DUI Penalties

California DUI Penalties

DUI Attorneys Serving Throughout Kern County

DUI penalties in California are set up to deter anyone from considering driving under the influence and are extremely harsh. They vary, depending on the type of DUI offense you are charged with, and your penalty is also often dependent upon who you choose as your attorney.

Is DUI a Misdemeanor in California?

If convicted, the first DUI offense is a misdemeanor offense in California. Even a conviction on a first offense has harsh penalties, including jail time and expensive fines. We will aggressively seek out defense strategies and will relentlessly fight for your defense.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Bakersfield, schedule a consultation online or by calling (661) 874-1325 today!

What are the Penalties for DUI in Bakersfield, CA?

First Offense DUI penalties in California include the following:

  • Need to attend a substance abuse program
  • Up to six months in jail
  • License suspension for up to 4 months
  • Will have your vehicle impounded for up to half a year
  • Have an ignition interlock device installed

2nd Offense DUI penalties in California include the following:

  • A mandatory alcohol or drug program
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • A year in jail
  • An ignition interlock device for up to three years
  • Possible license restrictions

A 3rd DUI offense in California within 10 years will result in:

  • Up to one year in jail
  • A three-year license revocation
  • An 18-month drug or alcohol program
  • Other potential penalties and fines

4th or Subsequent DUI Offenses can result in:

  • Up to three years in jail
  • Felony charges
  • Thousands of dollars in fines
  • A four-year license revocation
  • Rehabilitation program

There are further "enhanced" penalties for:

  • Extremely high blood alcohol concentration levels of .15% or above
  • DUI that resulted in injury
  • Vehicular manslaughter
  • Having a child under 14 years of age in the car
  • Refusing the breathalyzer test
  • If you are on probation for an earlier DUI conviction.

DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Bakersfield & Kern County, California

Over the years, our Bakersfield DUI Lawyers have developed powerful resources for DUI defense and approaches each case with the determination to fight for the client aggressively and thoroughly. This means that each case is reviewed and analyzed to the smallest detail. All aspects of the case are completely reviewed, and if further investigation is necessary, an independent toxicologist or another investigator may be consulted and used in the defense. Contact our Kern County DUI lawyer today!

Contact our skilled attorney at (661) 874-1325 or by completing our online contact form today. 

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “We are very grateful to Mr. Middlebrook for his extremely professional handling of our daughter’s case”
    By way of background, I am a civil trial lawyer who practices law in another state. In 2020, after a questionable traffic stop, my daughter was arrested for DUI. Our family engaged Mr. Middlebrook to assist her. After he reviewed the evidence, Mr. Middlebrook identified the weaknesses in the State’s case and formulated a trial strategy to include the retention of an appropriate expert witness. While waiting for trial, Mr. Middlebrook prevailed in the administrative proceeding allowing my daughter to retain her driver’s license pending trial. After plea negotiations fell through, we went to trial on the criminal case. I have over 35 years of experience in a courtroom and have tried dozens of cases to verdict. On the first day of trial, I could tell that Mr. Middlebrook had the respect of the trial judge and the prosecutor. He developed an excellent rapport with the jury. In his examination of the expert witnesses for each side, Mr. Middlebrook demonstrated a deep understanding of the science related to DUI cases. His cross-examination of the arresting officer was respectful while making the officer appear to be, at best, incompetent in his handling of the stop and administration of the breathalyzer test. The jury acquitted my daughter on one charge and deadlocked on the other. An acceptable plea agreement on the remaining charge was thereafter reached allowing for all charges to eventually be dismissed and expunged from her record. We are very grateful to Mr. Middlebrook for his extremely professional handling of our daughter’s case, and I highly recommend him.
    - Ken I.
  • “The best law firm!”
    Hello my name is Pedro I did the biggest mistake of my life and drove with alcohol in 2019 in my system. When I got caught I felt like I was never going to get through this by myself till I heard about Richard middlebrook. I went to their office very worried not knowing what was going to happen 2 me or my life. Before Richard and his team got to work they made sure i was calm down and started explaining to me everything by detail in how they work and what I liked the most Is that I didn't have to show up to court not once or twice. I really do recommend them for anybody who is going through hard times like I did you'll be in good hands with Richard and his team they do what they exactly promise to do and that is be their for you and you'll end up with good results by choosing them to pick up your case.
    - Former Client
  • “Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with.”
    Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with. He is honest and attentive to your individual needs. I would never consider going with anyone else, and feel safe and secure in knowing that he is handling my case. I am completely confident that he is THE expert and knows all the ins and outs of the legal process. There are a lot of lawyers out there that will tell you what you want to hear, but Richard is upfront and will tell you what you can expect. He is a genuine person and undeniably, the best asset you can have for your legal matters!
    - Anonymous
  • “You did a great job!”
    You did a great job! We were so impressed and so glad that you really knocked their socks off.
    - Nancy H.

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