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
  • “This Attorney is amazing at what he does, and i would refer anyone i knew in trouble to his law office.”
    After doing research on the internet trying to find an Attorney because my boyfriend was innocent, Mr. Middlebrook came up repeatedly. We got in right away to his office, and after meeting with him, had an overwhelming feeling of relief. He is very respectful, makes you feel like a person, not a criminal, and most importantly is very knowledgeable and reassures you that everything will be ok. We got the best outcome we didn't even think was possible. This Attorney is amazing at what he does, and i would refer anyone i knew in trouble to his law office.
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    Everyone makes mistakes. If one of your mistakes happens to be a DUI, Mr. Middlebrook is the man to call to handle the situation. Mr. Middlebrook did the impossible in my case, and made sure my DUI did not ruin my life and career. His staff is extremely understanding and supportive through the entire process. If you are reading this it means you made the same mistake as so many others, and as so many others have come to realize; Mr. Middlebrook is the man to call to help you get out of this situation as smoothly and with the best outcome as possible. Make sure to learn from your mistakes, but in the time being stop the bleeding and call Mr. Middlebrook.
    - Christian
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