What are DUI penalties in Los Angeles
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime for which California has special DUI laws and penalties. From suspending the license, charging the defendant and imposing fines or imprisonment, there are different punishments depending on the circumstances. Not only this, but DUI convictions in Los Angeles are considered “priorable” offenses, which means if a person convicted of a DUI has a record of prior DUIs within the past 10 years, he/she will face tougher penalties. Here, we have mentioned important details about DUI and DUI penalties in Los Angeles.
What is a DUI offense?
You can be convicted of a DUI if you are operating or driving a vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that impairs your senses and affects your driving. There is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level limit set in California, anyone inebriated beyond the legal limit is guilty of a DUI. These limits are categorized into four:
- 0.08% or higher for adults of 21 years of age or older;
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers;
- 0.01% or higher for those on DUI probation for a previous charge;
- 0.01% or higher for those who are below the legal drinking age of 21
Even if your BAC is within the limit, you may be convicted of a DUI if it is proved that you were driving “under the influence” of some substance that impairs one’s senses.
And like we mentioned that DUIs are priorable offenses, so here are the penalties for a first, second, third and fourth (or subsequent) DUI within a span of 10 years:
First DUI in California
- Fine: A fine of $390 to $1000, together with penalty assessments which raises the total substantially and may account to a cost as high as $3,600.
- Jail time: Up to 6 months.
- License: Suspension of license for 4 months or longer.
- Probation: 3-5 years of DUI probation.
- Vehicle: Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle for 6 months.
Second DUI in California
- Fine: A fine of $390 to $1000, together with penalty assessments which raises the total substantially and may account to a cost as high as $4,000.
- Jail time: Up to 1 year.
- License: License may be suspended for up to 2 years.
- Probation: 3-5 years of DUI probation.
- Vehicle: Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle for 1 year.
Third DUI in California
- Fine: A fine of $390 to $1000, together with penalty assessments which raises the total substantially and may account to a cost as high as $18,000.
- Jail time: A minimum of 4 months to a maximum of 1 year in county jail.
- License: Suspension of license for up to 3 years.
- Probation: 3-5 years of DUI probation.
- Vehicle: Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle for 2 years.
Fourth DUI in California
- Fine: A fine of $390 to $5000, together with penalty assessments which raises the total substantially and may account to a cost as high as $18,000.
- Jail time: 4th time convict’s jail time can vary between 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- License: Suspension of license for up to 4 years with a possible permanent license suspension.
- Probation: 3-5 years of DUI probation.
- Vehicle: Installation of an ignition interlock device in vehicle for 3 years (in case you qualify for a restricted license to drive).
Besides the above mentioned penalties, there are also a few collateral consequences of DUIs, such as:
- It is difficult for job seekers with DUI record to apply for jobs as they are usually asked about prior convictions; convictions need to be expunged before applying for a job.
- DUI convictions can also affect university admissions.
- Non-US citizens will be required to give details of DUI arrest when applying for visas, green cards, change of status or entering the US.
All in all, a DUI conviction is not just about the penalties but how it can affect your life in more than one way. So, in order to reduce or eliminate the DUI consequences, it is imperative to get DUI charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense; this is possible by hiring a skilled DUI lawyer. C. Robert Brooks is one such attorney with years of experience in handling DUI charges. If you are looking for a lawyer to help you with your DUI penalties in Los Angeles, you can contact Mr. Brooks for a free consultation at (310) 994-7989.