Vista Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer 

Helping DUI Defendants in Court

Do you know the penalties for driving under the influence?  It may seem like it’s not a serious crime, but because DUI can cause severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities, it is considered a serious crime by the legal system.  If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, you face a number of penalties that vary based on a number of factors.  Some of the information considered in sentencing includes prior convictions, the age of the driver, whether any property damage or injuries were caused, and other factors.  One of the biggest considerations in sentencing is the number of prior convictions you have accumulated.  Knowing the penalties you will face if you are convicted will demonstrate exactly how important it is to have a Vista drunk driving defense lawyer on your team throughout your case.

First Conviction Penalties

Since DUI is a misdemeanor crime, the penalties for even a first conviction are still severe.  48 hours of jail time is mandatory, although that can sometimes be reduced to time served in a work release program.  Other penalties for a first-time offense can include 3 to 5 years of court supervised probation, fines, court costs, 6 month driver’s license suspension, and required participation in DUI school.  If you want to keep your clean criminal record, it’s a good idea to hire a Vista drunk driving defense lawyer to help you prepare your case.

Second Conviction Penalties

If you are convicted of a second DUI offense, you will face steeper penalties.  The mandatory jail term increases to 96 hours.  3 to 5 years of court probation, fines and costs, driver’s license suspension for 18 months, and required participation in DUI education are other common penalties.  One other penalty that can be imposed for a second offense is ignition interlock installation.  A device is installed in your vehicle and you must provide a breath sample before you turn on your car.  If the device catches any trace of alcohol, your vehicle won’t start and you won’t be able to get where you need to go.  Think about hiring a San Diego County DUI attorney to help you build your case so you can be found not guilty of the DUI charges against you.

Third Conviction Penalties

If you are convicted of a third DUI offense, you will become known as a habitual offender.  You can face up to one year in jail, fines and court costs, 3-year driver’s license revocation, probation, and other penalties.  The third conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail.  Hiring a Vista drunk driving defense lawyer right at the beginning of your case can help improve your chances of winning and not having to face these penalties.