If you recently got arrested for DUI in California, you may be wondering what the potential consequences will be if you’re convicted. Perhaps there’s overwhelming evidence against you, or not much at all – either way, it’s a good idea to be aware of how much you might have to pay in fines if the judge in your case determines you are guilty of DUI.
Even for a first time offense, DUI fines are steep according to California laws, and it only gets worse for a 2nd or subsequent DUI arrest. Plus if there were any aggravating factors – perhaps your driving harmed someone else or damaged property, or a minor was present in your vehicle – then you can expect the potential fines to increase exponentially in your DUI case.
Though a first time DUI conviction is a misdemeanor, it still includes stiff penalties. Your license will be suspended, you’ll have to attend some mandatory classes, and you’ll have to pay some fines.
1st time DUI: maximum and minimum penalties
If this is your first DUI conviction, and no aggravating factors are present in your case, you can expect to have to pay a $390 base fine, plus over $1,000 in ordinary penalty assessments, and additional DUI-only assessments for a total of about $1,800. You’ll also have to pay for a 3 or 9 month alcohol treatment program (depending on how high your blood alcohol level was when you were arrested) that’ll set you back about $500.
Maximum penalties for a 1st time DUI conviction are a $1,000 base fine, plus over $2,600 in penalty assessments. Your vehicle will also be impounded for 30 days, and you’ll have to pay storage fees for that month. Plus you’ll have to get an ignition interlock device installed on your car, which will run you about $800.
There’s no way around it—getting a DUI in California, even if it’s just one, is incredibly expensive.
2nd time DUI considerations
If you’re convicted of DUI a second time within 10 years, penalties get even worse. Even if no one was harmed, no property was damaged, and no other aggravating factors are present, the minimum sentence a judge will impose is still rather harsh.
Minimum fines will total about $1,800. You’ll also have to pay for an 18 or 30 month alcohol treatment program, which costs about $1,800. Required installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles you own will cost you about $800 per car.
Maximum 2nd DUI fines total about $3,000. Then you’ll also have to pay for the impoundment of your vehicle for 30 days, and for the installation of ignition interlock devices on all your vehicles.
How to avoid a DUI conviction and stiff penalties
California lawmakers and judges take DUI charges very seriously, and so should you. But you should know that while the potential penalties are intense, there are ways to avoid a DUI conviction. Make sure you hire the best DUI attorney you can find to avoid a conviction or at least avoid getting the maximum penalties in your case. If you’re in Southern California, the best choice is DUI defense attorney Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm. Anyone who’s been arrested for a DUI recently should contact the Chambers Law Firm immediately by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box below.
