How Immigration Status Can Be Affected by DUI Criminal Charges and Convictions

What is a DUI (Driving Under Influence)?


A DUI means driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.


When out drinking it is important to have a driver who remains sober. However, this is not always the case in California the number of DUI arrests pre-COVID, was around 7,200 in California while the number of DUI arrests during the COVID-19 pandemic has been around 4,200. If you have been pulled over by the police over a suspected DUI, it is important to not to disclose personal information. Do not answer questions such as “Have you been drinking tonight?” Do not be afraid to assert your right to remain silent. It is always dangerous to drink and drive. Be safer by having a designated driver or using rideshare apps. If you find yourself pulled over and detained, consult a lawyer to discuss your rights.


In California, if you have been arrested for a DUI, expect to defend against various criminal charges and the DMV that will attempt to suspend your driver's license. There are multiple factors that will affect the level of severity of your charges, one of the main factors are regarding whether or not you have previous DUI offences on your criminal record.-Suspension of driver's license can happen as a result of DUI arrest; this proceeding is also known as Administrative Per Se Hearing. You must contact your local DMV within the first 10 days of suspension in order to challenge the suspension. If not, 30 days after your arrest, your license will officially be suspended for a given period time.


Consequences for First-Time DUI Offender

o Labeled as “misdemeanor” o Given period of time for probation (typically three to five years)o 6-month license suspension

o Penalty assessment fines, additional fines

o Possible community service work
Consequences for Repeat DUI Offender

o Much more harsh penalties

o 2-year license suspension

o Maximum of one-year jail time

o DUI school

o DUI probation

o 4th offense DUI labels individual as a convicted felon under California law and o Possible permanent suspension of license for higher offenses


Consequences for Underage Individuals

o Receiving a DUI under the legal age of 21 years old classifies one as an “underage DUI”, as they are not of legal age to be drinking

o Suspension of license for approximately one year

o Any of the listed penalties above

o Additional $1,000 fine for possession of alcohol in a vehicle


Your probation may be revoked if any of the fixed conditions are violated by someone on DUI probation. This may result in a jail time, which is decided by the judge.


Receiving a DUI while being a commercial driver leads to detrimental results, in the first offense there is the consequence of one year license suspension. Within a time frame or range or ten years in the second offense, there is a consequence of permanently annulling the individuals' CDL (Commercial Driver's License).


The limits in regard to blood alcohol level for drivers include the following for various kinds of drivers:

  • Commercial drivers: .04%
  • Underage drivers (under the age of 21): .05%
  • Non-commercial adult drivers: .08%
  • Ride-share, taxi, limo drivers: .04%

If you have been charged with a DUI, it is crucial that you seek help from an experienced attorney that will fight to protect your rights.

Our office will be able to possibly minimize or even completely avoid DUI penalties that you may have received. DUI's are case specific, and consequences will vary depending on an individual's prior offenses. This is why it is substantial to contact our office after an arrest as soon as possible to evaluate your specific case.

It is advisable to seek legal guidance from our office today as we strive to help guide you with your specific case. 

Attorney Ramona Kennedy cares about your case and will fight for you.

You can contact attorney Ramona Kennedy Law Offices (Kennedy Law LC) for an initial consultation and case evaluation. The first consultation is free of charge. 

WhatsApp, Phone +1(949)-677-0063

Email: [email protected]

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Ramona Kennedy Law Offices (Kennedy Law L.C.) is committed to answering your questions about Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Immigration (including Criminal ) Law in California.

We offer a Free Consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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