OUT OF STATE DRIVERS

Unlike instate driver’s license holders whose licenses are confiscated at the time of a driving-under-the-influence (DUI) arrest, out-of-state drivers who are arrested for drunk driving are allowed to keep their licenses (at least initially).  This does not mean that out-of-state drivers are free and clear when it comes to the DUI charge.  The DUI process for out-of-state drivers is basically the same; both a DMV case and a court case will be triggered.  The California Department of Motor Vehicles may still take action to have out-of-state driver’s license holders’ driving privileges suspended or revoked in the state of California.  A highly-skilled and diverse Napa DUI attorney can help drivers maintain their driving privileges both here and in their home states. 

Interstate Driver’s License Compact

While some individuals who hold an out-of-state license may not be worried about being charged with drunk-driving in California and losing California driving privileges, they should be.  The court penalties that are imposed against those who hold out-of-state driver’s licenses are the same as those for instate license holders.  These drivers often have to face traveling back and forth between their home states and California for a pre-trail, trial, and other relevant matters.  In addition, they also face incarceration in a California Jail.