Many people do not realize the full range of consequences that they can suffer if they are convicted of drunk driving in California. Before you decide what to do in response to your DUI charges, it is important to understand the penalties that will be imposed if you are convicted.
San Mateo DUI Penalty Attorneys
At The Law Offices of Michael L. Davidson, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to making sure our clients are informed of their options and the potential consequences of those actions. Over the course of more than 40 years, we have helped thousands of clients fight DUI charges.
Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction
The penalties for DUI in California are partially based on whether you have prior convictions and whether you are convicted of any special allegations. The judge handling your case also has some discretion to set your penalties. The following are the major types of penalties:
- Jail time: For a first-time DUI offender, the standard California jail sentence is 48 hours to six months. Prison sentences can be much harsher for felonies and other offenses.
- Probation: If the judge in your case agrees to grant you probation, you will be under court supervision for three to five years and can be immediately imprisoned for violations.
- Fines and assessments: If you are convicted of any level of DUI in California, you will have to pay fines and penalty assessments totaling between $390 and $1000.
- Drug and alcohol classes: If you are granted probation for DUI, you will be required to attend a drug and alcohol program for three or nine months at your own expense.
- Alcohol monitoring: As part of the terms of your probation for drunk driving, you may be required to wear a SCRAM bracelet or other alcohol monitoring device.
- Criminal record: A DUI conviction will go on your criminal record and may affect your auto insurance rates, employment and educational options, and child custody rights.
- License suspension : In addition to administrative consequences at the DMV, a criminal DUI conviction can result in driver's license suspension for six months to five years.
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Ignition interlock: Under certain conditions, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on all of your cars, at your own expense, for up to three years.
Contact Our San Mateo DUI Lawyers About DUI Penalties Today!
Our attorneys may be able to defeat your DUI charges entirely, plead them down to a lesser charge like reckless driving, or reduce the penalties you are facing. Our DUI attorneys proudly represent clients throughout the entire Bay Area including these cities on the Peninsula:
- San Mateo
- Redwood City
- Foster City
- San Bruno
- South San Francisco
- Palo Alto
- Burlingame
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 866-719-9678 or send us an e-mail today.
