Different Levels of DUI Charges
Information on the Different Levels of DUI Charges. Driving under the Influence (DUI) is illegal in every state in the U.S. Each state differs in the way that it approaches first offenses and onwards.
In every case, a field sobriety test is conducted by an officer to determine whether you’re capable of operating a vehicle. From here, you can be charged and the consequences can range from a DMV DUI hearing all the way to jail time.
Here are some Different Levels of DUI Charges.
First Offense
A first offense in California requires you to undergo a court-ordered drug and alcohol evaluation course. The other consequences you will have to endure, particularly for license reinstatement at a DUI DMV hearing is:
- Payment of a fine ranging from $390 to $1,000.
- Your license is suspended for at least four months.
- You can receive jail time ranging from 4 days to 6 months.
The penalties are stiff for a first offense. What the exact consequences are depends entirely on your personal circumstances. For example, someone who’s only slightly over the limit will receive a small fine and suspension. Someone who is significantly over the limit will go straight to jail.
If you approach a qualified Fresno DUI attorney, you may be able to get some of your penalties reduced.
Second Offense
A second offense is more serious because in California they really stamp down on DUI offenders. Any DUI attorney Fresno CA will be able to tell you that you’re almost certain of doing jail time. This is because of the zero tolerance approach issued by the state.
Here are the main consequences you can expect to face:
- Jail time of between 96 hours to one year.
- Fines and penalties reaching roughly $1,800.
- License suspended for two years.
The license suspension can be reduced to one under circumstances. This is normally when the driver shows remorse and takes a number of safety awareness courses.
Again, the severity of these administrative and criminal consequences depends on the circumstances surrounding the original conviction.
Third Offense
A third DUI offense only becomes valid if it occurs in the ten years after you received the first one. Since DUI is generally a misdemeanor, unless it involves bodily injury, the charges don’t multiply significantly.
A third DUI California will lead to:
- At least 120 days in jail, but no longer than a year.
- Fines and penalties around $1,800.
- Your license will be suspended for three years, and this can’t be reduced.
A DUI attorney will also explain that you can qualify for a restricted license after one year. In the event you gain a restricted license, you will only be able to use it to travel to and from work and school. Your car will be tracked and your license immediately removed again if you use the car for any other reason.
DUI with Injury
DUI with injury is a more serious charge because it no longer counts as a misdemeanor. This is where you actively injure someone whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some cases, it can count as a misdemeanor, but the chances are it will be a felony.
A felony comes with more serious consequences, and it usually means heavy fines and jail time. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is that a misdemeanor could mean spending a few days in a county jail. A felony can easily lead to spending time in a California state jail.
For this, you have to make a DMV appointment Fresno CA because the circumstances differ in every case. They will be able to ascertain exactly what you need to do to fight these charges.
It’s important to fight these charges as soon as possible. Accepting the consequences of a DUI with injury can destroy your career and make it impossible to earn a living.
Why Contact Fresno Lawmen?
A Fresno DMV appointment is the way to go because these experienced legal professionals have dealt with thousands of people just like you.
Not only have they enabled people to understand the consequences of a DUI, but they have done much to reduce the punishments handed down in courtrooms all over California.
Reasonably priced and always delivering on their promises, Fresno Lawmen is here to guide you every step of the way!
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