Penalties for Second DUI in California

California is notoriously strict against drunk drivers. Sentencing for a first time DUI can result in fines up to $1,800, 6 months license suspension, up to 45 hours DUI school and a minimum of 48 hours in jail. On the second time around, the punishments are even more severe.

Jail Time

You will be imprisoned for a minimum of 96 hours and could stay in jail for as long as 30 days.

Fines

Your court-imposed fines will be anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800, and you will end up paying even more after you pay to get your license reinstated--paying for your increased insurance premiums and reimbursing the state for your time in DUI school.

DUI School

You can be sentenced to 18 months of DUI school, where you will be reminded why drinking and driving is reckless and how many lives are lost as a result.

License Revocation

Your driver's license will be revoked for 2 full years. You may be able to get a restricted license to go between home and work.

Enhancements

There are certain factors that will make your punishments and charges much more severe. These include refusing to take a breathalyzer test, excessive speeding, having someone under 14 years old in the vehicle with you or having a blood alcohol content above 0.15 percent.

References

• California Law