Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyers
California DUI Sentencing
BEING CONVICTED OF A DUI CAN HAVE HUGE CONSEQUENCES!
You need someone who understands your personal situation. There can be many factors that come into play when it comes to DUI sentencing. California has different guidelines and policies to follow when sentencing someone convicted of drunk driving. The California DUI courts have different levels of punishment. Factors include how high your blood alcohol reading was and whether there was an accident and someone was injured.
Another factor that plays a huge role in determining sentencing for a DUI offense is whether you have had a prior DUI. First time offenders are usually required to pay a fine and court fees as well as lose their driver’s licenses for six months to one year. If convicted you will be required to enter and complete an alcohol program. Community service time can also be given out as part of an Orange County DUI sentence. With a second time DUI sentencing, offenders usually face stiffer fines and harsher penalties including longer jail sentences and more hours of community service, longer driver license suspensions and much longer alcohol related programs.
You really need to fight this DUI. In California, DUI sentences vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case or even the county in which you are arrested. For instance, if convicted in Los Angeles County, a first time DUI offender can plan on 3 years of probation, a fine well over one thousand dollars and a 3, 6 or 9 month alcohol/ drug program. These penalties get progressively worse; however, as the aggravating circumstances or number of prior DUIs increase. A third time DUI offender can plan on up to five years of probation, a minimum of 120 days in the county jail, approximately $3000 in fines, and even a 30 month drug / alcohol program.
Other extenuating circumstances that can affect your potential DUI sentence can include if any of the following are true during your arrest:
- Having an abnormally high blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Refusing to submit to a chemical test
- Causing an injury or accident
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Being under 21 when you were arrested for DUI.
Again, many factors can play into a DUI sentence. The best course of action for anyone accused of a DUI in Southern California is to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney like the ones at Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff to aggressively fight for you, explain your legal options and tell you what is at risk. All of the partners at our firm are former deputy district attorneys, so we know both sides of criminal law for DUI charges and DUI sentencing. Our drunk driving defense attorneys can help you limit your risk and insure the best possible result for your case. Call us today for a DUI consultation of your case.
