Drivers who are convicted of a DUI face a number of significant consequences. Some of the penalties for DUI include:
- A potential jail sentence
- A fine
- Loss of your driver’s license for a period of time
A jail sentence for a DUI conviction is always a possibility. In California, the law allows for it, even on the first conviction. However, just because the law provides for a possible jail sentence does not mean that you will automatically serve time for a DUI conviction.
Factors that Can Influence a DUI Sentence
There are a number of factors that determine whether you will go to jail over a DUI. They include:
- How much over the legal blood alcohol limit you were at the time that you were arrested
- The degree of your reckless driving
- Whether anyone was seriously hurt in the crash
- Whether this conviction was a first offense
In other words, a possible jail sentence depends on the facts and circumstances of your arrest and conviction. Without anything further, a first-time offense may not be enough to send you to jail.
One thing that could help your legal cause is when you hire a DUI attorney to defend you after an arrest. A DUI attorney can help you in several ways:
- They can help you fight the charges if you are not guilty or if your legal rights have been violated.
- They can negotiate a sentence with the prosecutor if you choose to enter into a plea bargain, potentially sparing you from jail time for the conviction.
Contact a Marin County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing any DUI charges, the goal is to obtain the best possible legal outcome. If you have been arrested for DUI, call an attorney at the Mason Law Office today at 833.770.1372 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.