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California DUI Penalties

DUI penalties in California and other states across the country have stiffened significantly in recent years as the public has pushed legislators to enact tougher penalties for people convicted of drunk driving and driving under the influence. Even a driver’s first DUI conviction can lead to steep fines, jail time, suspension of their driving privileges and other penalties. The California drunk driving defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP know very well that tough DUI penalties can affect their clients’ lives for years and in some cases decades, after a DUI conviction.

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That’s why our experienced California drunk driving defense attorneys work so hard to achieve the best possible outcome for every client charged with driving while under the influence. After a free initial consultation, we will launch an immediate investigation into the charges, defend our clients’ reputation and freedom and use our experience as former prosecutors to challenge the validity of the DUI evidence alleged against our clients. California DUI penalties are enforced using a step system to punish those caught driving drunk and deter others from drinking and driving. To illustrate the severity of California DUI penalties, here are examples of the penalties for driving under the influence:

Penalties for a First DUI Offense in California

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to $3000 in DUI fines and court costs
• Suspension of driver’s license up to 6 months
• Mandatory community service
• Probation for up to 3 years
• Alcohol counseling
• And the potential for extreme insurance rate increases

California DUI Court Penalties for a Second Offense

In addition to the penalties for a first DUI conviction, a judge may also include sentence someone to:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $3000 in DUI fines and court costs
• Suspension of driver’s license for up to 2 years
• Alcohol counseling
• Installation of an ignition interlock device to start your vehicle
• Mandatory community service
• Probation for up to 5 years

Penalties for a Third California DUI Offense

A third DUI is considered a felony in California and results in severe criminal penalties such as the inability to obtain certain types of employment and the right to own a firearm. In addition to penalties for prior DUI convictions, a judge may also add the following penalties:

• Up to one year in jail (with a minimum of 120 days in jail)
• Up to $5000 in DUI fines
• Revocation of driver’s license up to three years
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Alcohol program up to 30 months
• Mandatory community service
• Probation for up to five years

Penalties for a Fourth DUI Offense

A fourth DUI in California results in very serious felony DUI criminal penalties. In addition to the penalties for a probation violation for a recent prior DUI conviction, the DUI conviction penalties include:

• Being sent to state prison
• Up to $5000 in DUI fines
• Revocation of driver’s license
• Alcohol program up to 30 months
• Parole

Additional California DUI Penalties That May Apply

California DUI laws are quite complex, and depending on a wide range of circumstances; a judge may choose to hand down even harsher DUI penalties. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to have an experienced California drunk driving defense lawyer by your side to carefully explain the charges and your options so that you can make the choice that is best for you. Circumstances that could result in even more severe California DUI penalties and mandatory jail time include, but are not limited to:

• Prior DUI convictions during the previous 10 years
• Driving recklessly and speeding 20 MPH over the speed limit on a street (additional sixty days in jail)
• Driving recklessly and speeding 30 MPH over the speed limit on a freeway (additional sixty days in jail)
• Having a child in the car under 14 years old (mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail)
• Refusing to submit to blood alcohol level chemical testing (mandatory 96 hours in jail and minimum of one year driver license suspension)
• Having a blood alcohol content over 0.15 percent or over .20 percent (attend a longer six month or nine month alcohol program)

Experienced California Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

As you can see, California DUI penalties are quite harsh and a conviction on DUI charges can affect the quality of your life for many years. If you or someone you care for has been charged with DUI, don’t take a chance with your freedom by representing yourself in court! Contact the experienced California drunk driving defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP today and schedule a free DUI consultation.

Please call 1-866-790-3030 for a FREE DUI CONSULTATION!

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