If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) by a jury in Visalia or other parts of Tulare County, then you won’t just have your license suspended. You’ll also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on the cars that you operate and own.
The length of time that you’ll have your license suspended for or an IID installed on your vehicle for varies depending on how many DUI convictions you have and whether they’re misdemeanor or felony offenses.
Individuals charged with their first, second or third DUIs are generally charged with misdemeanors. Those motorists who are involved in drunk driving accidents that seriously injure or kill others or who have four or more DUIs within a 10-year period are generally charged with felonies.
First time DUI offenders will generally have their driver’s license suspended for six months, although they can petition a judge to reinstate it right away. If convicted, they’ll be required to have an IID installed in their vehicle for five months for a misdemeanor conviction and 12 months for a felony one.
Those with two DUI convictions within a single 10-year period may have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to two years, although they may petition a judge to reinstate their driving privileges after waiting 90 days. An IID may be installed for as long as 12 months for a misdemeanor conviction or 24 months for a felony one.
Individuals with three DUI convictions across a 10-year time frame may have their license suspended for three years, whereas someone with four or more may have it revoked for four. These individuals may qualify for a reinstatement of their driving privileges after 18 months.
Motorists with three DUI convictions must install an IID for at least 24 months. Those with four or more of them are required to do the same for at least 36 months. Those with felony convictions must leave the device on their vehicle for an additional 12 months.
Since your license is suspended the moment that you’re arrested on suspicion of driving drunk, it can make it difficult for you to get to doctor’s visits, school, work and other places without relying on someone else to take you. A drunk driving attorney can help you get your license reinstated and help you push back against the charges that you’re facing.
