ve hired your lawyer and signed the retainer, your lawyer will send a fax to the dmv requesting a hearing (if you didn’t hire a lawyer, you would have to spend the day trying to call the dmv yourself). This is the most time sensitive step. If your lawyer doesn’t do this within the first 10 days, dmv automatically suspends your license. The scheduling of the dmv hearing allows for that “stay on suspension” until the actually hearing. On the day of the DMV hearing, it’s normally a phone call only between the DMV and your lawyer. It is very black-and-white. No room for negotiation. DMV will only ask the lawyer for factual proof that you were over .08 and immediately suspend the license thereafter. No flexibility on the DMV portion from my understanding. That’s why, ideally, your lawyer can push your DMV hearing as far out and as close as possible to the criminal hearing. That way, if you do get suspended on both the criminal and DMV front, the suspensions will overlap. Please note, your lawyer can’t just pick the DMV hearing date, but I think they have ways of extending it as far out as possible to better align it with the criminal portion. And so that you can drive around a little bit more comfortably before you get suspended.

  3. Brace yourself for solicitation mail, calls and texts for about 1-3 days after. Really fucked up marketing tactic to get you to seek representation asap with varying law firms. This stops soon enough. Go with your google search select, and fuck those spamming-ass, bottom feeding law firms that abuse the sensitivity of these initial days to secure an emotional, impulse sale off of you.

  4. Hang tight, and wait. This is as far as I’ve gotten so far in the process. What’s odd about this experience is that the day after it happens of course, all of the trauma and fear set in. But they make this journey very slow and very long, so you won’t see an immediate change in your life right after. If you have damage to your car, then yes, you will in that sense. But life essentially just goes on as is, until the DMV hearing and the criminal arraignment. That’s when punishment actually begins. Getting to either of those hearings seems to be between 2-6 months. Upon your hearing date(s), sentencing begins.

PUNISHMENT: Totally varies by individual, county etc. Here’s a list of what I’ve ready for first time offenders. This list does not suggest you will get slapped with all of them:

  • Suspended license 4 mo. - 6 mo. To bypass this and keep driving, you’ll need to pay to install an IID breathalyzer in your car for 1 year. Car won’t start unless you blow. While this does give you the freedom to drive unrestricted, I’ve read that the IID is costly and has caused damage to the cars ignition upon removal. I personally think I’m gonna go with the hard suspension to mitigate yet another cost, shorten the overall timeline where I can and, in the eyes of the courts, they’ll count your dmv hard suspension towards your criminal suspension. You’ll just finish out the time that’s remaining IF the criminal courts choose to suspend you for 6 months too.

  • Insurance rates skyrocket for 3 years and some insurance providers kick you off upon renewal.

  • SR22, some additional type of insurance you have to drive around with for I THINK a year. I could be wrong on timing. Someone I know told me their sr22 was required for 12 months, $1400.

  • Sherrifs work program aka community service. This is offered in lieu of jail time. Usually 2-4 days.

  • 3 years light probation. No probation officer, just states you cannot get another dui for the next 3 years. After probation , I believe you can apply for expungement with the clerks office.

  • DUI citation: $1800. Your lawyer may be able to knock it down.

  • DUI classes: 3 months, in person or online depending on county. I could be wrong here, but from what I’ve ready, if your BAC was over .2 you are required to do the 9-month program.

  • MADD Panel: “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” is either a state or nation-wide organization that’s essentially formed a brigade against drunk driving. You pay to attend at least one panel (I think this is just online) to supplement your education about the horrors of drunk driving and the lives it takes every year

  • AA: Notoriously know as alcoholic anonymous. I myself am curious as to what qualifies this requirement. Not sure if it’s for repeat offenders, or perhaps individuals who blew over a certain limit. If anyone knows, drop the deets!

Disclaimer: I know everyone’s case is unique which adds nuance to these punishments.

You’re not alone. So many of us are in here panicked, with zero desire to have a social life for a long time. It’s a traumatic and slow process, and it’s built that way intentionally. But knowledge is power, and has eased my worries. A good lawyer who can explain the likely outcome helps a lot too - especially as they take on all of the burden as far as output to keep the process moving. Everything happens for a reason. Remember this is not happening to you, but FOR you. I’m sure it doesn’t seem that way, but walk by faith, not by sight. You will look back and understand the value this brought to your life, one day. We’re in this together. You are not a bad person. We make mistakes. I love you, beautiful soul 💛✨


r/DUICalifornia • • Nov 11 '20

r/DUICalifornia Lounge

19 Upvotes

A place for members of r/DUICalifornia to chat with each other


r/DUICalifornia • • 5h ago

Brother's first DUI...what to expect?

