Law enforcement agencies in Petaluma, California have recently started a crackdown on repeat driving under the influence offenders. Police have arrested six repeat DUI offenders in the Northern California town during the past week. Officers investigated 16 drivers during the two-day operation through probation compliance checks, surveillance, and DUI warrant services. Law enforcement agents arrested three people for probation violations, two people with outstanding DUI warrants, and one person for the possession of marijuana.
As public awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol continues to rise, law enforcement agents in several cities and towns throughout California will continue to intensify their efforts in dealing with repeat DUI offenders, and Los Angeles is no exception. Being convicted of multiple DUI offenses in Los Angeles carries stiffer penalties such as longer jail sentences or probation periods, extensive alcohol education classes or counseling, longer periods of license suspension, and heavier fines. Being convicted of driving under the influence for a second time could land you in jail for up to one year, and you could face the loss of your driver's license for as many as two years. For a third DUI conviction, license suspension increases to a potential three years. A fourth DUI conviction could land you in a state prison for up to four years. Repeat DUI offenses have become such a problem that Los Angeles is adopting a new pilot program that would require the installation of an ignition interlock device in the vehicles of all first-time DUI offenders. Under the new program, anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Los Angeles would be required to pay for the installation and monthly maintenance of a machine that requires a breath sample to be given before their vehicle will start. If the breath sample registers above a certain level of alcohol, the car's ignition will lock up to bar the person from driving. The device will also take periodic retests while the car is in motion to monitor the driver's blood alcohol content. The pilot program is scheduled to begin in 2010.
If you have are facing a second, third or even fourth DUI charge, call the attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today. As experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys, we know just how damaging multiple DUI convictions can be. In a city as spread out as Los Angeles, being able to drive is a necessity. Do not let yourself be stranded by another DUI conviction. Call today.
