After a DUI conviction in California, you can expect consequences like license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and potential jail time. The DUI fine for a first offense ranges from $390 to $1,000, but with court fees and penalties, the total cost can reach $3,600 or more, with repeat offenses leading to even higher fines and penalties.
With our DUI strategies, our goal is to provide individuals like you with the information and resources you need to understand your case and get the best results possible. Let’s take a closer look at the consequences associated with drunk driving convictions.
What Penalties to Expect After a DUI Conviction in California
DUIs carry various penalties and legal consequences depending on the specifics of the incident. Whether you refused a chemical test, your age, and how many times you’ve been convicted in the past can all play a part in determining your sentencing. Fortunately, hiring a skilled lawyer to challenge your charges can help you avoid harsh penalties.
That said, familiarizing yourself with California DUI penalties and what to expect after a DUI conviction can be helpful. According to the California Driver’s Handbook, you could face any of the following penalties for an impaired driving condition:
A License Suspension
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license through an administrative per se hearing after an arrest for driving with an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC). This suspension generally begins 30 days after your arrest, regardless of a conviction.
You can face this suspension even for a first-time DUI. You may face an additional suspension as a criminal penalty if your arrest results in a criminal conviction for driving a vehicle while over the legal limit. Having your driving privileges suspended can make your life incredibly difficult. Instead of accepting this fate, you’ll want to hire an attorney who can fight for your right to drive.
Usage of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
The court may also require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle after a DUI conviction. This tool is essentially a breathalyzer that is attached to your vehicle and won’t let you drive unless you blow under the legal limit.
Fines
When discussing California DUI penalties and what you can expect after a DUI conviction, it’s important to discuss fines. Fines are one of the many consequences you may face if convicted of a DUI. Generally, you’ll have to pay a small fine for a first-time DUI and a higher fine for subsequent offenses.
Depending on the specifics of your case and how many DUIs you’ve been convicted of in the past, you could end up having to pay anywhere between $390 and $3,600 in fines. Luckily, a skilled attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or dropped. If successful, your fines could be reduced, or you may not have to pay at all.
Incarceration
After a DUI conviction, you may face more severe penalties like a prison or jail sentence. Depending on how many DUIs you’ve been convicted of in the past, you could face any of the following sentences:
- 48 hours to six months for a first-time offense
- 10 days to one year for a second offense
- 120 days to one year for a third offense
- 180 days to three years for four or more offenses
A prison or jail sentence can seriously impact your life and result in a criminal record that makes it hard for you to find employment in the future. The good news is that a skilled defense attorney can fight to get your sentence lessened or thrown out entirely.
Time in DUI School
Finally, a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol could allow the court to order you to attend an alcohol treatment or education program. You can reach out to a law firm for legal advice about how to handle these charges.
Additionally, some drivers may have to perform community service.
Do DUI Penalties Change Based on Your Criminal Record?
As mentioned earlier, your DUI penalties can change if you have a criminal record. In California, you face specific penalties for a first, second, third, or fourth (or subsequent) DUI within ten years. Here are some of the California DUI penalties you can expect to face if you have prior convictions:
First-Time Conviction
If this is a first-time DUI offense, the penalties you may face are relatively small. Here’s what you can expect from your first DUI conviction:
- License suspension of 4 months or longer
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines and fees of up to $3,600 (the total cost can range up to $15,649)
- Three months of DUI school
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Three to five years of DUI probation
Although these penalties are much less severe than those you could face after a prior conviction, you don’t want a DUI on your record. So, regardless if these penalties seem minor, you shouldn’t just accept them. Make sure you get the legal representation you need to handle drunk driving charges as a first-time offender.
Second Offense DUI
The penalties associated with a second DUI offense are slightly more serious than those you could face after a first-time offense. You’ll want to hire an experienced lawyer to help you avoid the following consequences:
- License suspension of up to two years
- More time in jail (up to one year)
- Fines and fees of up to $4,000
- 18 months or 30 months of DUI school
- Installation of an IID and required use of a restricted license
- Three to five years of DUI probation
These penalties are harsher than those for a first-time DUI conviction. If you’ve been brought up on charges for a second offense DUI, you will most likely face one or more of the above penalties. Keep in mind that you can face these potential consequences after a lawful arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Third Offense DUI
If this is your third DUI offense, it’s critical that you hire an attorney and familiarize yourself with what DUI penalties to expect after a conviction in California. Here are some of the consequences you could suffer if this is your third offense:
- License suspension of up to three years
- Up to one year in jail or up to 16 months in state prison
- Fines and fees of up to $18,000
- 30 months of DUI school
- IID usage and a requirement to use a restricted license
- Three to five years of DUI probation
If this is your third offense, the judge and prosecution will not be lenient. Make sure to work with a seasoned legal representative to increase your chances of getting your charges dropped or reduced to a lesser offense.
