California DUI Penalties
When facing drunk driving charges, the prosecuting attorney is dedicated to seeing that you are convicted. It is strongly advised that you have a quality DUI defense lawyer working to protect you against the attacks of the prosecution. You need someone to fight aggressively for your defense. Los Angeles DUI attorneys at Gold & Witham have more than 40 years of combined legal experience. We understand the entire DUI court process and know how to guide the clients through from start to finish. Call now for your free consultation with our law firm!
Penalties for Violations of § 23152: Driving Under the Influence
The maximum penalties a driver may face for a DUI conviction are as follows:
First DUI Offense
- License suspension – 4 months
- Jail sentence – 48 hours to 6 months
- Fines and court fees - $1400 to $1800
- Probation – 1 to 5 years
Second DUI Offense
- License suspension – 2 years
- Jail sentence – 96 hours to 1 year
- Fines and court fees - $1800 to $2800
- Probation – 3 to 5 years
- Ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle
Third DUI Offense
- License suspension – 3 years
- Jail sentence – 4 months to 1 year
- Fines and court fees - $1800 to $2800
- Probation – 5 years
- Ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle
Fourth DUI Offense
- Felony DUI charge
- License suspension – 4 years, or permanent
- Jail sentence – 6 months to 3 years
- 3 years in state prison
- 1 additional year for each additional person injured in the accident
- 3 additional years for great bodily injury
- 4 years in state prison
- With gross negligence, up to 10 years in state prison
Enhanced Penalties Will Be Implemented for the Following:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of or above 0.15%
- Minor under 14 years old in the car
- Refused chemical testing to determine BAC
- Excessive speeding
- Probation violation for prior DUI offense
Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Aside from the above, there are many other collateral consequences of DUI convictions.
If you've been arrested, know that you are facing the possibility of the following:
- Auto Insurance: Being arrested for drunk driving means your insurance company now sees you as a liability. If they do not completely cancel your policy, they may raise your rates.
- Vehicle Impoundment Fees: After being arrested, law enforcement will have your vehicle impounded. You will have to pay for the impoundment and pay to get your vehicle out.
- Alcohol Education Program: Many individuals who are arrested for drunk or drugged driving are required by the judge to participate in a certified alcohol or drug education program. The costs of these education programs are the sole responsibility of the offender.
- Court Costs: Since a DUI is a criminal offense, your case will be handled in court. You will be responsible for paying court costs and administrative hearing costs.
- Mark on Your Criminal Record: The primary reason most people want to avoid a DUI conviction is so that they can avoid a mark (or another mark) on their criminal record.
- Employment Harms: A DUI on your record could impede your ability to gain employment or keep your current position (especially if driving is a part of your normal job duties).
- Civil Damages: If your DUI involved another vehicle ( DUI accident), then you may be required to pay civil damages as a form of relief to the victim(s).
Why retain a Los Angeles DUI attorney?
At Gold & Witham, our Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with aggressive legal representation so that you are not convicted for driving under the influence. With over 40 years of combined experience, you can be confident that we have the background and resources to get your DUI charge dropped. Even if you have already been convicted for DUI, we could work with you to file for expungement or an appeal.
To learn more, contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney from our firm for a free consultation regarding your case.
