California DUI Consequences
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions in California carry heavy consequences. DUI offenders will face a wide variety of penalties, including probation, fines, suspended licenses, driver schooling and jail time. Prior DUI convictions impact your record for 10 years and can result in increased sentences. A fourth conviction in a 10-year window can result in a felony DUI charge, causing even harsher penalties if convicted. There are also factors that can increase penalties, including extreme blood alcohol content, speeding, having a child in the car or injuring someone while driving under the influence.
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Probation
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First- and second-time DUI offenders face three to five years of court probation, which doesn't require reporting to a probation officer but bars you from driving with any alcohol in your system. A third DUI conviction can result in formal probation, including mandatory reporting to a probation officer.
Fines
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A DUI conviction can be costly due to fines as well as court costs. A first-time offense will run you anywhere from $1,400 to $1,800. Additional DUI convictions can cost $1,800 to $2,800.
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License Suspensions
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DUI convictions result in mandatory suspension or restriction of your license. Restrictions include your driving being limited to work or school. A first-time DUI offender faces a suspension of six months. A second conviction can result in a two-year loss of your license. A third conviction could keep you without a license up to three years. A fourth offense could make you lose your license forever.
DUI School
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A DUI conviction carries the consequence of required driving school. A first-time offense can result in a requirement of 12 to 45 hours of DUI school. Additional convictions require 18 months of schooling.
Prison Time
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Every DUI conviction comes with a mandatory prison sentence of some sorts. First-time offenders face at least a two-day sentence. A second DUI conviction requires three days in jail. Third offenses mandate at least 120 days in prison. A fourth conviction can be treated as a felony and require up to three years in prison.
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References
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