
DUI Sentence in California
Providing Skilled Defense TO DUI Charges in Santa Rosa
The penalties for a drunk driving conviction extend beyond the criminal courts. Anyone convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in California has to deal with a license suspension, paying fines, and higher insurance rates for years after. The Santa Rosa DUI attorneys at Wilber Law Offices, P.C. can explain the consequences of a DUI and help you avoid a criminal conviction to keep criminal charges off your record.
If you are facing California DUI penalties, don't hesitate to contact us today to get started on your defense.
What Happens When You Get a DUI in California?
In California, the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) conviction include criminal and administrative consequences. The criminal penalties can include jail time, fines, and probation. The administrative penalties are imposed by the DMV and can include license suspension, fines, and mandatory DUI classes.
The criminal part of a DUI is generally handled in the county court. California district attorneys prosecute the defendant on behalf of the state to impose criminal penalties.
What to Do When You Get a DUI in CA?
If you have been arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence) in California, it's important to take immediate action to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact a DUI attorney: A qualified DUI attorney in Santa Rosa, CA can help you understand the charges you are facing, the potential consequences, and the best defense strategies available to you. An experienced attorney can also represent you in court and negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Request a DMV hearing: In California, you have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. If you fail to request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended.
- Attend court hearings: If you are charged with a DUI, you will need to appear in court for arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial. It's important to attend all court hearings and follow your attorney's advice.
- Consider a plea bargain: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties you are facing.
- Attend DUI school: If you are convicted of a DUI in California, you may be required to attend DUI school as part of your sentence. The length of the program will depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest and whether you have any prior DUI convictions.
- Comply with probation: If you are placed on probation, it's important to comply with all terms and conditions. Failure to do so could result in additional penalties or even jail time.
- Explore your options for expungement: If you are convicted of a DUI in California, you may be eligible to have your record expunged after completing your sentence. This can help you move on from the conviction and improve your employment prospects.
Overall, getting a DUI in California can have serious consequences. It's important to take immediate action and work with an experienced California DUI attorney to protect your rights and minimize the impact of the charges.

Our Settlements & Verdicts
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Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 2-pounds Of Marijuana For Sale
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Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 7-pounds Of Methamphetamine With Intent To Sell
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Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing Marijuana
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Not Guilty Client Charged With Assault Charges And Gang Enhancements
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Battery On A Correctional Officer And Resisting An Officer
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Cultivation Of Marijuana, Possession Of Marijuana For Sale, And Misdemeanor Narcotics Charges
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Possession Of A Baton And Misdemeanor Possession Of A Concealed Handgun
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Possession
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Case Dismissed Client Charged With Theft And Elder Fraud
Insurance Rates After a DUI in CA
Drivers will generally see an increase in insurance premiums after a DUI. Drivers may also be required to get an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility after a DUI to continue driving. Any lapse in insurance coverage may be reported to the DMV and the driver may have his or her license suspended.
Job Consequences After a DUI
Consequences of a DUI may extend to a driver’s employment. This may depend on the type of job and the employer. When an individual drives as part of the job, a DUI may have a negative impact, especially if the employer does not want the potential liability of having a convicted drunk driver as an employee.
Some professions, including pilots, may require notifying the licensing board after a DUI. Professional licensing boards may take disciplinary action, including suspension or disqualification, after drug or alcohol-related offenses.
