DUI Penalties in San Diego, California

What can you expect from a DUI arrest?

If you have been arrested for DUI in California, you are probably wondering what the penalties will be if you are convicted. While it is impossible to say exactly what the DUI penalties will be for your particular case, there are general guidelines that one can look at. However, it is important to remember that other factors can enhance your penalties, and, conversely, the help of an experienced San Diego DUI attorney may be able to fight to minimize your penalties.

What penalties can I expect from a California DUI?

The possible penalties vary depending on whether this is your first DUI or you have multiple DUIs on your record. The following are basic penalty guidelines:

First Time DUI

• Probation for 1 to 5 years
• Community service
• Driver's license suspension for up to 4 months
• 3 to 6 months of alcohol classes
• Fines and court fees of $390 to $1,500
• 0 to 6 months in county jail

Second DUI Offense (within 10 years)

• 1 to 5 years of probation
• Community service
• Driver's license suspension for 1 to 2 years
• Mandatory rehab/alcohol counseling
• Fines and court fees of $390 to $1,500
• 96 hours to 1 year in county jail

Third DUI Offense (within 10 years)

• Up to 5 years of probation
• Community service
• Driver's license suspension for up to 3 years
• Mandatory rehab/alcohol counseling
• Fines of up to $1,500
• Ignition Interlock Device installed on vehicle
• 4 months to 1 year in jail; any time beyond one year results in state prison

Fourth DUI Offense (within 10 years)

• Felony DUI charges
• License suspension for up to 4 years
• 18 months of mandatory alcohol classes
• Up to $1,500 in fines
• 1 to 5 years of imprisonment in state prison

DUIs with Increased Penalties

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16% or greater
• DUI with child endangerment charges
• Multiple DUI convictions
• DUI with injury or vehicular manslaughter

Additionally, if you caused an accident that resulted in injuries to victims, you could be ordered to pay restitution
to the victims.

Get Help from San Diego DUI Lawyer Mark R. De Yoe

When facing penalties as serious and life-altering as those listed above, it is essential that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer to handle your case and represent you in court. Mark R. De Yoe is dedicated to the defense of his clients who have been charged with DUI in San Diego. With more than 30 years of experience, Attorney De Yoe understands the science behind DUI evidence such as breath and blood tests, and has handled over 1,000 DUI cases to date.

What Else You Should Know

• Out-of-State DUI Punishments
• College Repercussions for a DUI
• Nursing School and a DUI