If you get a DUI in California, it will add two points to your driver’s license. California uses a point system to track driving violations. These points can lead to your license being suspended. Plus, a DUI carries license suspension as a penalty on its own.
There are ways to remove points from your license and fight a DUI suspension. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer will help you better understand both the point system and the DUI criminal penalties.
California’s “Point” System
The point system is intended to track risky drivers and remove them from the roads. It establishes a point value for different types of violations. If they quickly add up to a high number of points, the DMV automatically suspends your driver’s license. That means it’s illegal to drive until you get your license reinstated.
So, how many points are too many? It depends on the period of time. Here are the limits over three years:
- 4 points in 1 year
- 6 points in 2 years
- 8 points in 3 years
Hitting any of these limits is enough to lose your license. So if you get 4 points in a single year, it doesn’t matter how clean your record was before, the license is revoked.
How Many Points for a DUI?
The point system is straightforward. Most violations cost 1 point. For example:
- Speeding (on its own) is worth 1 point.
- Most other traffic violations, such as running a stop sign, are worth 1 point.
- Accidents are worth 1 point if they’re your fault. If you’re in an accident that someone else caused or a very minor accident, you won’t get any points at all.
But some violations are worth double (2 points). These include:
- DUI
- Hit & Run
- “Wet Reckless”
Wet reckless means a reckless driving charge related to drinking. This may be handed out as a deal if you have a good Los Angeles DUI lawyer fighting for you. The penalties for “wet reckless” are far less than those for DUI, but for license points, it still costs double.
DUI Penalties in California
Remember that a DUI carries many penalties on its own, which include several forms of license suspension:
- Administrative suspension: This is done automatically by the DMV when you are charged with DUI. You can stop it, but only if you act quickly. You have to request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest. It’s best to have a DUI lawyer represent you at this hearing.
- License suspension: All DUIs carry some level of license suspension as part of the punishment, but the exact length of the suspension varies. You could shorten it by accepting treatment or simply by having a good lawyer represent you.
- Restricted license: You may be able to request restricted driving privileges for part of your suspension period. This allows you to drive to work. Again, it’s best to have a good DUI lawyer represent you if you want to maximize your driving rights.
All of these penalties are separate from the point system. That means that you could face suspension from the DMV, suspension from the judge, and suspension from the points. All the penalties will be added together, one after another. This is why it’s so important to keep your points down.
Removing Points From Your License
The California DMV allows you to remove some types of points by going to traffic school. The class is focused on defensive driving and designed to help you reduce the risk of future accidents or violations. It can be completed online or in a classroom.
Traffic School will not remove the 2 points you received from a DUI. However, it can remove points from other infractions, like speeding or an accident. If this brings down your total, you may avoid the suspension.
You can find a list of California traffic schools on the DMV’s info lookup.
Remember that even if you keep your points under the limit, you will still face criminal DUI penalties, including license suspension. Your best bet is to fight your DUI charge as hard as possible.
How to Fight a DUI Charge in California
The best way to fight a DUI charge is to have an experienced DUI lawyer represent you. One of their primary roles is to handle your DMV hearing, which is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges. They can advise you on the best strategies to keep your license and navigate the complexities of administrative procedures that often accompany DUI cases.
In addition to managing the DMV hearing, your lawyer will build a strong defense for your case. They can challenge the evidence against you, including breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests. If there were any issues with how the tests were administered or if the equipment was faulty, your lawyer could object to the use of that evidence in court.
Furthermore, your attorney may explore various avenues to reduce the severity of your charges. In some instances, they can negotiate with the prosecution to have the DUI charge dropped or downgraded to a lesser offense, such as a wet reckless.
Work With the Right DUI Attorney in Los Angeles
Being charged with a DUI can have a long-term impact on your life. Talk to an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney to protect your rights and explore your options. You don’t have to face this difficult period alone.
We help drivers accused of DUI find the right lawyer. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, fill out the form to your right, and we will get you a FREE case evaluation with a top DUI lawyer.
