What a California DUI actually costs you depends on the offense level, the blood alcohol level, whether anyone was hurt, and the specific enhancements the prosecution can prove. This guide organizes the penalties by offense level and by enhancement, with links to the detailed article on each, plus the free tools that estimate your exposure.
Penalties by offense level
- First-offense DUI consequences
- First-offense penalties (VC 23536)
- Second-offense DUI
- Third-offense DUI
- Fourth-offense felony DUI
When a DUI becomes a felony
- When a DUI is charged as a felony
- DUI causing injury (VC 23153)
- Great bodily injury enhancement (PC 12022.7)
- Vehicular manslaughter (PC 192(c))
- Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor (PC 17(b))
Sentencing enhancements
- High BAC (0.15% and above)
- High-BAC sentencing factor (VC 23578)
- Child passenger (VC 23572)
- Excessive speed enhancement (VC 23582)
- Refusal enhancement (VC 23577)
Estimate your exposure
Get a free written case analysis below or call me at (888) 271-6644. See also the DUI defenses guide.