Will I Go to Jail for a Second DUI in California?

There are few things more damaging to a person’s reputation than being convicted of a crime. That being said, everyone makes mistakes, and one of the most common mistakes we see in the field of criminal law is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Of course, having a couple of drinks and getting behind the wheel of a car does not make you a bad person–you did not intend to harm anyone, however, courts in California do not treat those who make this mistake kindly. You should note that if you’ve already received a DUI in the past, you will likely face even harsher penalties for a second DUI. Therefore, you may be wondering if a second DUI can even warrant jail time here in the state of California. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Cottonwood criminal defense lawyer to learn more about second DUI charges and how we can help if you’re currently facing them.

Will I go to jail if I get a second DUI in the state of California?

First and foremost, you should understand that if this is your second DUI, there is a very good chance you will have to spend some time in jail. In fact, for a second DUI, you will actually face a minimum of 10 days of incarceration. At most, you could spend up to one year in jail. You should also note that you’ll face a wide range of additional penalties, including the following:

• A maximum $2,500 fine
• Enrollment and completion of a court-approved DUI school
• Mandatory installation and use of the ignition interlock device in your vehicle
• A driver’s license suspension, which can prevent you from traveling to work, appointments, and more

Unfortunately, the more DUIs a person has accumulated, the harsher the penalties he or she will face. Our firm has significant experience representing those charged with DUIs here in the state of California, and we are here to put that experience to work for you in an effort to keep you free and out of jail. Give us a call today so we can get started working on your case and fighting for the outcome you deserve.