I just got my driver’s license and pretty curious about road regulations here in Los Angeles, California. What are the usual procedures if you get pulled over for drunk driving?

Samantha

Los Angeles, CA

It’s great to know that there are people who want to learn more about the consequences of driving under the influence. This is really helpful in educating young drivers especially in Los Angeles, California about driving responsibilities. In cases where one gets arrested for drunk driving, the person may be taken into police custody. The person will then undergo a process we call “booking”. During this process, the police officer usually takes the person’s personal information as well as search for criminal records if there’s any. The alleged crime information will then be recorded and personal properties may be confiscated such as keys and purse, in which should be returned upon the person’s release.

After this, the person may be placed in jail not unless a bail is already decided and paid. The bail amount may be predetermined, through predefined “bail schedule,” or the judge may set a monetary figure based on the gathered criminal records of the suspect. If granted by the court, the person may seek “own recognizance” release, where bail money is not needed. The suspect is then merely released after promising, in writing, to appear in court for all upcoming proceedings. Then, that will be the time that the person seeks legal assistance and hires a DUI lawyer to appear and defend him on court proceedings.

A DUI arrest and conviction is not a minor offense. This may actually lead to negative impacts on auto insurance that you may have. I also suggest that you can check on line websites to check for available post DUI insurance. You can check out premium rates as well as free quotations on this site.

I have a friend in Los Angeles California who was arrested for drunk driving. Prior to that, we both had signed up for an auto insurance. What would be the possible effect of his arrest to his auto insurance?

Martha

Los Angeles, CA

Most drivers like your friend may wonder what could be the impact of being arrested for drunk driving, especially in Los Angeles, California where DUI and DWI is never tolerated and observe strict policies on driving automotive vehicles. This actually does not only impact your car insurance but as well as your driving privilege. The sad truth is that drunk driving conviction may cause your car insurance company to increase their rates, or worst terminate your policy. Insurance companies formulate their premium rates with risk factors. That means, the higher the risk is, the more they charge you with premium rates. They actually base this on an individual’s driving record. This includes the number of tickets, previous DWI/DUI records and accidents that you had during your driving life.

Your friend is not obligated to report his or her drunk driving arrest to the insurance company, not unless he or she gets convicted or the driver’s license is suspended or revoked in a motor vehicle department administrative action. Your friend will likely be required to file an SR22 or formal certificate of insurance if she/he gets convicted. Because of this, it is critical to consult an insurance professional who is expert about DUI / DWI convictions after drunk driving arrest. Then I also suggest that your friend start looking for an effective and cost efficient car insurance. They offer free insurance auto quotations on this web site by the way.

How come some car insurance companies want me to get them after I have been convicted with DUI here in Los Angeles, California? Do I have to expect my rates to increase and what is SR22?

Herman

Los Angeles, CA

After your DUI conviction in Los Angeles, California, you probably know by now that the financial ramifications of DUI don’t stop with the fines, assessment and fees that you paid for during the course of the proceedings of your DUI case. You would also be required to provide the court with a proof of insurance (SR22 insurance), which comes from your insurance company. You may consult with your lawyer as to how you can get the SR22 insurance without raising an alert or better yet, go on and get an online rate quote now from this website for your SR22 insurance.

You have to expect increased car insurance rates for many years to come. It would be nearly impossible to avoid increased car insurance rates after a DUI and consider yourself lucky if you are able to maintain your current car insurance at all. A number of car insurance companies want you after your DUI conviction but don’t just jump ship from your current policy until you hear the premium rates that these “high-risk driver” insurance companies offer because they are significantly higher.

My husband was recently convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles, California for the first time. He has had a perfect driving record for 53 years. He wants to know if he should write his insurance company in LA with an explanation of the circumstances before they learn of the conviction. Thanks.

May

Los Angeles , CA

It must be a very bad time for you and your husband knowing that he has had a perfect driving record for 53 years. My suggestion is that he may want to explain his California DUI conviction only if his insurance company finds out about it. In general, insurance companies check motor vehicle records on their policyholders about every three years. His DUI conviction might go unnoticed.

On the other hand, if his Los Angeles insurance company notices his DUI, there’s no guarantee that it would raise his insurance rates or cancel his policy. Rules may differ by insurance company. Most insurers say that generally, they look at a policyholder’s total driving record and claims history when considering what penalty, if there would be any, they will assess for a DUI conviction.