Penalties and Punishments for Driving Under the Influence

The penalties for driving under the influence vary and depend on the county and the facts surrounding the offense. For example, the standard penalties for DUI in Placer County are different from DUI punishments in Sacramento County. Also, the facts underlying the offense impact the possible penalties and punishments. For instance, a first time offense that involves a high blood alcohol result (.015% or greater) may lead to additional jail time and/or a longer length DUI school/alcohol offender program (6 or 9 months in length rather than 3 months). A prior DUI within the last 10 years will significantly raise the penalties. A DUI with a prior means an 18 month DUI class as well as mandatory jail time and a lengthier drivers license suspension. Likewise, a DUI with 2 priors requires a minimum jail sentence of 120 days. A fourth DUI in the span of 10 years can be charged as a felony and result in state prison.

In short, the penalties for even the most basic DUI can be severe. Furthermore, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer such as Jonathan Turner can result in a drastic reduction in penalties associated with a DUI including, but not limited to, avoiding serving time in jail and/or minimizing a drivers license suspension. If you are arrested for DUI in Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, Folsom, Fairfield, El Dorado Hills, or other cities in Northern California, immediately contact DUI attorney Jonathan Turner for a free consultation.