Fourth DUI Offence In California- What You Need To Know

Your Future Is on the Line — We’re Ready to Protect It

A fourth DUI offense in California is treated as a serious felony. Prosecutors often argue that prior penalties failed and push for maximum sentencing. A conviction can lead to state prison time, a four-year license revocation, and a permanent felony record.

If you are facing a fourth DUI, your situation requires a defense strategy that is immediate, aggressive, and built on experience. The Simmrin Law Group Los Angeles DUI Lawyer team has defended repeat DUI charges across Los Angeles and understands the strategies required to challenge prior convictions, arrest procedures, and chemical test evidence.

What Qualifies as a Fourth DUI in California?

California uses a 10-year lookback period. A fourth DUI offense may include any combination of:

Prior DUI convictions (Vehicle Code § 23152)
Prior “wet reckless” convictions
Prior felony DUI convictions
Out-of-state DUIs treated as California DUI equivalents

However, not all priors are valid. If a previous DUI conviction lacked proper advisement, documentation, or legal procedure, our team may be able to challenge and exclude it, potentially preventing the felony filing.

Penalties for a Fourth DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

A fourth DUI is typically filed as a felony. Penalties may include:

Penalty	Possible Outcome
State Prison Sentence	16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
License Revocation	4-year revocation through the DMV
Fines & Court Costs	$390 to $10,000+ with assessments
Probation	Up to 5 years (if prison is avoided)
DUI School	30-month mandatory program
Ignition Interlock Device	Required to regain driving privileges

You may also be labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender, increasing penalties for any future driving violations.

DMV Action Happens Fast — You Must Respond Immediately

The DMV can revoke your license before your court case even begins. You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing.

Our firm will:

File the DMV hearing request for you
Stop the automatic license revocation
Challenge test results and officer testimony

Learn more about your rights here: DMV License Defense

How The Simmrin Law Group Defends Fourth DUI Cases

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

If police lacked reasonable suspicion, we can move to suppress all evidence that followed.

2. Challenging Breath or Blood Test Results

We analyze:

Calibration logs
Operator procedures
Chain of custody
Blood storage conditions
Laboratory handling errors

Learn more: DUI Defense Strategies

3. Discrediting Field Sobriety Tests

These tests are subjective and influenced by nerves, fatigue, injuries, footwear, and terrain.

4. Challenging Prior DUI Convictions

If a prior DUI conviction was improperly entered, we may seek to strike the prior, reducing or eliminating the felony enhancement.

5. Pursuing Alternative Sentencing (When Supported)

Residential treatment programs
Secure rehabilitation placement
House arrest with monitoring
Structured sobriety programs

Why Clients Choose The Simmrin Law Group

Focused DUI defense, not general criminal law
Scientific understanding of breath and blood testing
Experienced with felony-level DUI prosecution strategies
We handle both the DMV and court case
Proven record reducing DUI felonies to misdemeanors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fourth DUI always a felony?
Often, yes, but if prior convictions can be excluded, it may be possible to seek a misdemeanor instead.

Will I lose my license permanently?
No. While the revocation period is long, we can challenge it at the DMV hearing.

Can a fourth DUI case be dismissed?
Yes. If we undermine the legality of the stop, testing procedures, or prior convictions, dismissal is possible.