DUI Laws and Penalties for First Offense, Second Offense, Third Offense and Fourth Offense

August 9, 2010 0 Comments

In today’s world, laws govern each and every aspect of life to ensure that every individual is safe and secure. A part of these laws are penalties and fines. These are imposed on offenders of the law to deter single people in the society from committing an offense or crime. Punishments also prevent offenders from repeating the wrongdoing.

With regard to driving under the influence, the fines and penalties imposed on people who are found guilty of such crime are very stiff. This is because too many deaths and serious injuries are caused from driving under the influence. The fines go to a higher amount and the jail time becomes longer depending on the circumstances affecting the DUI case and if the one being prosecuted is a repeat offender. Penalties also add probation, suspension or revocation of driver’s license, community service or compulsory attendance in DUI school.

For a first time offender, Orange County, California sets penalties with court probation for a period of three to five years. During this time, the offender shouldn’t be drinking and driving. He or she can either report to a court officer or not. Fines can be exorbitant depending on the type of DUI offense. If it’s a misdemeanor, fines are in the range of $390 to $1000. If it’s a felony offense, the fine can go up to $5000. Jail time can be as sort as 48 hours or years depending on the gravity of the DUI case. DUI cases where there’s injury to other people or death, prison time is part of the penalty.

The driver’s license that you have may be nullified for six months. The department of motor vehicles can restrict your freedom to travel regardless of it being for work or school. Drug rehabilitation programs must also be attended and they cover up to 45 hours depending on the BAC level. If you’re a repeat offender and the DUI was committed within a period of 10 years, you might have to report to a court officer when you’re in probation. The fines are the same but your license will be suspended for a longer period of time, 18 months for the second offense, three years for the third offense.

An interlocking device might have to be installed on your car too. Jail sentence goes up to 96 hours for the second offence and 210 days for the third offense. On the fourth offense and if you’re convicted of causing injuries, you might lose your license permanently and have to stay in jail longer.

Orange County DUI Laws