Exum Law Offices

Call 951-934-0227 for a free initial consultation.

Exum Law Offices

Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

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Get Immediate Help For A DUI Charge

DUI charges are some of the most common you may face in California, and they are all serious. From the point of the initial arrest all the way through arraignment and sentencing, you can feel seriously overwhelmed and without control. However, with a strong, experienced attorney on your side, you can take back some control.

Attorney Darryl Exum defends clients in San Bernardino and Riverside against criminal charges of all kinds. It is so important to move quickly in a drunk driving case because the process of conviction can happen rapidly. These are regular charges, and all those involved – except you – understand how things proceed intimately. Mr. Exum lends you his experience and advocacy to stay ahead of the charges against you.

Drunk Driving Consequences In California

One of the major worries that people have if accused of drunk driving is the potential penalties. The California statutes are very clear on the consequences of misdemeanor drunk driver offenses:

  • License suspension: 4 months after a first offense; 1 year with a second offense within ten years; 2 years for a third.
  • Jail time: Up to six months for a first conviction; at least 96 hours to a maximum of 1 year for a second offense, and going up from there.
  • Fines: The fine is between $390-$1000; if there are injuries involved, the maximum is $5000

For felony DUIs, the fines are roughly the same, but the potential jail time and loss of license periods are much longer.

What Is The Difference Between A DUI And A Felony DUI?

In California, driving under the influence (DUI) charges can be confusing, as the consequences vary depending on the severity and context of the offense.

While a standard DUI typically falls under the misdemeanor category, circumstances can elevate it to a felony DUI, carrying far graver repercussions. A regular DUI becomes a felony when it demonstrates a blatant disregard for safety or poses significant harm, such as:

  • Involvement in a DUI accident causing death or bodily injury
  • Incurring a fourth DUI within a ten-year window
  • Having one or more prior felony DUI convictions

A DUI while transporting a minor passenger is known as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case.

Facing The Steeper Slope: California’s Felony DUI Penalties

The penalties for a standard DUI can be harsh but not as severe as felony convictions. If your case does not go your way, you could face up to 16 months in prison for a fourth DUI in 10 years. If someone is hurt or killed, you could face between 2 years in jail to life in prison, depending on the situation.

Felony convictions threaten your driving privileges as well as your freedom. You could lose your license for up to four years if convicted of felony DUI.

Beyond these immediate administrative and legal sanctions, the collateral consequences of a felony DUI can be intense. Social and professional repercussions can impact your employment, housing and even your voting rights, making it challenging to rebuild your life.

A Strong Defense Can Minimize Your Circumstances

It is crucial to understand the gravity of your charges and seek legal counsel if facing any DUI charges. Driving under the influence is a severe offense that brings with it the risk of life-changing consequences. That is why it is so critical to have an experienced California DUI attorney on your side.

What Exum Law Offices Can Do For You

Any time you turn to attorney Darryl Exum, he takes immediate action. He puts pressure on the evidence and testimony against you and puts the prosecution’s case under a magnifying glass. He upholds your rights with strength and experience built over 25 years.

Contact him today for a free consultation and to learn more about the firm’s services. Call 951-934-0227 or send an email using this form.