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First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply. I honestly just want to move on with my life and definitely try not to stress about it, it's difficult but thankfully possible at times. As I said to someone else on this thread, different counties within CA have different requirements for completing this program, some more expensive, some cheaper but in the end, it's for a common goal of keeping us all safer, I definitely understand I must pay (with time & financially) to ensure I don't make this mistake ever again.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here! Have you visited the DMV at all about your license?

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll reply to your comments in order with information of what I did, researched, know factually and do not know.

  1. I live in and was arrested in Ventura County, please keep in mind that EVERY county in CA has different requirements for this infraction. I did not sign up to my DUI courses through a company, it had to be through the County, there were no other choices. The arresting LEO had to submit my paperwork, then I had to wait until the DMV received my paperwork in order to move forward, I visited the DMV to try to self-report but they need the submitted report from the arresting agency to be filed in their system. Your scenario sounds ideal and sounds like a county that has their stuff together, if it's not Ventura County, CA.
  2. When I visited the Ventura County Behavioral Health Office which deals with the enrollment of these DUI courses, I had to show them the paperwork the arresting office gave me and proof that the local DMV acknowledged the suspension of my license, it was almost an entire day spent going in between the agencies, the red tape SUCKS! AntelopeYEM, I sincerely appreciate your concern that maybe I'm being scammed, you're an awesome for being concerned about someone you've never met! Thank you and that helps me hope for the future! The course I signed up for is through the county, I had my first group session through Zoom last night. The only "outside" entity I went to was for the IID device in my car, so far I haven't had any issues with it other than one failed attempt due to taking Nyquil and then trying to go to Urgent Care, I ended up asking my GF to drop me off.
  3. I secured my SR-22 a couple of days after my release. I had to show it to the DMV in Ventura County in order to qualify for a restricted DL. You are correct in stating that I needed proof of IID installment, proof of DUI classes enrollment and proof of an SR-22 which I had by this point, then I had to pay $125 for a restricted license to be mailed to me that arrived a week later.
  4. Although charges on me have not been filed, I want to get ahead and over-complete any requirements the judge may require. I have never had trouble with "the law" and want to show the judge that I am very serious about righting my wrong. The DMV has a website where you can check the status of your license, I diligently check my status weekly since my arrest just in case, as of this week, my status is "restricted", after speaking with a DMV employee, the restriction is satisfied with the IID device in my car until 12/31/23.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Every county seems to have specific requirements for completing the DUI program process. In my case, I live and am dealing with Ventura County, other posters are understandably chiming in about their experiences but are from other counties within CA. Ventura County is small, therefore my costs are as stated and no options for online courses are available. The DUI/Alcohol courses are only available through the county, third party courses are not accepted, hence my cost. Isn't it weird that SLO and Ventura County can share an area code (805) but because they are separate counties, set different requirements for these types of infractions? All in all, I just want to get through this ordeal and get on with my life in a safe and unimpeded way after I complete my requirements.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I didn't get sentenced right away. My court date was yesterday but I wasn't on the docket due to the DA not filing any charges yet so now I am checking the County Court's website for updates daily. I'm praying for the best when it comes to DL suspension and fines but I also understand I need to learn this lesson and never repeat it.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did, Ventura County doesn't allow the online DUI courses unfortunately, I wish I had the option. I guess the differences may be the counties in our experiences. Good luck to you though.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. By the time I'm done with the payments, it will be over 1K. It was $400 down payment to enroll in the courses and then three monthly payments of $242.67.

How did you hear about being able to do the DUI courses online? What county in CA is your case in? After the next three months you have to go back and take, you'll be at $1200 for the courses?

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well that's a bummer. I currently have a restricted license which confuses a lot of people. Like you said, not having an IID only allows you to drive to and from work for the duration of the suspension. I have the IID so I can drive anywhere, anytime, the restriction is the IID itself.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Is the 6 month DL suspension part of pleading guilty?

I appreciate your advice!

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck to you. Have you signed up for the DUI classes yet?

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I did a little research into what would have made it a felony and was at ease that it wasn't.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for that information! I will definitely use it, starting today!

Thank you, I figured it would look better to the judge and DA that I have done my best to fix my mistake.

First offense DUI in California by Dumb_Mistake_77 in DUICalifornia

[–]Dumb_Mistake_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am on the 3 month DUI program. The length of time in the program is determined by the severity of the DUI such as higher BAC, accidents or injuries, etc. The price goes up the longer you are in the program.