The following are the penalties for violation of California DUI laws.  The penalties listed are non-enhanced meaning that the California Code does allow for DUI sentences to be enhanced if certain aggravating circumstances exist in a particular DUI case. As an example, DUI Sentences can be enhanced for having a Blood Alcohol Concentration greater than 0.20%, having a minor under the age of 14 in the vehicle, refusing to submit to a chemical test or having prior DUI convictions.

*Effective July 1, 2010, State of California will begin a pilot program requiring mandatory installation ignition interlock devices for those arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles, Tulare, Alameda and Sacramento Counties.  The interlock device must be installed on all vehicles owned or operated by a person convicted of a DUI for a period of 5 months (1^st DUI) up to 36 months (4^th DUI offense within 10 years)

First DUI Offense

If No Order of Probation
Jail:  96 hours to 6 months
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00 PLUS a penalty assessment that is substantially greater than the actual fine.
License Suspension: up to 6 months
Alcohol Program:  None required.  However, the DMV will not reinstate suspended license unless proof of completion is submitted

If Probation is Ordered
Jail: 48 hours to 6 months
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00 PLUS a penalty assessment that is substantially greater than the actual fine.
License Suspension: 4 months suspension which can be restored after 30 days upon showing of hardship. 1 year suspension if under 21.
Alcohol Education Program:  Mandatory attendance in a DMV approved alcohol education program for at least three months

Second DUI Offense

If No Order of Probation
Jail: 90 days to 1 year
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00 PLUS a penalty assessment that is substantially greater than the actual fine.
License Suspension:  up to 2 years
Alcohol Education Program:  18 months or 30 months in a DMV approved alcohol education program

If Probation is Ordered
Jail: 96 hours to 1 year
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00 PLUS a penalty assessment that is substantially greater than the actual fine.
License Suspension:  up to 2 years
Alcohol Education Program:  18 months or 30 months in a DMV approved alcohol education program

Third DUI Offense

Jail: 120 days to 1 year
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00 PLUS a penalty assessment that is substantially greater than the actual fine.
License Suspension:  up to 3 years
Alcohol Education Program:  18 months or 30 months in a DMV approved alcohol Education program

Fourth DUI Offense – Can be charged as a felony!

Jail: 180 days to 16 months
Fine:  $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
License Suspension:  up to 4 years

Alcohol Program: months or 30 months in a DMV approved alcohol program

If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, retaining an aggressive, experienced and knowledgeable attorney is the most important decision you can make.  A qualified DUI lawyer can educate you as to your options, assist you in making critical decisions, investigate the factors that led to your arrest, and skillfully examine law enforcement personnel. Qualified DUI attorney will be in your corner aggressively defending your rights with the goal of successfully fighting your DUI charges. 

In dealing with a Los Angeles DUI case whether involving alcohol or controlled substances, you will need an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney that will test the validity of the field sobriety tests and/or blood/breath tests in your case and work diligently to provide you with the best possible outcome of your Los Angeles DUI case.  The Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers at the Gurovich, Berk & Associates are familiar and experienced with the DMV along with all the criminal courts.  Our DUI defense attorneys will aggressively defend your interests so that you will receive the best outcome of your Los Angeles DUI case.

Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

If you have been charged with a DUI, please call us to set up an appointment for a FREE CONSULTATION so we can assess your particular case and provide you with the best legal advice on how to proceed. Please allow us to offer you the assistance and support of a criminal defense law firm that has extensive experience with the State court system throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego Counties as you face this most unfortunate experience. We are solely a Criminal Defense Law Firm. That is all we do and have done since our inception.

EARLY INTERVENTION BY COUNSEL IS KEY TO A PROPER DUI DEFENSE

It is extremely important to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney begin working on your case as early as possible. Critical issues, such as how your particular case will be filed and what charges will be leveled against you, are decided, many a time, very soon after your arrest or during the investigatory period. Early intervention gives our DUI defense attorneys an opportunity to potentially reduce or dismiss either felony or misdemeanor charges against you before the first court date.

Please feel free to call for an initial FREE CONSULTATION in one of our offices, or in the privacy and convenience of your own home, during which we can explore how best to defend and resolve your criminal case. Our 24-hour telephone numbers are (818) 205-1555; (310) 288-0795; (626) 356-0447; and (213) 385-1555.