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     /DUI Penalties Chart
1st Offence
2nd Offence
3rd Offence
4th Offence

Know what you’re facing.


The penalties for DUI in California are severe. The following information is provided not to intimidate, but to ensure you understand what a DUI conviction will mean. This is why having the proper DUI representation, and the best possible California DUI attorney, is essential.

1ST OFFENSE
SENTENCE:
IF NO PROBATION

JAIL: Minimum of 96 hours, 48 of which must be served continuously, maximum of 6 months.
FINE: Minimum of $390.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments) to maximum of $1,000.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments).
LICENSE: Suspended for 6 months. VC13352(a)(1)
TREATMENT PROGRAM:
None required; however, DMV will not reinstate license until proof of completion of a treatment program.
-or-
1ST OFFENSE
SENTENCE:
PROBATION GRANTED
If you are placed on probation
one of the following two sentences may be imposed:
(Option A)
JAIL: Minimum of 48 hours, 48 of which must be served continuously, maximum of 6 months.
FINE: Minimum of $390.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments) to maximum of $1,000.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments).
LICENSE: Suspended for six months. VC13352(a)(1)
TREATMENT PROGRAM: Mandatory attendance at alcohol/drug treatment program. If blood alcohol count (BAC) was less than 0.20 percent, by weight, participation in the program must be at least 3 months or longer and if BAC was 0.20 or more percent, or if the test was refused, participation in the program must be at least 6 months or longer.

(Option B)
This option is not available if you willfully refused
or failed to complete a chemical test. VC23577(a)(1)
JAIL: Minimum of 48 hours, 48 of which must be served continuously, maximum of 6 months.
FINE: Minimum of $390.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments) to maximum of $1,000.00 (plus mandatory penalty assessments).
LICENSE: With verification that proof of insurance has been provided to the DMV by an insurance company, license restricted for 90 days to travel to and from work and within scope of employment and/or to and from the education program. Such proof of insurance must be maintained for three years. If the Court Orders a restriction understand that you may not drive unless and until the DMV suspension of your license has been served to completion or set aside, and your license has been reinstated VC23538(3). At any time during the three-year period, if proof of insurance is not maintained, the DMV will suspend your driving privilege until such proof is provided. Under either of the above options, the court may also suspend your license for 6 months. Your license will be suspended for 6 months if your offense occurred in a vehicle, which requires a Class A, or B drivers license.
TREATMENT PROGRAM: Mandatory attendance at alcohol/drug treatment program. If blood alcohol count (BAC) was less than 0.20 percent, by weight, participation in the program must be at least 3 months or longer and if BAC was 0.20 or more percent, or if the test was refused, participation in the program must be at least 6 months or longer.
VEHICLE IMPOUND: If the offense occurred within 5 years of a prior DUI conviction and if the vehicle used in the violation is solely registered to the defendant, the vehicle shall be impounded at the defendant's expense for not more than 30 days, except in an unusual case when the Court finds the interest of justice would be served by not ordering impoundment.

You can’t take chances with your life! The California DUI Penalties are too great to ignore. You need to speak to a California DUI lawyer who has built a career on defending a California DUI.

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