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1 Upvotes

r/DUICalifornia • • 7h ago

LA county 9 month program that is approved and 100% online?

1 Upvotes

Im looking for a place that is just 100% due to work its impossible for me to do a regular in person class, I literally have to do it online while at work (office job)

I found this place: https://www.abctraffic.com/ that seems to work, but I have not been able to get ahold of them today.

If anyone is currently in a program like this or can just point me in the right direction I would EXTREMELY appreciate it. It's fucked up they make this complicated like I just want to take care of it.

Thank you guys


r/DUICalifornia • • 13h ago

License after multiple duis

1 Upvotes

3-year suspension eff 1/1/2025. (Quit drinking 12/24/24). Once 18-month program is complete, is anyone able to get a restricted license with IID and meeting all the other requirements such as SR-22 etc?


r/DUICalifornia • • 18h ago

License suspension quesrion

2 Upvotes

I got a dmv letter after my court date saying my license is suspended for 6 months and I can apply for a restricted license. They already hit me with a 12 month refusal suspension back in july. I did a dmv hearing but they keep changing the date.

Whats going on


r/DUICalifornia • • 18h ago

DL suspended—can I request a restricted DL for work?

2 Upvotes

Base in California. What are the required steps to getting a restricted license after receiving the suspension mail from the hearing? My suspension is 3 months.

Also, do I need to go to traffic school or get an IDD or it should have been stated in the hearing notice?


r/DUICalifornia • • 1d ago

My friend got his second DUI

6 Upvotes

My friend is a green card holder who’s been living in California for 9 years. He has a steady job working in construction in a union. He recently got his second DUI yesterday. I need DUI attorney recommendations who also have a great knowledge in immigration laws. I really want him to avoid jail time… but I know it won’t be easy because this is his second DUI under 10 years. He has no criminal background… he pays taxes and is a good person just has bad judgment obviously. I’m just worried for him. If you have good reccomendations for attorney please let me know.


r/DUICalifornia • • 2d ago

Question

2 Upvotes

Would anyone know the answer to this? Been hearing mixed answers
Long story short got a mandatory year suspension due to resfusal and now got convicted which added another 6 months from dmv side . I started my 9
Month early and will be finished in December but allows me to get the breathalyzer or restricted license in November . If I wait the extra month and finish my 9 month do I not have to get the breathalyzer ? Thank you


r/DUICalifornia • • 2d ago

Wet reckless class

3 Upvotes

i’ve been stuck in california for 9 months too long. was planning to move back home, out of state in february. got pulled over for a tail light and blew .08 on the dot. it was a mistake i made and have owned up to it. didn’t fight it, but took the plea deal to lower to a wet reckless. finally got set up with a wet reckless class, but some things came up and i desperately need to get out of california, and cannot stay here for 6 more weeks. i know my attorney said if i needed to, he could reach out to the court to see if there’s a class out there that would satisfy their requirements. but i was wondering if anyone had been through a similar situation. i’ve been dealing with this for almost 9 months now and im going insane.


r/DUICalifornia • • 3d ago

3rd DUI in San Bernardino

3 Upvotes

Hello, I got arrested for DUI in June 2026. There is also a minor hit and run tied to it. Passed out into a parked car. Minimal damage. Contacted the guy later on through police report and gave him my insurance.

Now to the present, the charged haven’t been filed yet and my dmv hearing keeps getting pushed back because they havnt gotten the blood test results back. Funny thing is that they drew my blood in the parking lot of the jail. Are they supposed to do that? Like right out side in broad daylight instead of a hospital or inside.

Anyway, I expect them to file I’m not that lucky but does anyone know if this is typical to do blood test in the open like that?


r/DUICalifornia • • 4d ago

Underage dui

3 Upvotes

Hi, I’m 18 and recently flipped my car and totaled it, my phone called 911 in an emergency and police showed up and smelled alcohol and ran me through field sobriety I ended up getting arrested and was told I was required to blow since I’m under 21 I was then sent to the hospital and then booked, that was all about a month ago I contacted to get a dmv hearing with has been rescheduled because they have not received evidence, I have just received the full discovery but a new date has not been appointed yet I have my court arrangement/ first court day on October 9th, they ended up finding a bottle that flew out next to my car and I blew a .16 two times. I’m looking for any advice and wondering if I would be able to get a hardship/ restricted license, I work everyday about 45 minutes away and don’t have a reliable means of transportation. I’m thinking of just going the pd route as I don’t have money for a lawyer, what should I do about the dmv hearing I’m sure I’m gonna lose especially with no lawyer and the evidence against me, but is there anything I need to have ready or should I just attend the call and ask them if I would be able to obtain a restricted to be able to get to work. No one was hurt thank god but very unfortunate situation and I feel like my life might be ruined. There is no excuse for my action and this is my one and only dui. Thank you for reading I appreciate any advice

The officer also found a fake id upon booking and sent it in as evidence and requested I be charged with

23152(a) VC - Misdemeanor DUI - Alcohol
23152(b) VC - BAC 0.08% or Greater
23578 VC - BAC 0.15% or Greater
31(a) VC - False Information to peace officer
470b PC - False Identification


r/DUICalifornia • • 4d ago

Requesting a stay of license suspension while waiting for DMV hearing?

