DUI in Orange County, CA
As you know, a DUI charge can be quite serious, no matter where you live in the United States. However, it’s worth noting that California has some of the harshest penalties in the country, and the legal process could drag on for a significant period. Getting bail bonds for a DUI could be essential, depending on your situation, so you’ll want to figure out how the process works.
DUI stands for driving under the influence and applies to both drugs and alcohol. You can even get a DUI for driving after taking prescription medication. There are many reasons why you might end up in this kind of trouble, but you’ll want to face these issues head-on and hopefully put them behind you.
The legal problems you’ll encounter depend on multiple factors. Here’s a look at the DUI laws in California and some information on getting bail bonds for DUI in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County.
A Look at the DUI Laws in Orange County, California
Orange County’s DUI laws are relatively straightforward. The gist is that it’s illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol to operate a motor vehicle. These laws are found under Vehicle Code Sections 23152 and 23153.
The legal limit throughout California is 0.08% for those 21 and older. A roadside sobriety test will be performed if it’s suspected you’re under the influence of alcohol while driving in California, and if you fail the test, you could face charges.
DUI Penalties in Orange County
The penalties you can expect for a DUI conviction depend on whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony. These penalties are significant and depend on various factors.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Your first three DUI charges in Orange County will probably be misdemeanors unless you cause an injury or death or you have a previous felony conviction. However, the misdemeanor penalties can be significant.
First, you’ll have your driver’s license suspended and receive a fine of up to $1,800 for your first offense. You could also see a stay in an Orange County jail and end up on probation for three to five years. The exact punishment will be decided by the courts when the time comes.
Felony Penalties
Your fourth DUI within ten years is an automatic felony charge, which comes with more significant penalties. You’ll also see a felony charge if you hurt or kill someone or you have a previous felony conviction on your record.
Examples of punishments after a felony conviction include longer Orange County jail terms, monitored felony probation, significant fines, mandatory AA, and having to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car. You could also have your license permanently revoked, lose your voting rights, and be prohibited from owning a firearm.
The exact punishment you’ll receive depends on multiple factors. If you were in an accident while intoxicated, the courts will consider its severity, cause, nature, and the number of people it affected. Your criminal background, age, and previous DUI convictions will also come into play.
Other DUI Charges
Orange County DUI law features enhancements that could influence the charges you face. For instance, you could receive a harsher penalty if you refuse a BAC test, have a BAC of 0.20 or greater, have multiple offenses, were speeding recklessly, or attempted to evade arrest.
Harsher penalties exist for driving with someone 14 or under in the car, injuring more than one person, or driving in a double fine zone.
How DUI Sentencing Works
Many variables are at play regarding Santa Ana DUI sentencing, but there are some general guidelines you should know about if you’re facing charges.
For your first DUI, you could receive a license suspension of up to six months, up to five years of probation, and up to six months in jail. You might also have to complete a DUI program and pay some fines.
If you have a second DUI within ten years, you’ll either have to install an IID in your vehicle for a year or see your license suspended for two years. There’s also a mandatory ten-day jail term, which could extend up to one year, along with five years of probation and completion of a DUI program.
Your third offense comes with either a three-year license suspension or the installation of an IID for two years, along with a jail sentence of 120 days to one year. You’ll also have to pay fines and complete a DUI awareness program.
A fourth DUI in Orange County is an automatic one-year sentence in a state prison, and you’ll receive other felony charge punishments, as well.
DUI Bail in Orange County
DUIs in Orange County are expensive. You’ll have to pay fines, towing expenses, impound fees, court costs, and program fees before starting to rebuild your life. You might also have to pay bail, which will be the most expensive of them all.
Not every DUI charge in Orange County requires bail. If it’s your first offense, it might not be necessary. However, if you’re a repeat offender or were in an accident that caused an injury or death, the courts will want you to post bail before granting your release.
There could be some bail conditions you’ll have to meet, as well. Common conditions include wearing a SCRAM bracelet that monitors your blood-alcohol levels and agreeing to stay in the state. You must also appear for all scheduled court appearances and avoid driving with any alcohol in your system whatsoever.
Contact a Bail Bond Professional
If you require bail, it will probably be for a significant amount of cash, necessitating the services of a bail bond professional. These agencies will post bail for DUI when you don’t have the money to pay upfront, ensuring you gain your release while awaiting trial.
The team at Orange County Bail Bonds understands what you’re going through and wants to give you a second chance in your time of crisis. That’s why we’ve provided bail bonds to Orange County families for over 60 years. Contact us today for discreet bail services for a DUI in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County.