DUI laws in San Diego

California’s DUI Enhancement Laws Add penalties under Exacerbating Circumstances

San Diego drunk driving Enhancement Laws on first, second and third DUI offenses impose on offenders additional fines, prison confinement, time spent in alcohol/drug treatment programs, and revoked driving privileges. Drunk driving attorneys in San Diego know that penalties can escalate when the accused refuses blood alcohol testing, has minor-age passengers in the vehicle, drove above the speed limit, or caused bodily injury.

Clearly, drunk driving laws in San Diego require attorneys experienced in DUI cases. They are essential when encountering statutes that can impose the following:

DUI First offense convictions are a misdemeanor, but they elevate to a felony when someone other than the driver is hurt or killed as a result of the driver’s DUI offense. The misdemeanor DUI conviction can result in up to six months confinement in county jail, and a fine of $390 to $1000. A first offense felony conviction can carry a higher fine and confinement in a state prison.

DUI Second offense convictions occur within ten years of the first incident. Penalties include:

Imprisonment in the San Diego County jail for no less than 96 hours and no more than one year
A fine of $390 to $1000
Up to a two-year suspension of the driver’s license

DUI Third offense convictions can mandate:

120 days to one year in jail
Fines of $390-$1000
A three-year driver’s license suspension
An 18-month alcohol/drug treatment program

Fourth (and more) offense convictions can mandate:

180 days to three years in a state prison
A four-year driver’s license suspension
An 18-month in an alcohol/drug treatment program

On top of all these, exacerbating circumstances can impose additional penalties under San Diego drunk driving law:

Reckless driving:
- Driving 30 mph over the highway speed limit or 20 mph on a secondary road while under the influence can add 60 days in jail. Driving faster than 100 mph can lead to a vehicle impoundment.
Construction/safety zones:
- If the DUI incident occurred in either a highway construction or safety enhancement zone, additional penalties may be imposed at the discretion of the judge.
Refusal to submit to chemical testing:
- Can bring additional penalties, increasing with the number of offenses.
Minor passenger in the vehicle:
- If there are passengers under age 14, the DUI conviction can add 48 hours to 90 days of prison confinement.
Bodily injury to another person resulting from the DUI incident:
- Can add one to three years to prison confinement.
Vehicle impoundment:
- If the motorist convicted of a DUI also drove under a revoked or suspended license, the penalty can include impoundment of the vehicle.

San Diego County drunk driving laws are among the strictest in the country. Khashayar Law Group offers experienced defense attorneys who know how to manage a case to an optimal outcome.

Don’t wait. Call for a consultation, 1-866-567-6458 or email. Our talented DUI attorneys and lawyers can help you to understand and fight for your rights.