Item: Los Angeles DUI Lawyers Hoffman and Associates
Rating: 5
Author: Micaiah Botts

Southern California Misdemeanor DUI – Potential Consequences

Potential Consequences for a California Misdemeanor DUI

When a person is charged with a DUI under California Vehicle Code §23152 sections (a) or (b) it is a misdemeanor charge. As with any criminal charge, a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony and doesn’t warrant consequences that are nearly as severe. However, the penalties can still disrupt your life, and may include:

Informal probation
Jail time
Fines
Driver’s license suspension
Alcohol rehab or education

If you are facing misdemeanor DUI charges in California, the most common penalty that you will face is a fine. The fines for a misdemeanor DUI range from $390 to $1000. In general, fines charged in misdemeanor cases will be closer to $390, unless there are aggravating circumstances. After the fine has been calculated, you will also have to pay court costs and fees, which can add significantly to your financial penalty. So, in reality, the $390 fine will closer to $1,500 after the court has finalized the sentence and added the appropriate costs and fees.

Misdemeanor DUI Penalties Beyond Fines

In addition to fines, a misdemeanor DUI sentence will almost always require that you attend alcohol rehabilitation and education classes. These are often the types of classes such as those offered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving or Alcoholics Anonymous. You will be asked to attend a certain set program and number of classes, and then you will have to provide proof and certification to the court that you have completed this portion of your sentence.

Along with a fine and any rehabilitation classes, the court will also require that you be put on probation. Probation comes in two forms, informal and formal. Misdemeanor DUI sentences involve informal probation, which will last from three to five years. You will not have to check in with a probation officer, and no one will be monitoring your behavior. Instead, on your own honor, you will be responsible for not committing any further offenses during the probationary period.

Very rarely does a misdemeanor DUI sentence involve jail time. However, jail time can be ordered due to aggravating circumstances if the prosecution determines it appropriate. In second or third misdemeanor DUI offenses, jail time will be a consideration due to the previous criminal history.

Experienced California DUI Lawyers

At Hoffman & Associates, we understand the complex laws relating to driving under the influence. Our DUI attorneys have successfully defended clients facing DUI charges in courtrooms throughout California. The relationships we have developed with prosecutors and judges over the past 30 years in practice benefit our DUI clients greatly. If you or someone you know is facing a misdemeanor DUI charge, it is important to get a skilled criminal DUI attorney involved with your case immediately. Contact us today for a consultation and put our experience with DUI cases to work for you!

★★★★★

I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts

My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin

Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown

I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.

I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez

Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.

Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.

I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.

I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.

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