Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney

DUI Penalties

Driving under the influence in Los Angeles is serious crime that could injure, permanently disable, or kill many people. If you have been charged with a DUI, you could potentially face jail time, monetary fines, probation, driver’s license suspension, an increase in insurance costs, or mandatory alcohol treatment programs. The more DUI offenses an individual accumulates on his/her record, the harsher the penalties will be.
If you have been charged and convicted of multiple DUI offenses, you may face a variety of penalties as follows:
1st Offense, No Prior DUI Offenses

• Fines: $390-$1,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: 4-6 months
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Potential Jail Time: 0-6 months
• Rehabilitation/Alcohol Classes: 3-9 months
• Increase in car insurance costs or termination

2nd Offense

• Fines: $390-$1,000, plus some additional charges
• Driver’s License Suspension: up to 2 years
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Potential Jail Time: 90 days to 1 year
• Rehabilitation/Alcohol Classes: 18 months or a 30 day treatment program
• Substantial rise in car insurance costs or termination

3rd Offense

• Fines: $390-$1,000, plus some additional charges
• Driver’s License Suspension: up to 3 years
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Rehabilitation/Alcohol Classes: 18 months or a 30 day treatment program (especially if the defendant never completed one)
• Potential Jail Time: 120 days/4 months to 1 year
• Substantial rise in car insurance or termination

4th Offense

• Fines: $390-$1,000, plus some additional charges
• Driver’s License Suspension: up to 4 years
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Rehabilitation/Alcohol Classes: 18 months (if the defendant never completed one)
• Potential Jail Time: 180 days/6 months to 3 years
• Drastic Rise in car insurance or termination
• Defendant may be charged with a felony

In addition to these penalties, the judge may impose harsher penalties in the event the following circumstances are true:

• Defendant had a BAC over .15%
• Open containers of alcohol were found in the defendant’s car
• Defendant was driving recklessly
• Another individual was injured or killed
• Minors were in the vehicle or involved in the accident
• The defendant caused an accident

Contact a Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney
Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials never hesitate to prosecute individuals charged with a DUI to the fullest extent of the law. A skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney like Debra S. White can aggressively negotiate with prosecutors, and work the system in order to reduce the charges or get the case dismissed. At the Law Offices of Debra S. White, each client is treated with the compassion and respect they deserve during these difficult times. Ms. White is always available to thoroughly go over the case at hand, as well as discuss every possible option and resource.
In addition to servicing clients in Los Angeles, Attorney Debra S. White also provides legal representation for individuals located in other areas of Southern California including Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County.

Contact the Law Offices of Debra S. White today for your free consultation at (866) 663-7778!