Friday, October 18, 2013

DUI Probation: Any Alcohol Means A Suspension



California Vehicle Code Section 23154 makes it a crime, albeit an infraction, for a person who is on DUI probation to drive with any alcohol in their system. In order to be found guilty of this offense, the DA must prove: 1) you were driving while on probation for a DUI; 2) you had consumed an alcoholic beverage; and 3) you had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater at the time of driving. However, section 13389 of the vehicle code requires that the driver be “lawfully detained” in order for the officer to have authority to require a test. If the initial detention was not legal, then your DUI attorney in Orange County  can bring a suppression motion to have the charge thrown out.

If a driver on DUI probation tests positive for alcohol, Vehicle Code Section 13389 directs the police officer to seize the driver’s California driver’s license and issue the driver a temporary license—which also operates as a notice of license suspension. If the driver doesn’t request a  DMV hearing within 10 days, then the suspension will be imposed starting 30 days after the traffic stop.

If the driver, or the driver’s   Orange County DUI Attorney does request a hearing, then the DMV hearing will be held at the DMV Driver Safety office in Orange, California. The issues at the hearing are found in California Vehicle Code Section 13353.2 as follows:

1)      The driver was driving the vehicle;

2)      The driver was lawfully detained;

3)      The driver was on probation for a prior DUI;

4)      The driver had consumed an alcoholic beverage; and

5)      The driver had a blood-alcohol content of at least a 0.01 percent as measured by a breath test or a blood test at the time of driving.

A review of these issues is required under Vehicle Code Section 13557. If you or your   DUI Attorney lose the hearing, then the suspension will be imposed. If the driver has no prior refusals, then the suspension is a one-year suspension with an opportunity for a restricted license after 90 days. If the driver does have a prior refusal, then the suspension is at least one year long with no possibility of a restricted license.

Of course, driving with alcohol in your system is also a violation of your DUI probation and subsequent court proceedings may result in you serving time in the Orange County jail. Therefore, it may be important for you to get the help of a  DUI Lawyer.     

If you have been arrested for violation your DUI probation, for a DUI, or for a drug DUI call The Law Offices of EJ Stopyro at (949) 559-5500 for a free and confidential consultation. We have offices at 1901 Newport Blvd., Suite 350, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 and at 32072 Camino Capistrano, 2nd floor, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Or visit our website at www.EJEsquire.com.          

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