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For those who are charged with a DUI the most common question is in regards to the punishment. So what is the punishment for a DUI conviction in the state of California? If you have any questions regarding your DUI arrest or someone you know, the best thing to do is contact DUI attorneys Southern California for any answers you need.
When it comes to punishments, each court has different procedures in place for DUI arraignments which is why it is important to talk to DUI attorneys Southern California who knows the court where your case is pending.
For a first time DUI offender, the maximum penalty given if there was no accident, blood alcohol level below 0.20 percent, misdemeanor included the following:
- Probation for a period of three to five years
- Minimum of six months in the county jail
- Minimum six month license suspension
- Fines of up to $1,000 plus penalty assessments, or totaling $2,710. The penalty assessment is a state tax created by statute in the 1960’s that is larger than the fine.
- $100 contribution to the California State Restitution Fund
- Proof of enrollment and completion in an alcohol education program
- Alcohol abuse prevention fee of $50
- Blood alcohol testing fee of $37
- Court security fee of $20
There are also additional penalties if your blood alcohol content is above 0.20 percent, if you are involved in an accident, or if you have a child in the vehicle while you are driving while intoxicated.
For a second time DUI conviction, in addition to all of the above, jail time increases from six months to one year in county jail, your car will be impounded for thirty days, your license will be suspended for eighteen months, part of which may be suspended if you agree to attend an eighteen month alcohol abuse treatment program.
A third or fourth DUI conviction, in addition to all of the above, the mandatory revocation of your driver’s license will be up to four years by the DMV. After revocation period has ended you cannot get your license re-instated until you have completed a thirty-month long alcohol treatment program. If you have been charged with four or more DUI’s they can be prosecuted as felonies. If you are charged with a felony DUI you may find yourself serving a maximum three year jail sentence.
With the severity of DUI punishments that the courts are handing down, don’t fight your DUI charge yourself. Only an experienced DUI attorneys Southern California knows the laws and how to work them to your advantage.
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