The first thing you need to know if you have been arrested/convicted of more than one DUI (driving under the influence) offense is this: You are not alone. Some years back, in a 12-month period, 160,388 DUI arrests occurred, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Felony charges applied to 4,789 of those cases.

Most DUI cases involve misdemeanor DUI. As long as no one was injured, this may even apply if there was an accident. Within 10 years of each other, this may also include third, second, or first time DUIs. Whether or not a felony classification will be assigned a DUI depends on several factors.

The consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be known to one and all. The hope here is it may deter someone from driving in that condition. Consider carefully the following information before you drink and drive.

Multiple DUI Offenses

There are definite penalties for two or more DUIs, and they are stiffer and stricter than those of a first-time offender. This can be especially true if they occur within 10 years of the first offense. After 10 years, you can be considered a first-time offender if no other DUI convictions have taken place.

Second Offense DUI

• From 96 hours to a one-year jail term can be imposed.
• Five years of informal probation.
• Considerable fines.
• An 18-month program.
• License suspension of two years. There may be a possibility that you would qualify for an IID (ignition interlock device) restricted license.

Third Offense DUI

• An 18-month program.
• 120 days in custody which could extend up to a year.
• No driver’s license for three years.
• Large fines.

Fourth Offense DUI

If, in a 10-year period, you are assessed a fourth DUI violation, this is a felony. Penalties can include the following:

• Imprisonment time ranging from 180 days in jail to three years in prison.
• Massive fines.
• An 18-month program.
• Driver’s license suspended for four years.

Extenuating Circumstances

Subsequent DUI arrests – after a first offense – if the first offense was classified as a felony, will result in felony charges, even if it’s only a second offense.

Arrest During Probation

If you are currently on probation for a DUI, according to the California DMV, and you are arrested on subsequent DUI charges within that probationary timeframe, for one year, you will lose your license. This is even the case if your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) was at a mere 0.01%. Additionally, there does not need to be a criminal case in place for this to take effect.

Possible Complications

In addition to the above-stated administrative and criminal sanctions, convictions for DUI can result in the following:

• Loss of professional licenses.
• Loss of security clearances.
• Vocational license issues.
• Employment problems.
• Immigration issues… and a multitude of other problems.

As soon as possible, speak with a criminal defense attorney if you are charged or arrested for DUI. They will help you understand the procedures, review your case, discuss potential consequences, and map out a likely defense plan.

Multiple Offenders Turn to the Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group

At Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group, we help drivers facing their first DUI offense, or additional offenses afterwards. Our multiple offender programs assist drivers in getting their life back on track and comply with all California rules and regulations.

Please don’t hesitate to take a look through our FAQs.