What Are The Punishments For A First-Time DUI In CA?

The penalties for driving while intoxicated vary depending on the offender’s age, whether they endanger the lives of others, and the number of prior offenses. License revocation, monetary fines, and jail or prison time are common penalties. You have options if you believe you were wrongfully arrested and charged.

We’ve compiled a list of the most severe penalties to give you an idea of how much a DUI will cost you and what you can do about it. Know what a DUI conviction means and what you can do about it legally. Don’t worry; legal counsel from a San Diego DUI lawyer is on the way.

DUI Penalties Based on Prior Offenses

After the first conviction, the penalties for driving while intoxicated skyrocket and remain severe for subsequent convictions within ten years.

First Offense DUI 

The punishment for a first offense is light:

• License suspension for at least four months
• Up to six months in prison
• Fines and fees of up to $3,600 could result in costs of up to $15,649.
• Three months pass during DUI training.
• Your vehicle may require an ignition interlock system.
• Driving under the influence carries a three- to five-year probationary period.

However, it would help if you tried to avoid a DUI conviction. As a result, regardless of how minor they appear, you should not disregard these fines.

Second Offense DUI

Possible Repercussions of a Second DUI Offense

• The possibility of a two-year license suspension
• A 12-month prison sentence is one option.
• Expenses of up to $4,000 may be incurred.
• DUI programs can last anywhere from six to thirty months.
• Your vehicle must have an ignition interlock system.
• Driving under the influence carries a three to five-year probationary period.

Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties. You may face one or more sentences if this is your second DUI.

Third Offense DUI

Third-time offenders face the following penalties:

• A three-year license suspension is possible.
• As punishment, 16 weeks to one year in prison is imposed.
• Infractions could result in $18,000 in fines.
• DUI education for 30 months
• An ignition interlock device must be installed in your vehicle.
• A DUI conviction usually results in three to five years of probation.

The judge or the prosecution will not tolerate a third offense. You will need the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney if you want to increase your winning probability.

Fourth Offense DUI

The penalties for a fourth DUI offense are as follows:

• License suspension for four years; potential lifetime loss of driving privileges.
• Spending up to 16 months in a state prison behind bars is possible.
• DUI classes can last up to thirty months and cost up to $18,000 in fines and fees.
• Your car needs an ignition interlock system to comply with the law.
• Driving under the influence carries a probationary period of three to five years.
• The circumstances of a felon

As expected, the penalties for a fourth DUI conviction are severe. Avoid placing yourself in a similar circumstance. You should immediately contest these penalties if you intend to do so.

Penalties for DUI Under 21

A DUI committed by someone under the legal drinking age is referred to as “underage.” In California, there is no tolerance for underage drinking and driving. In other words, you will be found guilty if there is even a trace of alcohol or drugs in your system. If you are deemed guilty, you will face the following punishment:

The penalties as mentioned above

A one-year license suspension

A $1,000 fine and a one-year license suspension are the penalties for illegally transporting alcoholic beverages in a vehicle.