DUI Penalties in California

If you have recently been arrested for DUI in California,License suspension:
there are many essential things you need to be awareUnder 2nd offense DUI, your license will be suspended
of. Here are some of the basic things you need to befor 2 years.
well informed of: court proceedings, state laws,Probation:
penalties, about hiring a defense lawyer, effects onThe probation period for 2nd offense DUI is 1-5 years.
auto insurance, employment and driving privileges andMandatory alcohol classes:
still many more that you will come across in the courseYou may need to attend alcohol classes for 18
of the DUI process.months.
As the title indicates, this article is going to inform youFines:
only about the DUI penalties in California. The penaltiesYou will be fined $390.00 to $1,000.00. You can
for DUI in California are license suspension, probation,request to do community service to work off some of
attending mandatory alcohol classes, fines, possible jailyour fees.
time, loss of auto insurance or higher premiums, use ofPossible jail time:
ignition interlock device, community service and vehicleYou will need to spend 96 hours to 1 year in jail. You
impoundment. The severity of penalties variescan request community service instead of a jail time
according to the kind of charge the person is facing.and there may be chances for you to spend only for
For example, the person charged with felony DUI hasa few days in the jail.
more increased penalties than the person chargedAuto insurance:
with misdemeanor. Also there are more aggravatingThere will be a loss of auto insurance or higher
factors that significantly increases the penalty such aspremiums.
having a prior DUI conviction, having a child under theIgnition interlock device:
age of 14 in the car, driving above the speeding limit,You will be ordered to use the ignition device on your
having a high BAC of over 0.20%, refusing to submit tovehicle.
chemical testing and driving on a suspended orVehicle impoundment:
restricted license.The court will impound multiple offender's vehicle.
When you are arrested for a DUI you have eitherCommunity service:
been charged as a misdemeanor or felony. First,You will need to do the community service for 10 days.
second and third DUI arrests are charged asPenalties for DUI third offense:
misdemeanor. A fourth DUI within 10 years as well asLicense suspension:
if there is an accident involving death or severe bodyUnder third DUI offense, your license will be suspended
injury is charged as felony.for 3 years.
Penalties:Probation:
Penalties for DUI first offense:The probation period for third DUI offense is 1-5 years.
License suspension:Mandatory alcohol classes:
Under 1st DUI offense, the license suspension period isYou will need to attend alcohol classes for 18 months
for 6 months and you are not allowed to drive in thisif you haven't already completed one.
period of time. If you are under 21, the suspensionFines:
period is for 1 year.You will be fined $390 to $1000. You can request to
Probation:do community service to work off some of your fees.
The probation period is for 1 to 5 years and you arePossible jail time:
not allowed to drink and drive during thisYou will need to spend your time in jail for 4 months to
period.mandatory alcohol classes:1 year.
Depending on your BAC level, you will need to attendAuto insurance:
mandatory alcohol classes from anywhere of 3 to 9There will be a loss of auto insurance or higher
months.premiums.
Fines:Penalties for fourth DUI offense:
You will need to pay the fines of $390 to $1000. YouLicense suspension:
may even request to do community service to workUnder fourth DUI offense, your license may be either
off some of your fees.suspended or lost permanently.
Possible Jail time:Probation:
First offense DUI, may requires 48 hours of jail timeThe probation period for fourth DUI offense is 1-5
but not more than 6 months. You can requestyears or state prison.
community service instead of a jail time.Mandatory alcohol classes:
Auto insurance:You will need to attend alcohol classes for 18 months
There will be a loss of auto insurance or higherif you haven't already completed one.
premiums.Fines:
Ignition interlock device:You will be fined $390 to $1000
You may be ordered to use the ignition device.Jail time:
Vehicle impoundment:You should spend the time in jail for 6 months to 3
The court may impound your vehicle.years in state prison.
Community service:Auto insurance:
You will need to do the community service.There will be a loss of auto insurance or higher
Penalties for DUI second offense:premiums.