• California says 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) is the legal limit.driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
  
  Driving drunk rarely, if ever, has a positive outcome for drivers in Riverside County. California's statewide DUI (driving under the influence) laws impose harsh punishments on those who break them. If you are charged, you are innocent until proven guilty, but the state recommends you hire a DUI attorney who may help get the best outcome for you.
  
  

First-Time Offenders

• Severe punishments are intended to deter drunk driving.to drunk to drive image by Marjan Veljanoski from Fotolia.com
  
  If convicted of your first DUI, California law, which applies in Riverside County, states that you be imposed with a six-month driver's license suspension and the requirement of taking a DUI program before the license is reinstated. The length of time in the DUI program is based on your blood alcohol level (BAC). You may incur a fine of no less than $390 and no more than $1,000, with about three times the fine's amount added on in penalty assessments. Your vehicle may also be impounded and subject to storage fees.
  
  

Second-Time Offenders

• Being convicted of drunk driving substantially increases your car insurance.glass image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Second-time DUI convictions in Riverside County within a 10-year span earn harsher punishments. Instead of six months, your license can be suspended for two years, or it can be revoked for up to four. After the period of suspension or is over, and you are enrolled in or have completed a portion of a DUI program, you may apply for a restricted license. The restricted license comes with the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle, an agreement not to drive without an IID, an agreement to to complete a DUI program, the filing of an SR 22 (proof that you carry insurance) and the payment of reissue and restriction fees.
  
  

Third-Time Offenders

• A third DUI offense in a 10-year span is still considered a misdemeanor in Riverside County, California.beer image by dethchimo from Fotolia.com
  
  A third DUI offense within 10 years of your first conviction brings with it the possibility of four months to one year of jail time. A three-year license suspension also comes with it, along with mandatory DUI program attendance. All of the additional restrictions that come with your second offense can be applied to this offense, if they haven't already.
  
  

Four or More Offenses

• Having a DUI conviction can affect your job and professional reputation.dont mix image by FocalPoint from Fotolia.com
  
  With your fourth offense in 10 years, you can be officially charged with a felony. License suspension is for a minimum of four years, and you will be ordered to take a DUI class if you haven't taken one before. If the case is filed as a felony, jail time of up to three years in a state prison can be imposed instead of probation. You still have to pay fines and your car insurance can be terminated.
  
  

"Under 21" DUI Conviction

• California has a zero tolerance policy on underage drinking and driving.wine bottles image by Valkh from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are pulled over by a police officer, you will be subject to a chemical screening test of some type. If you are under 21 years of age and have a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher, the officer may immediately take your license. Depending on your BAC, the officer may issue a temporary license for 30 days only, after which you will be subject to a one-year license suspension. The Riverside County officer will determine whether to release you, turn you over to juvenile authorities or contact your parents.