The most common thing that we see is first time DUIs versus repeat offenders with second or third time allegations is that with the first time DUI, the majority of those cases are alcohol related cases. We do see first time DUIs with drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol, but by far the leading number of DUI arrests in Los Angeles County are only alcohol related cases. The typical person who is stopped and detained for possibly driving under the influence could be anybody. It could be somebody who is as young as 15 or 16 years old who has just started to learn how to drive or somebody can be all the way up to in their 80’s or 90’s.
The Predominant Age Range for First Time DUI Offenders Is 18 to 40 Years Old
For most first time DUIs, we will see the age range of 18 to about 40 years old. This is the largest portion of people stopped and detained and arrested for possibly being impaired from alcohol. We see quite a number of people in the 40 to 60 year old range as well. Then as we go up in age there are fewer arrests for alcohol related cases but still a significant number in Los Angeles County. They get stopped and arrested for DUI with alcohol all the way up into their 90’s.
The Penalties Associated with a First Time DUI Offense in California
The penalties on a first time DUI are not always the same. There are a lot of different factors that come into play when looking into a first time DUI case. There are certain state mandatory requirements if somebody is convicted of a DUI or if the state assumes that the person is convicted of a DUI and even if they are charged with a DUI. That does not mean they necessarily are going to be convicted of a DUI, but if someone is convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles County and or in the state of California there are certain mandatory penalties.
The Mandatory Penalties for a First Time DUI Offense Vary Depending upon the Different Counties
Those mandatory penalties can change depending on what county a person is in. Los Angeles happens to have some stricter laws than neighboring counties such as San Bernardino County, Ventura County or Orange County. Somebody who is convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles County is going to have certain requirements that are imposed at a minimum and that can be fines, classes, probation, ignition interlock device installation as well as other required penalties.
Penalties for a First Time DUI May Also Vary Depending on the Type of DUI
Penalties can vary depending on the type of DUI even if it is a first time DUI. A person can be exposed to or be looking at the potential of jail time for all the way up to six months on a regular first time DUI. There could be community labor or community service that is required; there could be a requirement for different types of programs or alcohol monitoring equipment. Ultimately the most severe penalties would include county jail, even on a first offense. For most cases there is no mandatory jail time, but someone could be looking up to 180 days in county jail.
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