Are you facing a DUI charge? A conviction of this kind can affect your freedom, finances, and future, but you don’t have to face these fears on your own. However, with a South Whittier DUI lawyer by your side, you can work towards a favorable outcome with your attorney.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of people, and we can assist you, too. With more than 19 years of experience, we can point you in the direction of resources that can help you understand DUIs and craft drunk driving defense strategies.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction in South Whittier
When exploring the potential California DUI penalties, what to expect after a DUI conviction depends on the details of your case. Your consequences will be based on the circumstances of the case, including your driving history and the severity of the offense.
Below are common penalties associated with DUI convictions based on the type of offense involved.
First DUI Offense
California’s first DUI offense penalties are designed to discourage repeat violations while providing an opportunity for education and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the offense and court rulings, those convicted can face fines and fees of up to $2,000.
You could also be sentenced to jail for a period ranging from 48 hours to six months. This jail time underscores the seriousness of driving under the influence and its potential consequences. A mandatory six-month suspension of your driver’s license could be put in place, too.
To regain your driving privileges, you might be court-ordered to complete a three-month DUI education program. This program focuses on helping you understand the dangers of impaired driving and fostering behavioral change to prevent future incidents from taking place.
Second DUI Offense
The penalties for a second DUI offense are more severe than those for a first offense. This difference reflects the heightened concern for public safety stemming from repeated violations. Fines and fees can reach up to $2,500 for a second DUI offense.
In California, offenders could face a jail sentence of as little as 96 hours to up to one year. This increased jail time signals the state’s intolerance for recurring impaired driving incidents. A second DUI can also result in a two-year suspension of your driver’s license.
Before you can start driving again, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. This means you’ll have to pass a breathalyzer test before you can start your vehicle’s engine. The IID must remain in place for at least one year as well.
Third or More DUI Offense
The penalties for a third or subsequent DUI offense are even harsher. This is an attempt to address the ongoing risk posed by habitual offenders. Fines and fees can reach up to $3,000. Jail time is also accompanied by jail time, with sentences ranging from 120 days to one year or more.
The combination of financial and incarceration penalties reflects the seriousness of repeated impaired driving. Additional consequences might include a three-year suspension of the driver’s license, which is intended to further restrict the offender’s ability to drive.
Offenders may also be required to complete a DUI education program that focuses on long-term behavioral changes. This program can last up to 30 months. These stringent measures aim to protect the public from repeat offenders while encouraging them to reassess their habits.
Aggravating Circumstances and Felony Charges
DUIs involving injury, death, or aggravating factors can escalate your charges to a felony level. Aggravating circumstances might include excessive speeding, driving with a minor in the vehicle, or causing an accident resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Felony DUI charges can also result in substantial fines, extended license suspensions, and state prison sentences. These heightened penalties serve as a deterrent and a reminder of every driver’s legal and moral responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and soberly.
What Constitutes a DUI in California?
According to the California Driver’s Handbook, your blood alcohol concentration percentage reflects the amount of alcohol that is detected in your bloodstream. Driving under the influence (DUI) involves operating a vehicle while impaired.
More specifically, it also entails having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit set forth by California state laws. The state’s DUI laws are designed to prioritize public safety by setting strict BAC thresholds for different groups of drivers.
- People who are 21 years old or older: A BAC of 0.08% or higher is grounds for a DUI charge. This limit reflects the point at which alcohol consumption impairs the motor skills, judgment ability, and reaction times of drivers, which increases the risk of accidents.
- Drivers under the age of 21 years old: California enforces a “zero-tolerance” policy for this group of individuals. As a result, they are held to a legal BAC limit of 0.01%. It’s a stricter standard that aims to discourage underage drinking and driving altogether.
- Commercial drivers: Due to the size and weight of their vehicles, commercial drivers are often held to a higher standard than others. As such, they are subject to a BAC limit of 0.04%. This lower threshold is intended to enhance safety on California’s roads, particularly for other motorists and pedestrians.
Common DUI Defenses
If you’re facing a DUI charge, a South Whittier DUI law firm in the community where you are accused of operating a vehicle under the influence can look at the details of your case.
In doing so, your South Whittier DUI attorney is looking to identify potential defenses they can use to clear your name. These defenses may include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of BAC testing, or the proper administration of field sobriety tests.
By exploring the following DUI defense strategies, your legal counsel can help reduce or dismiss your charges:
- Unlawful traffic stops
- Faulty BAC testing process
- Medical condition complications
- Interference from medications
- Improper administration
Contact a South Whittier DUI Attorney As Soon As Possible For Legal Guidance
If you are facing DUI charges in South Whittier, don’t wait to reach out for help. You can call Los Angeles DUI Attorneys today to get connected with resources that are designed to help you build a defense strategy and set yourself up for a favorable outcome.
The sooner you call us, the sooner you can hear more about us as you work toward protecting your own future. If you’re ready to defend your name and learn how to meet with someone who will advocate for your rights, call now.
