DUI Convictions Lead to Severe Consequences

Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) in California are some of the strictest in the nation. The severity of punishment increases with multiple DUI offenses and enhanced penalties are exacted in cases when a minor under 14 years of age is in the car. Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level also plays a large role. If your BAC level is above 0.15%, you are considered way over the legal limit and the courts will aggressively prosecute against you. If you refuse chemical testing, additional penalties may be added. You may also encounter more severe consequences if you were exceeding the speed limit or in violation of your probation.

The penalties you receive can also depend a great deal upon the skill and dedication of your DUI attorney. It is the duty of your attorney to do investigative research and look closely at the events that led up to your arrest. They can gather up evidence to support your case while poking holes in the prosecution’s case. For example, if the law enforcement officials did not read you your rights or inform you of the consequences of denying a chemical test, then the evidence that they found against you can be challenged.

What are common penalties for DUI?

The machines of our justice system are set in motion as soon as an officer administers field sobriety tests. It is an uncaring and unthinking machine. The prosecuting attorney, backed by law enforcement, will use every resource available to bring about your conviction. Even our harsh and unforgiving DUI laws, such as implied consent to submit to breath and blood tests, work in favor of the justice machine. Don’t fool yourself, the system is designed to convict people, not find out the truth and give you the benefit of the doubt.

The maximum penalties a driver faces with a DUI conviction include:

First DUI

  • License Suspension: 6 Months
  • Jail Time: 48 Hours To 6 Months
  • Fines & Court Fees: $1,400 To $1,800

Second DUI

  • License Suspension: 2 Years
  • Jail Time: 96 Hours To 1 Year
  • Fines & Court Fees: $1,800 To $2,800

Third DUI

  • License Suspension: 3 Years
  • Jail Time: 4 Months To 1 Year
  • Fines & Court Fees: $1,800 To $2,800

Fourth DUI (Felony)

  • License Suspension: 4 Years Or Permanent
  • Jail Time: 6 Months To 3 Years

DUI with Injury

  • Jail Time: 3 Years, Plus 1 Year Additional For Each Person Injured
  • 3 Years Additional For Severe Bodily Injury

Vehicular Manslaughter

  • Jail Time: 4 Years In State Prison
  • Involving Gross Negligence, Up To 10 Years In State Prison

We seek to provide you with a voice committed to the cause of justice by providing you the skills, knowledge, and experience you will need for the most favorable outcome to your case. Remember driving is a privilege—not a right, and it can be taken away! The best way to fight a DUI charge is to never drink and drive. It is vital that you get our legal team involved as soon as possible so we can schedule a DMV hearing and begin fighting your charges. Contact our attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter to discuss the specifics of your case today!

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