Getting a DUI in Stanton is much more than a traffic ticket. It’s a criminal charge that can impact your whole life. Even if it’s your first DUI offense and you have no previous criminal background, you can face jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, a suspended driver’s license, and a DUI on your driving record. These are scary consequences, but it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them. You have a right to defend yourself, and the best way to do that is with a good Stanton DUI lawyer.
The DUI legal process is complicated, but an experienced attorney can help you make the right decisions for your best possible outcome. In many cases, a DUI attorney can get you a reduced charge, lesser penalties, or get your case dropped altogether. To get connected with a Stanton DUI lawyer for FREE, call us today and we’ll match you with the best attorney for your case. Call us at 310-896-2724 or fill out the quick form on this page to get a free consultation with a leading DUI lawyer.
What are the Penalties for a DUI Charge in Stanton?
In California, DUIs are some of the most expensive charges. They’re a good money source for City of Stanton, but the costs can be devastating to you, especially if you simply made a bad mistake.
If you’re convicted of a DUI charge, the penalties of a DUI in California vary depending on how many previous convictions you have. But no matter what, you may face jail time, driver’s license suspension, large fees and fines, and DUI school. Here are the consequences based on each level of DUI offense.
First Time DUI Offense Penalties
For a first offense DUI, the minimum penalties are:
- Jail time for at least two days (up to six months, if the judge chooses a longer sentence)
- Driver’s license suspension for at least four months
- A criminal fee of $390 to $1,000 and assessment fees that can all together total at least $1,800
- DUI school for at least three months at a cost of $600
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car
- 3-5 years of probation
DUI school is a traffic safety course all DUI offenders are required to take. The IID device is similar to a breathalyzer that you must blow into before you can start your car. If the device detects you have been drinking, it won’t start the vehicle.
Second Offense DUI Penalties
The minimum consequences for a first time DUI are steep enough, but the State of California is even harsher on repeat offenders.
For a second DUI conviction, you can face:
- Jail time of up to one year
- Driver’s license suspension of up to two years
- Fines and fees up to $4,000 total
- DUI school for at least 18 months, up to 30 months
- Mandatory IID installation
- 3-5 years of probation
Third Offense DUI Penalties
For a third DUI, you can face:
- Jail time for up to one year or up to 16 months in state prison
- License suspension up to three years
- Up to $18,000 in fines and fees
- DUI school for 30 months
- Mandatory IID installation
- 3-5 years of DUI probation
Fourth Offense DUI Penalties
If you receive a fourth DUI conviction within 10 years, you’ll be considered a convicted felon. A DUI felony is the most serious type of criminal charge and comes with more severe punishments:
- Up to 16 months in state prison
- License suspension of up to four years and possibly a permanent suspension
- Up to $18,000 in fines and fees
- DUI school for 30 months
- Mandatory IID installation
- 3-5 years of DUI probation
Other DUI Penalties
There are other potential penalties associated with a DUI, as well. If you refuse to take a chemical test after being arrested for DUI, you can face penalties like license suspension for an additional one to three years.
The long-term costs of a DUI can carry life-altering consequences, too. For example; your car insurance rates will likely go up because a DUI stays on your record for 10 years and adds points. You may also have trouble getting into schools or applying for many jobs in your field.
And if your DUI involved someone getting hurt, seriously injured, or killed, these situations are very serious and involve much tougher penalties. You should seek legal help immediately.
These are all reasons to have a DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. They will look for ways to get you a better outcome and avoid the penalties mentioned above. In the best case scenario, you can walk away free of all charges. It’s worth it to find out how you can fight the DUI and start moving on from this bad mistake.
How to Beat a Stanton DUI
DUI charges are serious, but it’s possible to beat them. To do so, you need the right experience, knowledge, and skill that only a good DUI lawyer can provide.
When you hire a DUI attorney, they will immediately look at your case and identify areas of weakness in the evidence against you. These could include:
- Improper testing or handling procedures for your breath or blood test results
- Mistakes, inconsistencies, or confusing facts in the arresting officer’s testimony
- Violation of your rights during the arrest
- Statements during your initial questioning that aren’t admissible because you weren’t read your rights
Your lawyer’s goal will be to poke so many holes in the prosecution’s evidence that they drop the case completely or at least reduce the charges or sentence against you. These are tactics that only a trained eye can identify and use during a DUI case.
Speak with a Stanton DUI Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t face the DUI legal process alone. You deserve to have the best defense possible and seek a better outcome. Let us match you with the best DUI lawyer for your situation. All of the attorneys we work with offer FREE case evaluations so it’s risk-free to speak with them and discuss how they can help you. For that free consultation, call us today at 310-896-2724, or fill out the short form on this page to get started.
