The penalties for DUI in California can range depending on the circumstances, but usually, a first-time DUI charge follows a predictable pattern. The penalties for a first-time DUI include an admin per se driver’s license suspension, meaning the DMV will suspend your license before you are even convicted. Once convicted, the license suspension can last up to 4 months or longer. A person can spend up to six months in jail, which can be commuted to probation. The fines and fees can range from $3,600 with the total cost of a DUI running up to $15,649. A person may also be placed on DUI probation for 3-5 years.
The Press Democrat reports on a man on probation for a previous DUI being arrested following a hit-and-run DUI.
24-year-old Francisco Mendez and a passenger that had been in his vehicle were found a short distance away from the accident. A witness reported to police that Mendez and the passenger had both walked away from the scene on foot.
Mendez had crashed into a telephone pole on 4th street shortly after midnight Saturday night.
When police caught up to Mendez, he was reported to smell of alcohol and admitted to drinking and driving. A blood-alcohol test determined that his BAC was .16%, which is twice the legal limit.
Police arrested Mendez on suspicion of DUI, hit and run, and driving on a suspended license. Police also reported an additional charge of allegedly threatening officers with bodily harm.
At the time of his arrest, Mendez was on probation for a previous DUI.
