Penalties for DUI Conviction in California
If you are caught driving under the influence in Contra Costa County, you will be subjected to aggressive prosecution by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office. The judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement authority in Contra Costa County have no tolerance for people who drive under the influence.
In their eyes, if you risk the lives and safety of other drivers and passengers
on the road by drinking and driving, then you deserve to be tried and
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For these reasons, it's is
in your best interest to hire an experienced and highly skilled
DUI attorney to represent you throughout the DUI process.
If you are convicted of the DUI charges brought against you, you will face the following legal penalties:
First DUI - No Probation
- Jail: 96 hours to 6 months
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: 6 to 9 months
- Treatment Program: None required, but the DMV will not reinstate your suspended driver's license unless you prove you attended an alcohol treatment program.
First DUI - Probation
- Jail: 48 hours to 6 months
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: 6 to 9 months
- Treatment Program: Mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program. If your BAC result was less than 0.20%, 4 month attendance is required. If your BAC was greater than 0.20%, 9 month attendance is required.
Second DUI (within 10 years) - No Probation
- Jail: 90 days to 1 year
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: up to 2 years
- Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
Second DUI (within 10 years) - Probation
- Jail: 96 hours to 1 year
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: up to 2 years
- Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
Third DUI (within 10 years)
- Jail: 120 days to 1 year (Contra Costa County Judges usually impose 180 days)
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: up to 3 years
- Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
Fourth DUI (within 10 years)
- Jail: 180 days to 16 months
- Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments
- License Suspension: up to 4 years
Sentence Enhancement
Depending on the circumstance surrounding your case, a judge may increase the severity of your sentence. This is called sentence enhancement.
There are a number of factors that can lead to an increase, or enhancement, of your sentence, such as:
- If you caused an accident
- If the accident you caused resulted in extensive property damage, or in the death or serious injury of another person
- If minors were present in the vehicle
- If you were found driving with a BAC above .20%
- If you refused to submit to a blood alcohol test at the request of an officer
- If you have any prior DUI arrests or convictions on your record
Contact Contra Costa DUI Attorney Robert Tayac
If you have been charged with a DUI in Contra Costa County, don't let it ruin your life. An experienced DUI lawyer can protect your rights, and fight your charges in court to help you avoid life-altering legal penalties. By retaining the services of Contra Costa DUI attorney Robert Tayac, you can rest assured that a knowledgeable and highly skilled lawyer is by your side, zealously defending you at each stage of the DUI process.
If you would like to speak with a Contra Costa DUI lawyer who will stand up for your rights, and fight to get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed, then please contact the Law Office of Robert Tayac at 925-288-9800.