DUI Court Penalties in California

Generally, a DUI conviction results in:

• 3-5 years of formal or informal probation;
• 4 -30 month alcohol education program;
• $1,800 -$2,500 fine;
• 0-1 year in jail or up to 3 years in state prison;
• 4 month – 10 year driver’s license suspension or revocation;
• Possible additional education programs, alcohol monitoring devices, community labor or community service;
• A 1st offense conviction does not require mandatory jail time;
• A 2nd offense conviction requires a minimum of 4 days in jail;
• A 3rd offense conviction requires a minimum of 120 days in jail;
• A 4th or subsequent DUI conviction can be a felony that requires a minimum of 180 days in jail or 16 months in state prison.
• The ignition interlock device (IID) is required for a DUI conviction in Los Angeles County and 5 other counties in California;
• Accidents, high blood alcohol levels or other aggravating factors may lead to “enhancements” being filed which increase the penalties.