Sonoma County DUI Penalties

Harsh Penalties for First-Time DUI

For some criminal accusations, the accused might be able to assume that the punishments upon conviction will be slightly lessened if it is their first conviction for that crime and they have a spotless criminal record. For a DUI, this is simply not the case. The state of California has gained infamy for always using the strictest penalties it can for first-time DUIs.

First-offense penalties for a DUI in California are:

• 4-month or longer license suspension
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Possible $1,000 fine
• Approximately $800 in fees
• Ignition interlock device installation
• Mandatory DUI counseling program

As it is stated on California’s own Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website, subsequent DUI offenses that reach conviction are considered to be “increased” offenses and will carry longer jail time and higher fines. In a worst case scenario, if you cause injury to someone while driving intoxicated and it is your “Third Strike” on your criminal record, you will be sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 25 years.

Penalties for Refusing Chemical Tests in Sonoma County

At our Sonoma County DUI law firm, we have seen again and again clients who refused to take a chemical test back at the station for fear the result would lead to their conviction. What most did not know is that refusing a chemical test, such as blood, breath, or urine testing, will result in the automatic suspension of a driver’s license due to Admin Per Se laws.

Refusing to take a chemical test will result in:

• One-year suspension for first incident
• Two-year revocation for second incident
• Three-year revocation for third- or fourth-incident

In nearly all possible scenarios, there is no beneficial reason to refuse a chemical test. An Admin Per Se suspension is administrative, so you cannot rely on a criminal hearing to contest it. If you do take a chemical test and it reports you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level over 0.08%, there are ways to challenge the result with the help of a highly-experienced Sonoma DUI attorney from our firm.

Start Working On Your Defense Today – Free Consults Available

Do not sit idly by after you have been arrested for a DUI. The Sonoma County DUI penalties upon conviction will be severe, whether this is your first DUI arrest or not. We may be able to get your sentence reduced or your case totally dismissed. It all starts with a free case evaluation.