DUI consequences in California are no joke. If you're convicted of a DUI, you can expect to pay some hefty fines, and you may even end up spending time in jail. In this article, we'll take a look at the basics of DUI consequences in California, so that you know what to expect if you find yourself in this situation. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are DUI Consequences In California?
DUI consequences in California can be very severe, and even a first-time DUI offense can result in jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver's license. If you are convicted of DUI, you will be required to attend DUI classes, install an ignition interlock device in your car, and may be placed on probation. You will also have a DUI on your record which can make it difficult to get jobs or insurance in the future. The best way to avoid the consequences of a DUI is to never drink and drive.
If you are arrested for DUI in California, you will be required to take a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If your BAC is .08% or higher, you will be charged with DUI. If your BAC is .15% or higher, you will be charged with DUI with an enhancement, which carries more severe penalties.
The consequences of DUI in California depend on many factors, including whether you have been convicted of DUI before, your BAC at the time of arrest, and whether anyone was injured as a result of your drunk driving. However, even a first-time DUI offense can result in up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $1,000, and the loss of your driver's license for up to 6 months.
In addition to the criminal penalties associated with DUI, you may also face administrative penalties from the California DMV. If your BAC is .08% or higher, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 4 months. If you refuse to take a chemical test, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 1 year.
What Is A DUI Infraction?
In California, a DUI is considered an infraction if the person is under 21 years of age and they are caught driving with a BAC of .01% or more. The penalties for this include:
- A fine of up to $1000
- Completion of an alcohol education program
- License suspension for up to 1 year
If the person is under 18 years of age, the penalties are more severe and can include:
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Completion of an alcohol education program
- License suspension for up to 1 year
- Community service
- Probation
What Is A DUI Misdemeanor?
DUI is a misdemeanor when someone drives while impaired by alcohol or drugs. DUI misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
In California, a DUI is considered a wobbler offense. This means that the prosecutor can choose to charge it as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The decision will be based on the severity of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. A DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.
If you are convicted of DUI in California, the penalties you face will depend on whether it is your first offense or a subsequent offense. For a first DUI offense, you can expect to pay fines of up to $1,000 and spend up to six months in jail. You may also be required to attend DUI education classes and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
For a second DUI offense, the penalties increase to fines of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to two years. If you are convicted of DUI with a passenger under the age of 14 in the car, you can expect to face enhanced penalties, including increased fines and jail time.
The penalties for a DUI misdemeanor depend on the facts of the case and the defendant's criminal history. Penalties can include:
- Jail time
- Probation
- DUI classes
- Community service
- Alcohol treatment program
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
When Is DUI Considered A Felony?
The DUI laws in California are very strict. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will automatically be facing some serious consequences. Depending on the situation, a DUI can be considered a felony.
There are a few factors that will determine whether or not a DUI is considered a felony. The first factor is if someone was injured because of your DUI. If you caused an accident that led to injuries or even death, you will be facing much harsher penalties than if there was no one else involved.
Another factor that can turn a DUI into a felony is if this is not your first offense. If you have been convicted of DUI in the past, the penalties for a second or third offense will be much more severe. DUI felonies can also be charged if you had a very high blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest.
The penalties for a DUI felony are much more severe than those for a misdemeanor DUI. If you are convicted of a DUI felony, you could be facing up to four years in prison, as well as significant fines. You will also likely lose your driver's license for an extended period of time.
If you've been arrested for a DUI in California, or are facing DUI charges, it's important to know what the consequences could be. Depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC) and prior convictions, you could be looking at jail time, fines, community service, license suspension, and more. That's why it's crucial to have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side who can help reduce or dismiss your charges. If you need legal assistance with a DUI charge in California, call us today – we can help.
Do You Need a DUI Lawyer You Can Trust?
With Lynn Gorelick you don't have to face criminal charges alone. You will receive personal attention to your case. Ms. Gorelick will be the one to appear in court with you from beginning to end. Ms. Gorelick, herself, will be doing your DMV hearings. You will not be handed off to another attorney or associate. You deserve this kind of attention to your needs at this stressful time. Ms. Gorelick has represented people charged with DUI for over 38 years. She has NEVER been a prosecutor who pursues convictions. She has only DEFENDED people accused of crimes. Contact us today for your consultation!
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