Understanding the Consequences of DUIs in San Francisco
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Understanding the Consequences of DUIs in San Francisco
Getting arrested for drunk driving in San Francisco can lead to some pretty serious consequences. The laws here are super strict and the prosecutors and judges don’t mess around when it comes to DUIs. Even if it’s your first offense, you could end up with jail time, huge fines, and lose your license for a long time. Let’s break it down so you understand exactly what you’ll be facing if arrested for DUI in SF.
Penalties for a First DUI Offense
For a first-time DUI in San Francisco, here’s what you can expect:
- Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus any penalty assessments
- Probation for 3-5 years
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months
- Possible jail time of 96 hours to 6 months
- Completion of a DUI program
- Possible installation of IID (ignition interlock device) in your car
As you can see, even for a first offense it’s not just a slap on the wrist. The fines alone can put a serious dent in your bank account. And not being able to drive for a year is a huge inconvenience for most people. The good news is that you may be able to plea bargain for a reduced sentence if it’s your first DUI. But you’ll definitely need a good DUI defense attorney to help negotiate that.
Penalties for Second and Third DUIs
If you get a second DUI within 10 years of your first, the penalties get a lot worse. We’re talking:
- Fines from $1,000 to $1,800 plus assessments
- Jail time of 90 days to 1 year
- 18-30 month license suspension
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Possible interlock ignition device requirement
And if you get a third DUI within 10 years, you could face:
- Fines up to $1,800 plus assessments
- 120 days to 1 year in jail
- 3-5 year license revocation
- Possible interlock ignition device requirement
As you can see, the penalties go up drastically for repeat offenses. At this point, you’re looking at possibly losing your license for years and spending a good chunk of time in jail. Not to mention the fines that can be thousands of dollars. So if you’ve been convicted of DUI before, you really need to think twice before driving impaired again.
Penalties for DUI with Injury
If you cause an injury accident while driving impaired in SF, you’ll face additional penalties on top of the standard DUI fines and sentencing. For example, if charged with DUI causing injury under California Vehicle Code 23153, you could face:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $5,000
- Restitution to victims
- 3-5 year license suspension
And if you caused a fatal accident, you could be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated under California Penal Code 191.5. This brings a possible prison sentence of 4-10 years.
Penalties for Under 21 DUIs
The DUI laws are even stricter when it comes to underage drivers in California. If you’re under 21 and caught driving with any amount of alcohol in your system, you can be charged with a DUI. The legal limit for underage drivers is 0.01% BAC compared to 0.08% for those 21 and over.
For example, a first-offense underage DUI conviction can result in:
- License suspension for 1 year
- Fines up to $1,000
- DUI program
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Possible ignition interlock requirement
Given the serious consequences, it’s really important for underage drivers to avoid any amount of drinking if they need to drive. A single beer could put you over the legal limit and lead to a DUI conviction.
Penalties for Drug DUIs
You don’t have to be drunk to get a DUI in California. You can also be charged if you’re under the influence of drugs while driving. Some common drug DUIs involve marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription medications, and other controlled substances.
The penalties for drug DUIs are similar to those for alcohol DUIs. You can face fines, license suspension, jail time, probation, and drug education classes. Refusing to submit to a blood test can also lead to increased penalties.
One thing to be aware of is that marijuana use can lead to a DUI even if you legally purchased it or have a medical card. California Vehicle Code 23152(f) makes it illegal to drive while impaired by marijuana or other drugs.
Finding a DUI Lawyer in San Francisco
As you can see, a DUI conviction in San Francisco can seriously disrupt your life. That’s why it’s so important to talk to an experienced DUI defense attorney if you’ve been arrested. A knowledgeable lawyer understands all the technicalities of DUI law and the holes that can sometimes exist in the prosecutor’s case.
For example, they will scrutinize whether the traffic stop was legal in the first place. And they’ll examine the procedures used for any breath or blood testing to make sure it was done properly. There are lots of opportunities in a DUI case for a lawyer to challenge the validity of the evidence.
An attorney may also be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or sentencing, especially if it’s your first offense. They know how to present mitigating factors to get charges dropped or penalties minimized. So if you hope to avoid the harshest outcomes, your best bet is to hire a lawyer.
When researching DUI attorneys in San Francisco, look for ones with extensive experience specifically fighting drunk driving cases in the city. Check client reviews and case results. Ask about their pricing structure. And make sure they have a solid understanding of SF DUI laws so they can aggressively defend you.
Driving under the influence is a serious offense with life-changing consequences here in San Francisco. Don’t take it lightly. Review the penalties so you understand exactly what’s at stake. And if arrested, consult with an attorney immediately so they can start working on your defense.