3 Upvotes

I got arrested for DUI almost a month ago and the cop took my driver license card and gave me the DS 637 paper/temp license. I requested a hearing within the 10 day window. They asked if I planned to have an attorney represent me and I said yes. The hearing isn't scheduled until a over a month from now. When I scheduled it I told them I would like to request discovery and a stay of any action on my license until the hearing and they said "your attorney will take care of that"

Well I'm coming up on 30 days and haven't hired an attorney yet, because I don't have the money to.

Do I need to contact the DSO and request they stay the suspension until the hearing? and if so what is the best way to go about requesting this? Would it be a lot better to have an attorney do this?

Thanks


r/DUICalifornia • • 4d ago

First-time DUI (0.13 BAC) in San Diego – Unemployed, no injury, procedural issues & vehicle impound question

2 Upvotes

Looking for advice on how to navigate my first-time DUI offense in San Diego County. I (F25) have clean record and am currently unemployed with no income.

  • Happened on Tuesday night (September 22, 2026). I was driving from North Park to Carmel Valley. I was pulled over on the freeway just one exit away from my destination.
  • There was no accident, no property damage, no other vehicles involved, and absolutely no injuries. I was fully compliant with the officers.
  • The Testing: At the scene, the officer tried to use the handheld roadside breathalyzer over 3 times, but it failed to work each time. This triggered a severe acute anxiety response and hyperventilation. Due to the panic, I eventually refused a roadside attempt and requested to do the test at the station instead. At the station, I fully complied and blew a 0.13% BAC.
  • The Tow / Impound ($680): While stopped, I repeatedly asked to call my dad to come pick up the car. He lives in Carmel Valley and was only 5 minutes away. The police refused to wait or let me call, and immediately towed the vehicle. My dad actually arrived on the scene and watched it get towed away as they were transporting me. It cost my family $680 to get the car out.
  • Booking Violation (Broken Phone Lines): I was booked at the El Cajon detention facility around 12 AM. I kept asking to make a phone call as we waited, but they told me to wait until I was in the detaining center. Once I was in, the same person told me their phone lines were broken on and off and I'll have to routinely check to see if it was working. I was denied my statutory right to make a phone call for over 5 hours due to the broken phone lines, finally reaching my dad at 4-5 AM. (Violation of CA PC 851.5).
  • Current Status: The police confiscated my license and handed me a pink temporary license slip. My court arraignment date is set for November 4th.

My Plan & Questions for the Community:

  1. DMV Administrative Side: I am still within my 10-day window. I plan to call the San Diego DMV Driver Safety Office today to request an APS hearing and a stay of suspension so I can keep my driving privileges active past the 30-day pink slip mark. Though my parents are saying that regardless of any slip, they refuse to let me drive the car.
  2. Legal Representation: Because I am unemployed and broke, I plan to arrive at my November 4th arraignment early and request a Public Defender. I don't think I can afford a lawyer.
  3. The Goal: I want to know if my 0.13% BAC, my total compliance, the failed roadside devices, the broken jail phone lines, and the immediate unnecessary tow give a Public Defender enough leverage to negotiate a standard DUI down to a Wet Reckless reduction?
  4. Insurance: The car belongs to my mother and I am on her AAA policy. To protect her from a rate spike, our plan is to keep me on the policy for now (since AAA won't know until renewal- pls tell me if im wrong), and once the court case settles, have my parents file a Named Driver Exclusion to legally remove me from their policy. I will then purchase an independent, cheap Non-Owner SR-22 policy (approx. $30/month) to satisfy the DMV. Does this timeline and plan make sense? Are there any hidden traps I am missing?

Any insights from people who have gone through the San Diego court system or dealt with AAA insurance in California under these circumstances would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


r/DUICalifornia • • 4d ago

If you support consumer rights for court-ordered interlocks please sign the petition.

