Penalties For DUI In California
Avoid the Negative Consequences of a Conviction in Van Nuys and Los Angeles
If you or someone you care about have been arrested for or accused of DUI, it is important that you do not plead guilty or answer questions before you have counsel present. Hiring an experienced Van Nuys DUI attorney right away is essential to avoiding the penalties of DUI. At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, we are dedicated to providing our clients with respectful and aggressive defense of DUI charges. We can ensure you are aware of the penalties you could face, as well as your options to avoid a conviction.
If you would like to arrange for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer from our team, call us now at (818) 797-9212.
DUI First Offense
If the court grants informal (unsupervised) probation, there are two options. Both require a base fine ranging from $390 to $1,000 and attendance at a 3 month alcohol/drug education program (6 month program if the blood/breath alcohol content is a .20% or higher or if there is a refusal to test). Without probation, the court may impose 96 hours to 6 months in jail, a $390 to $1,000 base fine, and a 6 month driver’s license suspension.
- Option A: 48 hours to 6 months in jail, and a 6 month driver’s license suspension; or
- Option B: A 90 day driver’s license restriction allowing for driving for work and the alcohol/drug program only.
DUI Second Offense
Without probation, the court may impose 90 days to 1 year in jail, a $390 to $1,000 base fine, and a 2 year driver’s license suspension.
With unsupervised probation, there are two options which both carry a base fine of $390 to $1,000 in addition to:
- Option A: 10 days to 1 year in jail, and a 2 year driver’s license suspension; or
- Option B: 96 hours to 1 year in jail, an 18 month (or 30 month) alcohol/drug education program, and a driver’s license restriction for the duration of the program allowing driving only for work and the program.
DUI Third Offense
With unsupervised probation, the court will impose a sentence of 120 days to 1 year in jail, a base fine of $390 to $1,000, a 3 year license revocation, and an 18 month alcohol/drug education program if one was not completed before. Without probation, you could be facing 120 days to 1 year in jail, a $390 to $1,000 base fine, and a 3 year license revocation.
DUI Fourth & Subsequent Offense
If probation is granted, you could face 180 days to 1 year in jail, a base fine ranging from $390 to $1,000, a 4 year license revocation, and an 18 month program if one has not been completed before. Without probation, the court could sentence anywhere from 6 months to 1 year in county jail or anywhere from 16 months to 3 years in state prison, a base fine of $390 to $1,000, and a 4 year driver’s license revocation.
In addition to the possible penalties discussed above, the Government can charge you with enhancements which lead to the potential of higher fines and greater punishment.
Contact us 24/7 at (818) 797-9212 to speak with a Van Nuys DUI attorney to learn more about the penalties you could be facing and what we can do to help.
We Fight For Our Clients
Hear What They Have To Say
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"Scott is a rock star – I highly recommend him"Through my company I have worked with thousands of attorneys over the last 19 years, and Scott Spindel stands out as one of the best. He cares about his clients, responds in a timely manner, is vigilant with his evaluation of evidence, is wildly smart, and is awesome in trial -- the jury loves him -- which is crucial for a successful defense attorney. With this amazing combination of skills and gifts, you will not find a better attorney to represent you.- David
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"Reassuring confidence."When I got my DUI I was in complete disarray. Between my family, business, and future, I was having trouble sleeping due to constant anxiety. Not only was I involved in an accident, but I had an extremely high BAC. Needless to say, I feared for the worst. After talking with 3 separate lawyers, I then met with Scott, who after 1 meeting I knew he was the right attorney for me. Not only did Scott manage to keep me out of jail, but he was also able to reduce my alcohol program from 9 months to 6 months which is rare for BAC as high as mine was. If you're having concerns, or questions about which attorney you should use, please meet with Scott. I promise you that he'll definitely not disappoint!- Jarrod
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"Excellent Service"After my second DUI in 5 years, I needed a lawyer. I hired Scott because he made me feel confident with my case and I was right in hiring him. He helped me throughout the whole process, allowed me to email him anytime with any questions, and reassured me when I needed it the most. He is a very educated man and did an excellent job handeling my case. I would recommend hiring Scott if you are ever caught in my kind of situation.- anonymous
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"Compassionate and Diligent!!!"Scott was so caring and supportive throughout the entire process. I thought my DUI was going to ruin things for my family and work but Scott got it dramatically reduced both in record and financially. Even though I made some mistakes in the process, Scott graciously corrected my mishaps and made everything virtually painless! He has also represented and coached others I know through some very harrowing legal situations with amazingly positive results.- Kristen
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"BEYOND GRATEFUL"I am beyond grateful with Mr. Scott Spindel for not only giving me peace of mind but answers to my questions in a time when I felt extremely anxious and overwhelmed. I happened to find him while browsing online and I am so glad that I did!!! He went out of his way to help me and made the necessary phone calls I needed regarding a matter even before knowing whether I would need legal counsel or not. Who do does that?! Scott did!! I hope his efforts don’t go about unnoticed I am truly amazed by how caring and helpful he was with me. I definitely will give him a call if I need an attorney down the road :) & would definitely recommend to anyone. Thank you so much Scott!!!- Nancy
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"CHARGES: FELON IN POSSESSION | DISPOSITION: SENTENCE REDUCED"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. I know with my record I was very lucky to receive the deal that I got. There’s not too many lawyers that take the time out and really deal with their clients, but you have done a remarkable job. I just wish there were more lawyers like you. I just wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated.- A.K.
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"CHARGES: POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR SALE | DISPOSITION: CASE DISMISSED – REFILED – CASE DISMISSED"Thank you for seeing Alex’s case through not only one victory but two! A skilled and dedicated attorney makes all the difference; certainly, no one can say that we do not know this first hand. Alex has truly benefitted from your level of expertise, which we can attest, is a cut above. We, therefore, wished to express our sincerest gratitude for your level of dedication to the case and your hard work. Scott, as a result of "this" experience, Alex has greatly matured. For one, his immediate goal to focus on his studies and to detach himself from the friends who are not of the best influence have resulted in his recent honor student status and his making more responsible, educated decisions. He also has become determined and focused on matters that are important to his growth as an individual; your belief in Alex and the work that you have done on his behalf played a significant role in myriad ways including a change in his depth of personal perspectives and character. Thank you again, Scott. You are truly skilled in every way an attorney can be to make a difference. We recommend you highly and deeply appreciate your counsel, advocacy and friendship.- C. & A.K.
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"CHARGES: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE | DISPOSITION: CASE DISMISSED"All I can say is, thank you - thank you -thank you. Thank you for stopping your ski run on the side of the mountain in Idaho to discuss my case during our first phone conversation. Thank you for your professionalism. Thank you for being up-front and honest. Thank you for exceeding my expectations, and then some. THANK GOD for your knowledge of the law. Finally, thanks for just being a bro during these trying times. Hope to never need your services again, hehe.- DR. P.
