Offices in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, Mendocino & Humboldt Counties
If you are arrested for a second, third, or subsequent DUI, the penalties will be increasingly harsher. In California, a DUI is considered a "priorable" offense, which means that each time you are convicted of another offense of the same nature, you face a tougher sentence.
Penalties for Subsequent DUIs
Listed below are some of the common California penalties for multiple DUIs.
Second DUI Offense within 10 years
- Jail for 90 days to 1 year
- License suspension for up to 3 years
- Fines between $390 and $1,000
- Alcohol or drug treatment program lasting 18 to 30 months
Third DUI Offense within 10 years
- Jail for 120 days to 1 year
- License suspension for up to 3 years
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible treatment program for 18 to 30 months
Fourth DUI Offense within 10 years
- Jail for between 180 days and 16 months
- Fine of up to $1,000
- License suspension for up to 4 years
- Felony charge (according to California Vehicle Code §23151 VC)
The 10-Year Lookback Period
In California, your DUI convictions only count against you if they occur within 10 years of each other. This means that, for example, if you are arrested for DUIs in 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2006 and convicted of all offenses, you will be penalized for a fourth DUI offense in your 2006 arrest. If you have been convicted of DUIs in 1992, 1999, 2001, 2006, and 2013, then you can only be penalized for a second DUI offense because your first three convictions were prior to the 10-year lookback period. Simply being arrested for DUI doesn't count against you when it comes to multiple offenses, only convictions matter.
Remember, Ronald Dinan and Associates, is a firm of experienced and aggressive DUI lawyers, who can help in achieving the best outcome in your case. Many times DUI case dispositions will include reduction or outright dismissal of the number and/or severity of criminal charges, diversion programs, probation, reduced fines with installment payments, alternatives to jail, etc.
To get immediate help with your DUI matter, we invite you to call us to discuss your case. We answer all telephone calls in a polite, professional, and helpful manner.
| County: | Cities: | Local Phone number: |
| Sonoma County | Santa Rosa | 707-294-1968 |
| Napa County | Napa | 707-927-1056 |
| Marin County | San Rafael | 415-570-4810 |
| Lake County | Lakeport | 707-294-1629 |
| Mendocino County | Ukiah | 707-294-1960 |
| Humbolt County | Eureka | 707-294-1968 |