DUI Penalties and Consequences

Penalties and consequences for a DUI in Santa Barbara, CA depends on if it is a first-time offense, or if it is the 2nd, 3rd or even 4th time DUI incident. To fight a DUI in Santa Barbara requires an attorney who is familiar with the Santa Barbara County court system. More importantly, to help avoid penalties for a DUI in Santa Barbara, an experienced DUI attorney is needed that truly cares.

DUI charges in Santa Barbara can bring the following consequences:

*Keep in mind, these are some of the starting points to penalties and consequences for a DUI in Santa Barbara.

• Informal misdemeanor probation
• Installation and application of an interlock device for your vehicle
• Time in jail
• Substantial penalties and fines that can increase along with the severity of the case
• Increase in car insurance premiums
• Criminal record that may possibly impact future employment
• Mandatory community service that can get in the way of everyday responsibility
• Possible damage of reputation if not addressed properly

What is the Law for a DUI in California?

California Legislative Information regarding the law for a DUI in California.

“According to ARTICLE 2. Offenses Involving Alcohol and Drugs [23152 – 23229.1]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 940, Sec. 32.) 23152.

(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle.

(b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

For purposes of this article and Section 34501.16, percent, by weight, of alcohol in a person’s blood is based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

In any prosecution under this subdivision, it is a rebuttable presumption that the person had 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood at the time of driving the vehicle if the person had 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood at the time of the performance of a chemical test within three hours after the driving.”

For more information, please visit the California Legislative Information website or contact Sanford Horowitz. Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C. has experience in Santa Barbara County fighting DUI cases.

Santa Barbara DUI defense attorney, Sanford Horowitz can help address the following questions regarding DUI penalties and consequences in Santa Barbara:

1. Costs for first-time DUI in Santa Barbara County

If you are visiting Santa Barbara with an out of state license and were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then the same penalties, costs and consequences apply to you as a California resident. Each county in California imposes the same consequences and penalties for a DUI charge. Even if you’ve had no past criminal history, your first-time DUI may be subject to strict penalties and costs. Sometimes up to $2,000 or more, depending on the specifics of your DUI case.

1. DUI checkpoints in Santa Barbara

There are several DUI checkpoints in Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas. You may find more information here, by visiting www.duiblock.com/dui_checkpoint_locations/california/santa_barbara. In the past, some of the DUI checkpoints in Santa Barbara were close to freeway onramps, generally situated near town centers and bars. Please remember, you have the right to remain silent and you have the right to refuse a search in your vehicle by law enforcement, when you’re stopped at a DUI checkpoint. If you feel uncomfortable and/or need assistance when stopped, please contact our law office immediately.

1. What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Santa Barbara?

If you are arrested in Santa Barbara and it is your first time driving under the influence (DUI), you may face jail time, informal probation, and/or both. Typically, if it is your first time DUI offense, you will serve a “work alternative program” of some sort, depending on what the courts decide. Along with that, you may face fines and fees up to a few thousand dollars. Plus, you may have to take DUI classes by a local program provider in Santa Barbara for the DUI. If you are concerned with the penalties and fines associated with your first-time DUI in Santa Barbara, please contact our law firm so we may help you.

Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C. is an experienced DUI attorney in Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has recently been arrested for a DUI, do not wait any longer. Contact Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C. at (805) 749-5670 today!