This is a question I get asked every single day as a Hollywood defense lawyer.  In the State of California there are a lot of different types of penalties that they can level at even the first time DUI offender.  Whether there were injuries caused by your DUI plays the largest role in what type of offense you will be charged with, and what the penalties may be.

In a situation where there were no injuries, where you were just pulled over by a police officer, the charge is usually that of a non-felony, misdemeanor offense. However, when an injury does occur this can (and does quite often) be become elevated to “felony” status.

In the first example, that of a typical first offense, non-injury DUI, the judge has many options for punishment that are all out there on the table which is why it is best for anyone facing a DUI case–even if it is their first offense to contact an LA DUI attorney or Hollywood defense attorney like me.

Fines

Fines are probably the most benign penalty the courts can bestow.  They are also the most common.  Fines range from $390 plus penalty assessment to over $1000 plus penalty assessment.

Jail

Unfortunately, this can be a result of a first time DUI.  Jail time can be anywhere from 48 hours to 6 months for a first offense.  Avoiding jail time is probably the biggest reason someone would want to choose a Hollywood criminal attorney like myself.  There are ways of getting around jail time, and having been a prosecutor prior to my life as an LA defense attorney I know all of them.

License Suspension

Another tool utilized by the courts is a 6 month license suspension–1 year if you are under the age of 21.  This one hits hard since most of us use our own vehicles to get to and from work.  The courts can restore driving privileges for work after 30 days if hardship is proven.

Vehicle Impound

Yes, they can and often do impound your vehicle even on a first offense.

Ignition Interlock Device

You could also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device.  These are devices that must be breathed into before the vehicle can be started that can prevent the inebriated from driving the vehicle.  If the court mandates that you must have an IID installed on your vehicle you will also be required to present paperwork to the DMV.

DUI School

How long you are mandated to attend has a lot to do with your age and BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) at the time of the arrest.  Under 21 and you will be attending a DUI school, over 21 and you may still be required to attend for 3-6 months.

Community Service

Most Hollywood DUI lawyers will try and work with the courts to have their clients get community service.  Not only is it less punitive (especially for the first time DUI offender) but it is also restorative.  Helping others is always good for the soul.

Probation

In a first time DUI case with no injuries the probation one might receive is usually informal (meaning without a probation officer).

All of these are approaches to dealing with non-felony, first time DUI offenders in the state of California.  As you can see, the punishments are wide-ranging which is why you need a good Los Angeles DUI attorney to help you to mitigate the circumstances and reduce the penalties surrounding your DUI.