Fourth Offense DUI
In California, individuals with four or more offenses can expect to face extremely severe penalties. If this is your fourth offense, a conviction could result in the following outcomes:
- License suspension of up to four years
- Possible permanent license suspension
- Up to 16 months of prison time
- Fines and fees of up to $18,000
- 30 months of DUI school
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Three to five years of DUI probation
- Status as a convicted felon
Fourth-offense DUIs carry harsher penalties because they often count as felony offenses, and you’re more than likely going to get all of them brought on you upon conviction. Don’t end up in this position. Getting a lawyer is practically mandatory if you want to avoid lasting consequences.
Special Penalties for Refusing the Chemical Test
Under California law, if you get arrested for DUI, you will have to submit to a chemical test.
Refusing the test can result in additional penalties, such as license suspension. Refusal can add an extra one, two, or three years of license suspension to your sentence, depending on whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI offense.
Penalties for a DUI Under 21
If you are not of legal drinking age, your DUI is known as an “underage” DUI. California has a Zero Tolerance Policy for underage drinking and driving. Therefore, any amount of alcohol or other intoxicants in your system is enough to convict you. If convicted, you may receive a one-year license revocation in addition to the penalties for of-age drivers.
You could also face penalties for carrying alcohol illegally in your vehicle, which has a $1,000 fine and a one-year license suspension on its own. A defense lawyer can provide more information on the penalties you can face for an underage DUI conviction in California.
Penalties for a Commercial DUI
If you get arrested for DUI and carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you are in danger of losing your career. In addition to the standard penalties above, you face stricter license suspension penalties if convicted:
- One-year license suspension for your first offense
- Permanent revocation of your CDL for your second offense in 10 years
Commercial vehicle drivers often operate large and dangerous vehicles. Therefore, potential penalties for commercial drivers can be extremely high. If you have a CDL and are facing DUI charges, don’t hesitate to hire a lawyer ASAP. They can work tirelessly to protect your license and career.
Other Penalties You Can Expect for a DUI Conviction in California
Besides criminal penalties, DUIs can come with additional consequences. Depending on the specific details of your case, you could experience any of the following consequences:
- Increased insurance premiums from your car insurance company
- Trouble applying for jobs
- Obstacles when enrolling in a college program
- Problems qualifying for financial aid
It’s important to note that a DUI conviction can put two points on your license and stay on your driving record for ten years. You could also be declared a habitual traffic offender if you acquire enough points. You can review additional penalties in more detail with an attorney.
You Only Face Penalties if You Get Convicted
With the exception of license suspension, you can avoid all the penalties if your DUI charge is dropped, dismissed, or even reduced to a lesser charge. If you move quickly, lawyers can even fight the license suspension.
An experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you fight your charge, request an administrative hearing with the DMV, and, in many cases, walk away without legal penalties. A legal professional can also advise you on California’s DUI penalties and what you should expect from a DUI conviction.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help Your Case
Even if you’re facing first-time charges for impaired driving, you’ll want to take your case seriously and hire a knowledgeable attorney. A lawyer can take a number of steps on your behalf and fight the charges you’re facing. Here’s what an attorney can do to protect your career, freedom, and permanent record:
- Investigate your DUI arrest
- Gather evidence, including video footage, a copy of the police report, field sobriety test and blood test results, and witness testimony.
- Use evidence to build a solid DUI defense strategy
- Help you avoid automatic license suspension
- Challenge the legality of the arresting police officer’s conduct
- Challenge the validity of blood alcohol concentration test results
- Negotiate with prosecutors to obtain a plea bargain
- Help you find a treatment program or alcohol education class
- Represent your during DMV hearings, trials, and other proceedings
- Fight to get your criminal charges reduced or dropped
In addition to taking these steps, a lawyer can also answer any questions you have about California DUI penalties and prepare you on what to expect from a DUI conviction. Ultimately, they’ll aim to help you avoid all the penalties associated with a conviction.
Whether you’re facing penalties for a misdemeanor offense or felony DUI consequences, it’s in your best interest to work with a skilled lawyer.
Learn More About California DUI Penalties and What to Expect From a DUI Conviction
Now that you’re familiar with California DUI penalties and what to expect from a DUI conviction, it’s time to get the legal assistance you need to get a fair case outcome. At Los Angeles DUI lawyer, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide effective legal guidance to individuals like you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options after a conviction. We’ll give you the information and resources you need to navigate the legal process with ease. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
