In the State of California, District Attorney’s Offices can charge the criminal offenses below concerning driving under the influence. Read on to understand 7 types of drunk charges in California DUIs. This does not include the Under Age 21 DUI.
First Offense DUI
A person can be charged with a First Offense DUI for a first drunk driving arrest. The penalties for this can include up to six months of jail time, anywhere up to $1000 in fines, and the suspension of the person’s driving license. It is also possible that an interlock ignition device will be required for any vehicle in use by the driver.
“Wet Reckless” Driving
In some cases, a District Attorney’s Office can reduce the charge for a DUI down to Reckless Driving with Alcohol Involvement. This latter charge is more commonly referred to as “wet reckless”. Typically, no suspension of a driver’s license follows this charge. It also does not involve fines, educational classes, or mandatory jail time, and probation related to the charge can be reduced. The charge can still count on your record as a first offense, but an experienced defense attorney can help work with the prosecution to reduce that first offense down to a “wet reckless”.
Second DUI
Being arrested for a second DUI within a decade of the first DUI can lead to being charged with the misdemeanor offense of a Section DUI. The penalties of this can include jail time ranging from 10 days to a year, a suspension of a driver’s license for 2 years, a requirement to attend educational classes, and fines up to $2000. A possible interlock ignition device will also be required for any vehicle in use by the driver.
Third DUI
Being arrested for a third DUI within a decade of the first is a misdemeanor offense as well. This time, however, jail time ranges from 120 days to a year and fines will increase to up to $3000. The driver’s license will be revoked for 3 years and educational classes will be required. A possible interlock ignition device will be required for any vehicle in use by the driver.
Fourth DUI
An arrest for a fourth DUI within a decade of the first will be treated as a felony DUI in the State of California.
Felony DUI
The Felony DUI carries a minimum of 180 days in jail time, a driver’s license revocation for 4 years, $3000 or more in fines, and educational courses. The felony conviction will be a part of the permanent record, and if the DUI results in an injury, it can lead to 10 years in prison, an increase in fines, and compensation being made to the injured parties.
Commercial DUI
Different standards apply if a driver holds a commercial driver’s license. The blood alcohol concentration is lowered to 0.04 for an arrest and penalties will be the same as the first DUI, and will include the loss of the commercial driver’s license for a year.
Rehab After Being Charged with DUI
Here, we offer a multiple offender program that can significantly benefit any second and subsequent DUI offenders. If you are from the San Bernardino area, feel free to contact our Redlands, CA, branch for more information!
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