
In general, you can serve on a jury in California with a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction on your record. California adjusted laws in 2020 and now allows people with criminal records to serve as jurors if they meet specific criteria.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can review your situation and determine if you can serve on a jury with a DUI. An attorney can also help you handle a DUI arrest so you can avoid the penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction.
Can You Be on a Jury With a DUI Conviction?
Many motorists convicted of a DUI can still serve on a jury in California. However, according to California’s Code of Civil Procedure on the Trial Jury Selection and Management Act, you cannot serve as a juror if the court convicted you of a felony and you are currently:
- On parole OR
- On felony probation OR
- Dealing with mandated supervision OR
- Facing post-release community supervision
Additionally, you cannot serve on a jury while incarcerated in either a jail or prison. Therefore, in some cases, a DUI conviction could stop you from serving on a jury.
Most DUIs Result in Misdemeanor Charges
Most drivers arrested under CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol face misdemeanor charges. Even if the court convicts you for a misdemeanor DUI, it should not prevent you from performing jury duty unless you are in jail or prison.
However, you can face felony charges after a DUI arrest in some cases. Why would a DUI be a felony? The prosecution can treat DUIs as felonies if a driver has multiple past convictions for drunk driving or if the police accuse a driver of causing an injury or fatality in a drunk driving accident.
Even if you have a felony DUI conviction on your record, you may serve on a jury if you’re not incarcerated, on parole or probation, or dealing with some form of legal supervision. So, in many cases, you can be on a jury with a DUI.
Other Restrictions on Serving on a Jury in California
California prohibits individuals from serving on juries for several other reasons. For example, you are not eligible to serve as a juror if you are:
- Under 18
- Not a U.S. citizen
- A domiciliary of the State of California
- Not a resident in the jurisdiction where your summons originated
- Already serving as a trial juror or on a grand jury
- Subject to a conservatorship
You cannot serve as a juror if the court convicted you of malfeasance in office, provided the legal system has not restored your civil rights. Additionally, you must have a sufficient understanding of English to serve on a jury.
Finally, individuals who have to register as sex offenders based on felony convictions cannot serve on juries.
If any of the above restrictions apply to you, you can’t act as a juror, even if a DUI conviction would not stand in your way.
Other Penalties of a DUI Conviction
In most cases, a DUI conviction won’t stop you from standing as a juror unless you have a felony conviction and meet specific other criteria. However, a conviction for drunk driving can have other negative repercussions on your life.
For example, drivers convicted of drunk driving may face:
- Fines
- The loss of their driving privileges
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- DUI school
Additionally, many drivers in California have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle after a DUI conviction. IIDs serve as personal breathalyzers and these drivers have to use the device each time they want to drive.
Fortunately, you do not have to face these charges alone. You can reach out to a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer for immediate help building a defense after an arrest. A lawyer can review your situation, explain the steps you need to take, and build a personalized defense on your behalf.
How Lawyers Handle DUI Charges
Attorneys use several strategies to resolve DUI allegations in California. In some cases, a lawyer may focus on:
- Reducing a DUI charge through a plea bargain
- Getting the court to dismiss a DUI charge
- Fighting for a client in court
A lawyer may need to demonstrate that the police stopped you without due cause to handle a DUI charge or take steps to block the prosecution’s evidence to weaken the case against a client.
Learn More About How DUIs Impact Serving on a Jury
Can you serve on a jury in California with a DUI? In many cases, a DUI conviction will not prevent you from serving on a jury. However, you may lose your right to participate as a juror in some cases, especially those involving felony DUI convictions.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can provide more information about the results of a conviction and help you build a solid defense. We can help you get in touch with an attorney who will put you first and assist with your legal needs.
Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.