California DUI Penalties: Complete 2025 Guide
Understanding the full scope of DUI penalties in California is crucial for making informed decisions about your defense. Our former prosecutors break down every consequence you may face.
California DUI penalties are among the most severe in the nation, with consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time. The state employs a progressive penalty structure where each subsequent offense within 10 years carries increasingly harsh punishments. Understanding these penalties is essential for making informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Important Note
These are maximum penalties. Experienced DUI attorneys can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissals. Early intervention is crucial.
First Offense DUI Penalties
Criminal Penalties
- Jail:Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines:$390-$1,000 plus penalty assessments (total: $1,800-$4,000)
- Probation:3-5 years informal probation
- DUI School:3-month program (30 hours)
License Consequences
- Suspension:4 months (BAC 0.08+) or 1 year (refusal)
- Restricted License:Available after 30 days with IID
- IID Required:6 months for restricted license
- SR-22:3 years of high-risk insurance
Second Offense DUI Penalties (Within 10 Years)
Criminal Penalties
- Jail:96 hours to 1 year in county jail
- Fines:$390-$1,000 plus assessments (total: $4,000-$6,000)
- Probation:3-5 years informal probation
- DUI School:18-month program (52 hours)
License Consequences
- Suspension:1 year (BAC 0.08+) or 2 years (refusal)
- IID Required:1 year mandatory installation
- Restricted License:Available immediately with IID
- SR-22:3 years of high-risk insurance
Third Offense DUI Penalties (Within 10 Years)
Criminal Penalties
- Jail:120 days to 1 year in county jail
- Fines:$390-$1,000 plus assessments (total: $8,000-$10,000)
- Probation:3-5 years informal probation
- DUI School:30-month program (78 hours)
License Consequences
- Revocation:3 years license revocation
- IID Required:2 years mandatory installation
- Restricted License:Available after 18 months with IID
- Habitual Traffic Offender:3-year HTO designation
Enhanced Penalties and Aggravating Factors
High BAC (0.15% or Higher)
- • Extended DUI school (9 months minimum)
- • Longer IID requirement
- • Higher fines and assessments
- • Possible additional jail time
- • Enhanced probation conditions
- • Mandatory alcohol treatment
DUI with Minor in Vehicle (Under 14)
- • Additional 48 hours to 90 days jail
- • Additional $390-$1,000 fine
- • Child endangerment charges possible
- • CPS investigation likely
- • Enhanced probation terms
- • Mandatory parenting classes
DUI Causing Injury or Death
DUI with Injury (Felony)
- • 16 months to 4 years state prison
- • $1,015-$5,000 fines plus restitution
- • 1-5 year license revocation
- • Habitual Traffic Offender status
Vehicular Manslaughter
- • 4, 6, or 10 years state prison
- • Lifetime license revocation possible
- • Victim restitution required
- • Strike under Three Strikes Law
True Financial Cost of a DUI
The actual cost of a DUI extends far beyond court fines. Here's a realistic breakdown:
Direct Costs
- • Court fines and assessments: $1,800-$4,000
- • Attorney fees: $2,500-$10,000
- • DUI school: $500-$1,800
- • License reinstatement: $125
- • IID installation/monitoring: $1,000-$2,500
- • Towing and impound: $300-$1,200
Indirect Costs
- • Increased insurance (3 years): $3,000-$10,000
- • Lost wages from jail/court: $2,000-$15,000
- • Job loss potential: $10,000-$50,000
- • Professional license issues: Varies
- • Transportation alternatives: $2,000-$5,000
- • Background check issues: Ongoing
Total Estimated Cost: $15,000 - $50,000+ for first offense
Long-Term Consequences
Employment Impact
- • Background check failures
- • Professional license suspension/revocation
- • CDL disqualification (1 year minimum)
- • Security clearance issues
- • Employer driving record checks
- • Reduced job opportunities
Personal Consequences
- • Immigration consequences (non-citizens)
- • Housing application denials
- • College admission/financial aid issues
- • Military service complications
- • Child custody considerations
- • Social stigma and reputation damage
Alternative Sentencing Options
Experienced DUI attorneys can often negotiate alternative sentences that reduce the impact:
Wet Reckless Plea
- • Reduced charge from DUI
- • Lower fines and shorter probation
- • No mandatory license suspension
- • Shorter DUI program
- • Less severe employment consequences
Work Release Programs
- • Serve jail time on weekends
- • Electronic monitoring (house arrest)
- • Community service in lieu of jail
- • Work furlough programs
- • Residential treatment programs
How Former Prosecutors Minimize Penalties
Challenge the Evidence
We scrutinize every aspect of your case: the legality of the stop, accuracy of chemical tests, officer training, and procedural compliance to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Negotiate Reduced Charges
Our relationships with prosecutors and knowledge of their priorities allow us to negotiate wet reckless pleas, dry reckless charges, or even dismissals in appropriate cases.
Alternative Sentencing
We advocate for work release, electronic monitoring, community service, and treatment programs that allow you to maintain employment and family responsibilities.
Don't Face These Penalties Alone
The penalties for DUI in California are severe, but they're not inevitable. With the right defense strategy from experienced former prosecutors, many of these consequences can be minimized or avoided entirely.
Penalty Quick Reference
1st Offense
Up to 6 months jail, $1,800-$4,000 total fines
2nd Offense
96 hours-1 year jail, $4,000-$6,000 total fines
3rd Offense
120 days-1 year jail, $8,000-$10,000 total fines
Felony DUI
16 months-4 years prison, $1,015-$5,000+ fines
Related Resources
Estimated Total Cost
*Includes fines, attorney fees, insurance increases, and lost wages
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