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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

 

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Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 2-pounds Of Marijuana For Sale
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 7-pounds Of Methamphetamine With Intent To Sell
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing Marijuana
  • Not Guilty Client Charged With Assault Charges And Gang Enhancements
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Battery On A Correctional Officer And Resisting An Officer
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Cultivation Of Marijuana, Possession Of Marijuana For Sale, And Misdemeanor Narcotics Charges
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Possession Of A Baton And Misdemeanor Possession Of A Concealed Handgun
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Possession
  • 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.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive.”
    There are no words on how to thank you for all you have done for me and our family, especially John Doe. He has been given a second chance at life and I will pray and hope that he will succeed… Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive. You should be highly regarded…
    Former Client
    “Ryan is a consummate professional. I would recommend his services to anyone.”
    Ryan is a consummate professional. I hired him to represent me on a high value fraud case. He was very attentive to my requests, always followed up with me in a timely manner, and ultimately won my case to the tune of over $400,000.
    Chuckles G.
    “I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me.”
    I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me. I’ve talked to a few other lawyers in the past that I felt good about and were knowledgeable, but where Ryan really stood apart from the others was in his ability to help me fully grasp my options and clarify the legal process so I could make hard decisions with confidence. I was getting pushed around and feeling a bit intimidated before he helped me fight back. I’m very thankful to have Ryan there when I need him!
    Former Client
    “Focused, Articulate and Thoughtful. Ryan is an asset to anyone needing legal assistance.”
    Ryan is an asset to anyone needing legal assistance. Whether it is a simple question, a case where you need valuable perspective, or the beginning of a long and arduous process, Ryan has the knowledge and intellect that you want on your side. His thoughtful demeanor, his knowledge of the law and his desire to succeed are all traits that are surprisingly lacking with some other attorneys. I would not hesitate to use Ryan for any of my legal needs now and in the future.
    Jeremiah
    “If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.”
    Ryan Wilber & Wilber Law Offices helped me a lot (and that’s an understatement!)  He was able to negotiate a deal for me that saved my career and kept me out of serious trouble. They are the best in Santa Rosa / Sonoma County. If you need legal help I fully recommend them!  If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.  He acted as a shield in my time of need and is the legal protection you want to hire in the complicated legal process of the court system.
    William H.
    “I’ve known Ryan for the better part of 20 years, he is very passionate about his work and it shows!”
    I just went through the painstaking process of getting a DUI in Sonoma County. Ryan Wilber and his team did an amazing job in making this process go as smooth as possible. I’ve known Ryan for the better part of 20 years, he is very passionate about his work and it shows! Ryan and his office kept me informed with the most up to date information regarding my case and I was also able to log into an online account that was set up where I could access all of my documents. If you need legal help I would highly recommend Wilber Law Offices.
    Beau K.
    “One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process.”
    One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process. Want to point out Ryan Wilber in particular, a special breed of cat. He is smart, intuitive and a brilliant lawyer!
    Scott J.
    “I would definitely recommend Ryan Wilber to anyone in need of top notch legal representation.”
    I have used Ryan Wilber several times. Ryan’s representation is both aggressive, and intelligent. His real word experience has proven invaluable to me, and has significantly lessened the consequences of my actions. I found Ryan’s rates to be as good or better then anywhere else around town. Ryan was available to me every time I needed to talk to him. I would definitely recommend Ryan Wilber to anyone in need of top notch legal representation.
    TC