DUI Punishments

San Rafael DUI Defense Attorney: Punishments for Drunk Driving in California

The punishment is perhaps the biggest fear for people facing a DUI/DWI conviction. The possibility of a jail sentence, stiff fine, driver's license suspension and more are all too real. Minimum DUI punishments in California are harsh and increase significantly with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels over .20, speeding, injury accidents and other aggravating factors. In some circumstances, repeat DUI offenders face mandatory jail sentences. Drivers arrested for a fourth DUI can be charged with a felony and they face a long prison sentence if convicted.

If you face DUI charges in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano or Sonoma Counties or other Bay Area communities, I can help you. I am John Stanko and I am an experienced Northern California DUI defense lawyer with over a decade of experience. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you. I offer free consultations at my offices in San Rafael and Vallejo, California.

Punishments for DWI/DUI

In general, counties in the San Francisco Bay area all have similar requirements for DUI/DWI punishment. However, laws can change quickly and regularly. To receive even minimum DUI penalties and punishments can require help from an experienced DUI lawyer.

First Offenses: possible 2 days to 6 months in jail, fines and penalties up to $1800, probation for 3 to 5 years, alcohol/drug treatment for 3 to 9 months, and the DMV will suspend your license for 6 or 10 months.
Second Offenses: 10 days to a year in jail, up to $2500 or more in fines and penalties, 18 or 30 months of alcohol/drug treatment, car ignition interlocking device for up to 3 years, and the DMV will suspend your license for 2 years.
Third Offenses: mandatory 120 days to a year in jail, up to $2500 or more in fines and penalties, mandatory 18 months or 30-month alcohol/drug treatment, and the DMV will revoke your license for 3 years.
Fourth Offenses or More: minimum 180 days to a year in jail, similar fines and alcohol/drug treatment as third offenses, and your license revoked for 4 years. However, these can be considered felony offenses with up to 3 years in prison, permanent loss of your driver's license and even stiffer fines and penalties.

The prior offense period for DUI is 10 years, regardless of where it occurred and the laws then. If you had a DUI within ten years of getting another, it counts as a prior offense. In addition to your DUI criminal case, my office also handles separate, administrative license suspension hearings on your behalf.

You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

For a free consultation and evaluation of your DUI criminal case, call toll free at 1-877-204-8900, or contact me online at my firm, the Law Office of John Stanko, Inc.

To learn more about the defense of drunk driving charges in California, please visit the DUI Information Center. For answers to frequently asked questions about driving under the influence, please read our DUI FAQs.