Defense Lawyers Discuss San Diego DUI Penalties

Consequences for Drunk Driving in San Diego

California has severe penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence, including jail time, probation, fines, substance abuse counseling, classes, community service, and more. These penalties will mainly depend upon whether this is your first, second, third, or subsequent offense and what your blood alcohol content (BAC) was at the time of the arrest.

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Multiple Offenses Equal Additional Consequences

If you are facing a second, third, or subsequent DUI offense in San Diego, you already understand the legal repercussions of a DUI conviction. Although you may have filed a "guilty" plea at the time, that will now come back to haunt you. If charged with a second DUI offense, the consequences are far more severe than a first-time misdemeanor offense.

A skilled San Diego DUI defense attorney is your only bet if you would like to avoid maximum penalties and have a chance of having your charges dropped. By retaining the jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, you get 30+ years of experience, counsel from a former police detective, and proven defense on your side. No matter if this is a first DUI or a third, the penalties are severe and you cannot afford to ignore them. Call (760) 630-2000 to learn how we can protect your rights.

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Miracle Worker

"Hands down THE BEST DUI ATTORNEY in Southern California. I hired Mr. Dicks in January of this year facing my 6th Dui with the district attorney demanding 4 years of incarceration. Mr. Dicks knowledge, experience in the courtroom and his relationships with Judge and DA I was able to walk out of that courtroom with NO JAIL TIME. Me and my family will always be indebted to James Dicks for all he has done for us. Highest Recommendation!!! Thank you James"

- Anonymous

Penalties for a First DUI Conviction:

• Between 48 hours and six months in jail
• Up to a $1,000 fine plus penalty assessments
• A six-month license suspension or longer based on BAC
• Vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days
• Community service requirements

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Penalties for a Second DUI Conviction:

• Between 10 days and one year in jail
• Up to a $3,000 in total fines and penalty assessments
• A two-year license suspension or longer based on BAC
• Vehicle impoundment
• Community service requirements
• Three to five years of probation
• Mandatory alcohol treatment enrollment
• Potential ignition interlock device installation

The penalties are increased at several levels of BAC. At 0.14%, five days of mandatory jail time. At 0.15% to 0.19%, 10 days are mandatory. At 0.20% to 0.24%, 20 days are mandatory, and at 0.25% and above, 30 days are mandatory to be served.

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Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction:

• 120 days to one year in jail
• $5,000 in penalties plus up to $13,000 in penalty assessments
• Revocation of your driver's license for three years
• Community service requirements
• 30-month alcohol-treatment program
• Ignition interlock device installation

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Penalties for a Subsequent DUI Conviction:

• Mandatory jail or prison time
• Expensive fines and court fees
• Mandated treatment programs
• License suspension or revocation
• Added charges for probation violations

And you will receive enhanced penalties for a DUI conviction if:

• You refused blood or breath tests to determine your BAC.
• Your DUI caused an accident that resulted in injury or death.
• You were speeding excessively.
• You had a passenger under the age of 14 in the car with you.
• Your blood alcohol level was over 0.15%.

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About Ignition Interlock Devices

About the size of a cell phone, an ignition interlock device (IID) is attached by a dealer to your dashboard and wired to your ignition. It contains a breathalyzer that you must blow into to start your car. If you register too high, the car will not start. As you drive, the device will periodically call for you to blow again into the breathalyzer. If you flunk, it will notify you to stop the car and record the violation. If you fail to stop, it will cause the car to make annoying sounds and flashing lights.

With a DUI conviction, you may often expedite reinstatement of your license with installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. An IID can also be required as a condition of license reinstatement when a person is charged with driving on a suspended license, or convicted of a second or third DUI offense.

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How We Can Empower Your Defense

At the jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, clients receive help from one of the few board-certified criminal law specialists in the State. James N. Dicks has become associated with some of the most respected independent accident investigators, scientific experts, as well as others who could be beneficial to support a case for your defense. He is often called on to lecture fellow attorneys at criminal defense seminars on DUI defense.

By working with a San Diego drunk driving defense lawyer such as James N. Dicks, you will have the chance to receive alternative or lessened penalties. If we can, we will work to have your charges dropped altogether and your case dismissed. In all the cases our founding attorney takes on, he works tirelessly to keep his clients from facing the maximum penalties for their DUI charges.

We can immediately evaluate all the evidence, including blood alcohol testing and field sobriety tests, as well as accident reports, police reports, witness statements, and other details before your case progresses any further through the system. If you have been the victim of a rights violation with regard to the collection of evidence or in any factor of police conduct, we will take legal action to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained. With years of success at trial, you can be confident that our firm truly knows criminal defense - how to craft a compelling, well-supported case, and be persuasive when presenting your side of the story to a jury.

If you were arrested for DUI in San Diego, we strongly encourage you to contact us at (760) 630-2000 for a free initial consultation.

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