DUI Penalties

California DUI Penalties

DUI Attorneys Serving Throughout Kern County

DUI penalties in California are set up to deter anyone from considering driving under the influence and are extremely harsh. They vary, depending on the type of DUI offense you are charged with, and your penalty is also often dependent upon who you choose as your attorney.

Is DUI a Misdemeanor in California?

If convicted, the first DUI offense is a misdemeanor offense in California. Even a conviction on a first offense has harsh penalties, including jail time and expensive fines. We will aggressively seek out defense strategies and will relentlessly fight for your defense.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Bakersfield, schedule a consultation online or by calling (661) 874-1325 today!

What are the Penalties for DUI in Bakersfield, CA?

First Offense DUI penalties in California include the following:

  • Need to attend a substance abuse program
  • Up to six months in jail
  • License suspension for up to 4 months
  • Will have your vehicle impounded for up to half a year
  • Have an ignition interlock device installed

2nd Offense DUI penalties in California include the following:

  • A mandatory alcohol or drug program
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • A year in jail
  • An ignition interlock device for up to three years
  • Possible license restrictions

A 3rd DUI offense in California within 10 years will result in:

  • Up to one year in jail
  • A three-year license revocation
  • An 18-month drug or alcohol program
  • Other potential penalties and fines

4th or Subsequent DUI Offenses can result in:

  • Up to three years in jail
  • Felony charges
  • Thousands of dollars in fines
  • A four-year license revocation
  • Rehabilitation program

There are further "enhanced" penalties for:

  • Extremely high blood alcohol concentration levels of .15% or above
  • DUI that resulted in injury
  • Vehicular manslaughter
  • Having a child under 14 years of age in the car
  • Refusing the breathalyzer test
  • If you are on probation for an earlier DUI conviction.

DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Bakersfield & Kern County, California

Over the years, our Bakersfield DUI Lawyers have developed powerful resources for DUI defense and approaches each case with the determination to fight for the client aggressively and thoroughly. This means that each case is reviewed and analyzed to the smallest detail. All aspects of the case are completely reviewed, and if further investigation is necessary, an independent toxicologist or another investigator may be consulted and used in the defense. Contact our Kern County DUI lawyer today!

Contact our skilled attorney at (661) 874-1325 or by completing our online contact form today. 

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “No words to describe the teams professionalism”
    I was arrested for a first time DUI on December of 2015. I went to Mr. Middlebrooks's office the very next day and explained my case. He gave me a step by step overview of what is going to happen. It would be a shame on my part if I didn't review his teams work for me. I was updated promptly and they basically took over the entire area and only called me once or twice where I was actually needed with my case. After 6 months of deliberation, he managed to get my case thrown out due to technicalities and all charges were dropped against me. My greatest gratitude goes to his entire team. I've had sleepless nights over my arrest and how my future was going to be permanently affected if I had been convicted. After researching, I noted that he actually charges a bit more than the average for a DUI attorney in town, but I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever with his service and I would not hold back from recommending his office to anyone. I truly appreciate his teams commitment to quality of work they have done.
    - Gabriel
  • “Best DUI Attorney Around!”
    Mr Middlebrook came highly recommended by a friend who is also an attorney. Mr Middlebrook's knowledge and experience was immediately evident to me during our first conversation about my DUI citation. While I've heard all too often that it's not worth trying to fight a citation for a DUI, he gave me the confidence to do so when I ended up getting one. From that day forward he and his team took care of everything and kept me well informed throughout the process. He was very responsive to any questions I had and while he provided options at every stage along the way, his advice (which you'd have to be a fool not to follow given his track record in these cases) prompted me to pursue the best outcome possible rather than settle for less. He knew he could win and he did. My case was dismissed by the judge before it ever made it in front of a jury. I couldn't be more thankful to him and to my friend for the reference. Hopefully this recommendation will help others achieve a similar outcome by utilizing his expertise. He's worth every penny. Give him a call and speak to him just once about his experience and advice as it pertains to your specific situation. You'll understand what I mean.
    - Eric
  • “The best law firm!”
    Hello my name is Pedro I did the biggest mistake of my life and drove with alcohol in 2019 in my system. When I got caught I felt like I was never going to get through this by myself till I heard about Richard middlebrook. I went to their office very worried not knowing what was going to happen 2 me or my life. Before Richard and his team got to work they made sure i was calm down and started explaining to me everything by detail in how they work and what I liked the most Is that I didn't have to show up to court not once or twice. I really do recommend them for anybody who is going through hard times like I did you'll be in good hands with Richard and his team they do what they exactly promise to do and that is be their for you and you'll end up with good results by choosing them to pick up your case.
    - Former Client
  • “I was, and still am very impressed”
    Just wanted you to know that I think you did an excellent job representing me and my case. I cannot think of anything that you could have said, done, or even a question left not asked that would have affected the outcome of this trial. I was, and still am very impressed with your representation of me, your professionalism, and your presentation of my case. I have a very high opinion of you, and your ability as a defense attorney. Just for your piece of mind, I would highly recommend you to anyone I know, and if ever a need should arise, would not hesitate to use your services again myself. Please let me know that you received this message.
    - Jeremy B.

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