Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in California. You can get arrested for this offense if you are operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08 percent – or .04 percent for commercial drivers or .02 percent for underage motorists – or under the influence of drugs, including marijuana and prescription medication.
Here is a breakdown of the penalties a person faces if he/she is convicted of a California DUI:
First DUI – A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine between $390 and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments and other court costs), driver’s license suspension for six (6) months, and a jail sentence between 48 hours and six (6) months. However, first-time offenders are often sentenced to probation, which includes a three-month DUI school.
Second DUI – A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine between $390 and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments and other court costs), driver’s license suspension for two (2) years, and a jail term between 96 hours and one (1) year or three years of probation, which may include DUI school from 18 to 30 months.
Third DUI – A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine between $390 and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments and other court costs), driver’s license suspension for three (3) years, and a jail sentence ranging from 120 days to one (1) year or probation three (3) and five (5) years, which may include a 30-month DUI school.
Fourth or subsequent DUI – A felony that is punishable by a fine between $390 and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments and other court costs), driver’s license suspension for four (4) years, and imprisonment between 16 months and two (2) or three (3) years.
A DUI conviction can also result in a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can make getting a job, applying for college, or living a normal life extremely difficult. One of the most important steps you must make after getting arrested is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you avoid harsh criminal penalties.
If you have recently been arrested for a DUI in Elk Grove or Fremont, contact Samra Dhillon & Associates today at (916) 571-1550 to let us protect your rights and freedom. We have more than four decades of legal experience!
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