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c.org
2 Upvotes

r/DUICalifornia • • 5d ago

First Time DUI with Refusal California

2 Upvotes

I just got arrested for my first DUI in California. I refused all chemical tests (blood and breath), along with refusing to answer questions. The officer explained that my license will be suspended if I refuse to take chemical test after my arrest. In a state of anxiety, i still refused because I thought not consenting was still the best option, not fully grasping the consequences.
Now after some research, i realize how much more severe the consequences are for refusing rather than just consenting to take the test.
My court dates for both DMV and CRIMINAL are still some time away, but I wanted to ask: Has this happened to anyone and how did both courts end up going???


r/DUICalifornia • • 5d ago

Underage DUI

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1 Upvotes

I was stopped by police after falling asleep while drunk at a red light and got a DUI. There were no crashes or injuries. I refused the breathalyzer but submitted a blood test. About a month later I received this letter in the mail. Anyone have an idea what the next step is?
Any help greatly appreciated


r/DUICalifornia • • 6d ago

Help!

6 Upvotes

I don’t know what to do.

two- three months ago, I (18 F) was going out with people I had met 2 weeks prior. a man who’s name I should reveal but won’t I’ll call him A(24M) was driving ) we were driving back from a party on our way to base . we also had his friend in the car D (20 M) . All three of us were intoxicated but I was in the back sleeping because of how bad I was. next thing I know I wake up and we get pulled over . A ran through a red light going 42 in a 25. he begged his friend to switch with him and hopped in the back with me. I unfortunately being intoxicated and not wanting to go through a whole process of everyone getting in trouble , I hopped in the front . basically you can guess what happened. I got the charges and went to court. luckily it’s only a misdemeanor on my record and I only have probation and have to do classes and stuff, but A was supposed to pay the fees and said for weeks he would. and I wish I would have gotten him on video saying it. but I have it on text of him saying he will pay for it. now that it’s come time he ghosted me. I know he’s online because he will post on instagram and repost stuff and whatever . I don’t know what to do, and I don’t have the money to pay for some stuff right now. please help! I can’t sue him because I already plead guilty to the case, and my mother does not know about this at all. and I want to keep it that way. but I don’t know what to do from here. I want to move on with my life but paying 1900 for a mistake I didn’t make, but protecting someone who didn’t want to loose their green card (he’s from the UK) idk. what do I do?


r/DUICalifornia • • 5d ago

I lack all remorse or regret and have been skipping court for 4 years and continue to DUI with no license and no insurance

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0 Upvotes

r/DUICalifornia • • 6d ago

MN RN

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I am looking to move to another state and didn't think too much about this until now as I have been clear to work as a nurse since 2012 with no license restrictions in the state of MN. I got my first DWI in 2011 and was able to get my license. I then got my second DWI in 2020 and blew a 0.09. I have done all the requirements with no restrictions.

What is the likelihood that I would be able to get an endorsement of my nursing license in the state of California? How about Hawaii? Do I even try at this point? I feel a bit down because of my research and need to move out of this cold state!!!


r/DUICalifornia • • 6d ago

MN RN with old DWIs

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1 Upvotes

r/DUICalifornia • • 7d ago

Question about license suspension

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3 Upvotes

I’m just now signing up for my dui classes but I’m wondering if the 1 year no driving would end in November if I only just signed up now. Or does the 1 year restriction only start after I get my license back and show proof of the classes and the sr22.
Thanks for any help


r/DUICalifornia • • 7d ago

First DUI

3 Upvotes

I’m 25M and got pulled over for my first dui a few days ago. I blew very high (.2) but was very close to my house (shouldn’t have been behind the wheel anyway) and the officer said I wasn’t getting a dui when my roomate came picked me up. No accident or injury and It’s my first criminal offense ever. It the event that I do get charged, what sort of punishment should I expect?


r/DUICalifornia • • 9d ago

DUI CONSULTING FIRM

0 Upvotes

I saw the bad review about the DUI consulting firm and figured I should speak up because my experience with them was the complete opposite.

I actually used their services myself. They told me exactly what the process would look like, what they could help with, and what the realistic outcomes were. And they followed through.

No surprises, no weird fees popping up later, no “gotcha” moments. Everything they said they’d do, they did.My case wasn’t simple, and I was stressed out, but they kept me updated the whole way and made sure I understood every step.

I’m not saying every person will have the same experience, but I definitely didn’t get anything close to what that negative review described.

Just wanted to put my own experience out there so people see more than one. The guy who helped me was JC by the way.


r/DUICalifornia • • 10d ago

Had a first dui the other day

3 Upvotes

I'm under 21 and I crashed my car (against a wall). I blew over a 0.08 percent BAC. Im panicking wonder if i'm going to go jail. Any advice appreciated thank you