Approximately 4,200 adult misdemeanor DUI arrests are made every year in Ventura County. The high percentage of convictions only further shows devastating the effects of a DUI can be in your life.
Ventura has an 81.8% DUI penalization rate, and when you’re looking to avoid that possibility for you, hiring a Ventura DUI Lawyer is the best option. If you have no clue what type of DUI you are booked under and how to find a lawyer for it. Read on to know.
1. First Offense DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges for a first-time offender come under California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) and Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. When being charged for the first time, you will be facing these possible penalties:
- Six months jail time
- Fines of $1,000 and above
- Suspension of driver’s license
These are the bare minimum penalties you could be facing when you’re charged with a DUI for the first time. Depending on your situation (whether an adult or minor), you could also be facing other stringent action.
2. Recurring DUI
If you’re being charged with a DUI for the second or third time, the consequences will likely be more severe for you. It is considered a misdemeanor offense if you are caught for the second or third time within ten years from the first DUI. Possible penalties can include:
- Mandatory jail time starting from 10 days going all the way up to a year for a second DUI and 120 days minimum for a third DUI
- Penalties and other costs that are up to $2,000 for a second DUI and up to $3,000 for a third DUI
- Mandatory attendance of Level II DUI School
- Possible installation of an interlock ignition device
Depending on other local laws that apply in Ventura County, you might also be facing other penalties when you’ve been charged with a DUI.
3. Felony DUI
If you are arrested for a fourth time DUI, it is treated as a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor charge. Another reason that could land you a felony charge for a DUI is when your DUI has led to an injury or death. If your previous DUI was a felony charge, you could be looking for a felony charge for the fourth DUI.
Possible penalties you may face include:
- Minimum jail time of 180 days
- More than $3,000 in fines and other charges
- 4-year license revocation
- Mandatory DUI school
4. Commercial DUI
If you hold a commercial driving license, you could also be charged for a commercial DUI. It is different from a regular DUI because it has a lower alcohol threshold limit and has more penalties. Consequences include:
- Loss of commercial license for up to a year
- Six months jail time
- Fines of $1,000 and above
If you are charged for the commercial DUI the second time, consequences can be more severe.
Finding an Ideal DUI Lawyer to Help You
Hiring a Ventura DUI Lawyer is essential when you’re looking to get out of your DUI charge with as few penalties as possible. Since Ventura has one of the highest conviction rates for DUIs, you need to have an experienced lawyer by your side to ensure no harm befalls you.
You could also be facing other violations in addition to your DUI, and only a lawyer can guide you through the proper process. Don’t take any chances for DUIs and rely on a professional always.