California DUI Fines

In California, there are many penalties that you can be sentenced to if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). These penalties include jail time, probation, community service, alcohol education classes, and losing your driving privileges. You may also be ordered to pay California DUI fines.

DUI fines are designed to punish the offender and deter him or her from committing a similar crime in the future. In the event of an accident, the victim may also take the drunk-driving offender to civil court in order to receive compensation for his or her injuries. This type of DUI fine is also referred to as restitution.

The amount of your DUI fines depends on many factors, such as the jurisdiction in which the crime took place and the specific facts of your case. Habitual offenders may be ordered to pay more DUI fines than a first-time offender.

In California, a first DUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor unless it resulted in bodily injury. You may be sentenced to a minimum of 48 hours in jail but no more than six months. The fines for drinking and driving range from $390 to $1,000, plus penalty assessments. Your license may be suspended for four months, though you may have it restored after 30 days if you can prove hardship. Drivers under the age of 21 will have their license suspended for one year. You may also be sentenced to vehicle impoundment, DUI School, community service, and informal probation.

For a second DUI offense, you may be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 90-120 days in jail. The judge may sentence you to pay $390 to $1,000 in DUI fines. Your driver’s license will be suspended for one year, and you may be ordered to attend DUI School for 18-30 months. The punishment for a second offense also includes vehicle impoundment, community service, and 3three to five years of probation.

Drivers with more than two DUIs on their record face tougher penalties, including more jail time, formal probation, heftier fines, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Have you recently been charged with drinking and driving in the San Diego area? If so, contact a San Diego DUI lawyer today to discuss California DUI fines and other penalties. Having an experienced defense attorney on your side may increase your chances of winning your case.