California DUI law is a complex system that governs the legal consequences of driving under the influence in the state. The California DUI law protects people from harm caused by drunk drivers. The law also aims to provide justice for motor vehicle accident victims.
Penalties for Each Level of DUI Charge in California
Many different factors determine what punishment you will receive based on your DUI charge. The minimum penalties for each DUI offense level are different.
If you feel that you face unjust charges, do not hesitate to contact an attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights during the proceedings and represent your best interest.
Level I (Misdemeanor)
Level I DUI offense is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you’ve been convicted of this offense before, it will show on your driving record, and you’ll have to pay more when you renew your license.
Level II (Misdemeanor)
This comes with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Furthermore, you must attend DUI classes and pay all fees associated with the program. Your license will be suspended for at least two years.
Level III (Misdemeanor)
If convicted of a Level III Misdemeanor, you may spend up to six months in jail and receive a maximum fine of $1,000. Also, there is a mandatory alcohol education class of 12 hours. Finally, you may also face 30 days to six months of license suspension if you have a previous conviction for driving under the influence (DUI).
Level IV (Felony)
The fourth level of DUI can result in jail time and fines up to $10,000. If you’re convicted of Level IV, you’ll have a criminal record. If you face these charges, you must also complete a mandatory alcohol education class and a license suspension.
Factors That May Increase Your Sentence for DUI Charges
A series of factors can increase the sentence for a DUI charge, including:
- Multiple prior DUI convictions: Each additional prior conviction increases the penalty by one category. This is known as “dual” sentencing.
- Prior injury-related convictions: Each prior injury-related conviction increases the penalty by one category and increases your jail time by up to six months.
- Alcohol-impaired driving convictions: Your current conviction will increase by one category if this was a second or subsequent alcohol-impaired driving conviction within ten years from the date of arrest.
The California DUI Lawyer
When you have been pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence, you need an attorney who knows how to defend your case. A DUI lawyer will ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. A lawyer can help you avoid jail time and other penalties by protecting your rights.
The first step is finding a skilled attorney who has experience defending DUI cases. The best option is to find a lawyer specializing in this type of defense.
The prosecutor may use different tactics to gain an advantage over you, such as getting evidence from witnesses against you. If they are not telling the truth about what happened, this will endanger the outcome of your case.
Circumstances That Reduce Your Dui Penalties in California
Here are some common circumstances that might reduce the penalties for a DUI in California:
- You were under 21 at the time of your arrest
- You had a valid license and were operating a vehicle legally
- You did not have any open containers of alcohol in your car
- Your BAC was below .08%
- The driver did not have any prior DUIs within ten years
- You might be eligible for a reduced DUI penalty if impaired because of a lawfully prescribed medication
Seek Legal Guidance
Understanding the consequences of a DUI is the first step toward keeping your record clean. If you’ve been charged with a violation, you must contact a DUI defense attorney in California as soon as possible.
Crystal A. Davis
How does one combine a passion for journalism with a strong sense of justice? For Crystal, the choice was simple: legal journalism. Born and raised in a family of attorneys but wanting to approach the law from an investigative angle, Crystal decided that people would not hear her voice in the court, but online, in magazines, journals, and other platforms. When she is not studying active lawsuits closely to report on them, she writes public-friendly articles detangling the complicated threads representing the American legal system.
