California DUI Penalties

Below is a simplified chart for California DUI Punishments.

First Offense DUI:

Jail: 4 days - 6 months.

Fines: $390-$1,000 plus penalty assessments.

License Suspension: 4 months suspension.  May apply for hardship permit after 30 days. If under the age of 21, 1 year suspension.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Court has discretion 

Vehicle Impound: Court has discretion

DUI School: 3 months or more if high BAC

Probation: 3 years (informal)

Community Service: some courts permit you to work off fines

Second Offense Plus:

Jail: 90-120 days mandatory jail. No more than 1 year.

Fines: $390 to $1,000

License Suspension: 1 year suspension.

Vehicle Impound: Yes. Vehicle may be seized and disposed if multiple offender.

DUI School: 18-30 months, depending on whether itís a 2nd or 3rd violation.

Probation: 3-5 years informal(no probation officer to report to), OR formal probation if third offense or more.

Community Service: 10 days mandatory as alternative to jail time.