I need an SR22 auto insurance after being charged with DUI here in Los Angeles, California. How long do I have to maintain it and how long will my DUI stay on my record?

Virgil

Los Angeles, CA

It’s a good thing that you are now thinking about getting SR22 auto insurance after being charged with DUI in Los Angeles, California. You need the SR22 auto insurance so that you can get your driver’s license back at the end of your suspension period. That is actually a requirement by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate your driver’s license. You have to carry the SR22 auto insurance for three years under normal circumstances. But the terms can be extended with the presence of stricter enforcement of DMV laws and lobbying against drunk drivers.

The bad part about your DUI charge is that this violation would stay on your driving record for 10 years. It would be rated for points by auto insurance companies for three years, so that would be some relief, but most preferred insurers don’t take drivers with DUI violations, so it may be a long wait until you get that kind of policy. But you can absolutely get a free online rate quote for your SR22 auto insurance from this website.

A friend of mine was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol here in California. He already arrived home when the police arrested him. They said that they were responding to a call from a “concerned citizen” reporting that my friend had been driving while intoxicated. Does the state of California allow warrantless entry into homes of DUI suspects? I’m just curious because it doesn’t seem fair.

Lindsay

Los Angeles, CA

DUI law has long been prevalent with exceptions to the Constitutional limitations applied to most criminal investigations. I totally agree with you that this doesn’t seem fair. But our opinion will no longer matter because in California, the Supreme Court allows warrantless entry into homes of DUI suspects. Ruling 6-1 back in June 1, 2006, the California Supreme Court took exceptions to our Constitutional protections to a new level, allowing law enforcement officers to enter a DUI suspect’s home without a warrant to make an arrest.

The Supreme Court agreed with the prosecution’s claim that the possibility that the defendant could consume more alcohol (or have consumed more alcohol) during the delay and that the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol created “exigent circumstances”. They said that the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol would always result in “destruction of evidence”.

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.

What are the penalties for second offense DUI in LA California?

Tim

Thank you asking Tim.

Below are the list of information for the second offense penalties of DUI in California:

California Criminal Status: generally misdemeanors fot Non-injury DUIs. DUIs may be elevated to felony status, depending on the circumstances if that result in bodily injury.

Jail: 90-120 days but no more than 1 year mandatory jail time.

California DUI Fines: $390 up to $1,000 fines.

California License Suspension: 1year suspension or revocation of license.

Vehicle Impound: Multiple offender’s car may be seized and disposed.

California DUI School: 18-30 months at a DUI school

California Probation: 3-5 years informal probation

Community Service: alternative to jail time 10 days required for community service.

Goodluck!

MariCAR