If you’re convicted of a DUI in California and you’re at least 21 years old, your license will be suspended for four to ten months for a first offense. Additional or younger offenses can result in your license being suspended for one year or even longer.
In some cases you may keep your driving privileges by using an ignition interlock device (IID).
You can learn more about protecting your driving privileges after an arrest for drunk driving with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
How Long Is Your License Suspended for a DUI in California?
You may face a four-month to one-year license suspension for a first-time DUI in California, based on your circumstances. Determining how long you’ll have to go without your driving privileges can be difficult, especially if you’re a repeat offender.
Additionally, there are some scenarios where you may face license revocation.
Depending on the number of prior convictions you have for driving under the influence (DUI), you could face the following penalties:
First Offense
First-time offenders will receive a one-year license suspension if they’re under 21. This suspension begins 30 days from the date of the suspension order. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI before, another conviction will lead to an extended suspension period.
Drivers over 21 at the time of arrest may only face a four-month suspension. A Los Angeles first-offense DUI lawyer can explain these penalties in more detail.
Second Offense
According to CA Vehicle Code 23540, a DUI second offense within 10 years that didn’t result in an injury will cause you to receive a two-year license suspension.
Under California Vehicle Code § 23153, you could receive a three-year license revocation for a second-offense DUI that resulted in the injury of another driver or pedestrian.
Lastly, California Penal Code §191.5(b) states that your license could be revoked for three years if your second DUI conviction resulted in vehicular manslaughter.
Third Offense
If the court convicts you of a DUI for the third time, you’ll face more than a license suspension. Instead, the court can revoke your license for three years for a non-injury accident. If your DUI resulted in injury or death of another party, the court can revoke your license for five years.
You can learn more about CA Vehicle Code 23546: third DUI conviction within ten years charges with your attorney.
Fourth Offense or Higher
Your fourth or higher DUI offense will result in a mandatory four-year license revocation. If your DUI incident resulted in the injury or vehicular manslaughter of another driver or pedestrian, your revocation period will increase to five years.
2nd Offense With Previous Felony Conviction
If you have a previous felony conviction, a second offense DUI will result in more serious penalties than a two-year license suspension. For a non-injury DUI conviction, you’ll receive a four-year license revocation.
For a DUI that resulted in injury or death, you’ll face a five-year license revocation.
So, how long will your license be suspended if you’re convicted of a DUI? The suspension time can vary significantly. As you can see, the penalties grow harsher based on the number of subsequent offenses you face.
You May Keep Driving After a DUI Conviction
California has an IID program that means many people can continue operating a motor vehicle after a DUI conviction. An IID is a breathalyzer device that can stop you from driving your car if it detects alcohol on your breath.
In this situation, you will receive a restricted license and must continue using an IID until the suspension period ends.
Other Penalties for a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can also result in fines and imprisonment. To avoid these severe penalties and a permanent mark on your driving record, you’ll want to seek out legal guidance from a committed Los Angeles DUI attorney.
Defense attorneys can tailor a legal strategy to your unique situation and protect your best interests at every step of your case.
Protect Your License at Your DMV Hearing
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI and have received a license suspension or revocation order, you’ll have 10 days from the date you received the order to request a DMV hearing. During your hearing, you can present your case, and the court will decide whether or not to suspend or revoke your license.
Navigating a licensing hearing can be difficult, so it’s critical that you hire a skilled DUI lawyer to help you with your case. An attorney can file your request for a hearing correctly and provide effective representation during legal proceedings.
An Attorney Can Fight DUI Charges
If you haven’t been convicted of a DUI yet but are facing impaired driving charges, an attorney can help you avoid license restrictions altogether. Here’s what a seasoned lawyer can do to fight the charges you’re facing:
- Investigate your traffic stop, collect witness testimonies, and gather other important forms of evidence
- Use evidence to build a strong defense case on your behalf
- Work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case, if necessary
- Challenge the accuracy of your sobriety test and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test results
- Negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Represent you in court and fight to get your charges dropped
- Provide legal advice and guidance throughout your entire case
You can discuss your defense and how long your license will be suspended if you’re convicted of a DUI with your attorney.
Meet With a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Free
How long will your license be suspended if you’re convicted of a DUI in California? Some drivers may only face a suspension of a few months, while others may lose their driving privileges for a year or more after a police officer arrests them for drunk driving.
Facing license suspension, fines, and other severe consequences after a DUI can be incredibly stressful, and combatting charges in court can feel complex. To get the help you need to understand the penalties you’re facing and avoid a life-altering conviction, reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer today.
We can connect you with a skilled attorney who can provide the advice and legal counsel you need to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a local DUI lawyer and learn more about your next course of action.
