The Irvine Police will be looking for drunk drivers on St. Patrick’s Day, this Monday

On By art-pedroza

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The Irvine Police will be looking for drunk drivers on St Patricks Day this Monday

If you are planning on getting drunk in Irvine on St. Patrick’s Day, which is this Monday, March 17, be forwarned that the Irvine Police will will have extra DUI Enforcement officers on the roads looking for those who have consumed too many green beers.

The number of beers it takes to reach the legal limit for a DUI can vary widely based on several factors. In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21.

However, reaching this limit depends on:

  1. Body weight: Heavier individuals generally have a lower BAC after consuming the same amount of alcohol compared to lighter individuals.
  2. Gender: Women typically reach a higher BAC faster than men due to differences in body composition and water content.
  3. Rate of consumption: Drinking quickly can lead to a higher BAC.
  4. Food intake: Eating food can slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
  5. Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates can affect how quickly alcohol is processed.

As a rough estimate, a person weighing around 160 pounds might reach a BAC of 0.08% after consuming about four standard beers within an hour. However, this is just an approximation, and individual results can vary.

DUI Penalties in California

In California, DUI penalties can be quite severe and vary depending on whether it’s your first offense or if you have prior convictions. Here’s a summary of the penalties:

First DUI Offense

  • Fines: $390 to $1,0001.
  • Jail Time: 2 days to 6 months.
  • License Suspension: 6 months.
  • Probation: Typically 3 to 5 years.
  • DUI School: 3 to 9 months.

Second DUI Offense (within 10 years)

  • Fines: $390 to $1,000.
  • Jail Time: 96 hours to 1 year.
  • License Suspension: 2 years.
  • Probation: 3 to 5 years.
  • DUI School: 18 to 30 months.

Third DUI Offense (within 10 years)

  • Fines: $390 to $1,0002.
  • Jail Time: 120 days to 1 year.
  • License Suspension: 3 years.
  • Probation: 3 to 5 years.
  • DUI School: 30 months.

Additional Penalties

  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for most DUI offenders.
  • Increased Insurance Rates: Substantial increases in premiums.
  • Felony Charges: If the DUI involves injury or death, or if you have multiple prior convictions.

These penalties are designed to deter drunk driving and ensure public safety.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.