Can I Get Credit for California DUI Classes in Another State?
Our clients often ask us for guidance in how to manage their lives following a conviction for a crime. One subject that frequently arises is how to deal with a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in California while living in another state. A common question is: Do classes that I took in California, where my DUI charge originated, transfer to another state?
A California DUI Can Result in a Suspension of Your License in Another State
California’s DUI laws are not only criminal matters, but also administrative matters that are enforced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Whereas a California court can allow you to complete alcohol education courses out of state to satisfy the conditions of your probation, the DMV will require that you complete an alcohol education program that is certified by California in order to lift the suspension of your license.
Nearly every state (except Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Tennessee) participates in the Driver’s License Compact, which is an agreement to exchange data about driver’s license records between states. This means if you get a DUI in California, a hold on your license here will most likely be reported to your state. This can result in a suspension of your license in your home state until you clear the hold with California.
This also means that if you take California classes, you will be able to clear the suspension with the DMV, which will be reported to your home state. If you are able to take California classes before you leave the state, you should do so. This will prevent you from having a situation where California reports a suspension on your license and affects your driving privilege in your home state.
Contact the DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today For Help With Your Case
If you were convicted of a DUI in California, and are living or planning to live in another state, you should consult with an experienced, professional DUI defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have more than 35 years of successful experience in helping people like you defend themselves against DUI charges, and in getting their post-conviction life back on the road as quickly as possible. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team of attorneys are ready to help you, too.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Covina, Torrance, and Victorville, there is an experienced and skilled Wallin & Klarich DUI defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.
Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will get through this together.
