Consequences of a Third DUI Conviction in San Bernardino – CVC 23546
If you are convicted of driving while under the influence (DUI), and you have two prior DUI convictions on your record within the past 10 years, you will face the punishment of a third DUI conviction. Here are some of the potential consequences you are facing:
Jail Time
Your third DUI conviction within 10 years will result in a jail sentence up to one year in county jail and a mandatory minimum of at least 120 days in jail. You may also be sentenced to up to five years of probation following any jail time you serve. If you violate any of your probation terms while on probation, the court can revoke your probation and sentence you to county jail for up to one year.
Fines and Fees
You also face a fine of between $390 and $1,000 for your third DUI conviction within 10 years. The court will also charge other DUI-related fees, including:
- A penalty assessment
- Mandatory state restitution fine
- Alcohol abuse education fee
- DUI lab/blood alcohol penalty
- Alcohol & drug assessment program fee
- Probation revocation restitution fine
- Court operations fee
- Criminal conviction assessment fee per conviction
- Criminal conviction assessment fee per infraction; AND
- Booking fee
These fees can add up to $2,000.
Loss of Driver’s License
Your third DUI conviction will also lead to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspending your driver’s license for three years. Fortunately, you can obtain a restricted driver’s license that allows you to drive to and from work and to and from any alcohol program 6 months after your suspension period began if you were found to be only under the influence of alcohol for your DUI conviction. If drugs were involved in your DUI conviction, then you may apply for a restricted driver’s license one year after your suspension period began.
If the DMV decides to issue you a restricted driver’s license, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. If you retain a Wallin & Klarich attorney for your DUI case within 10 days of your arrest, we can demand a DMV hearing to potentially avoid the DMV suspending your license.
After your three year suspension period, you may have your driver’s license reinstated by the DMV. To get your license reinstated, you must have completed a DUI treatment program and paid all of your court-assessed fees. You will have to pay a $55 reissue fee and a $100 administrative fee to the DMV to get your driver’s license reinstated.
Other Consequences
With a DUI conviction on your record, your car insurance company may significantly raise the rates of your insurance premium. Your insurance premium rates could increase by as much as $1,000 per year for up to seven years. That would mean an additional cost of $7,000 in addition to the court imposed fines.
In addition, you will be required to enter into a Multiple Offender Drinking Driver Program under California’s SB-38 program. This program is 18 months long and is required for people who have been convicted of DUI on more than one occasion within the past 7 years. You must complete this program before the DMV will re-issue your driver’s license.
A DUI conviction can also have negative effects on your professional life. You will be required to attend court hearings for your DUI case, which will mean that you must take time off from work. However, if you hire a Wallin & Klarich DUI Defense Attorney, we can appear in court hearings on your behalf (with the court’s permission), so you do not have to appear in court and lose your income and job.
San Bernardino DUI Defense Attorney
The experienced San Bernardino DUI Defense Attorneys from Wallin & Klarich can help you to hopefully avoid a high percentage of these costs, as well as possible jail time and the suspension of your driver’s license. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the court process and make sure you get the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in San Bernardino, you need an experienced DUI Defense Attorney to represent you. The DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years of experience successfully defending DUI cases. We have the knowledge and experience to help assist you in your DUI case. We have offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks. Call us now at 877-4-NO-JAIL or 877-466-5245. We will be there when you call.
