The results of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in California grow more severe each time you are convicted. A fourth DUI offense can even be prosecuted as a felony. Convictions can leave you facing prison time and incredibly high fines.
You can use this article to understand your fourth DUI offense in California. Get additional information about DUI accusations from the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Call (310) 896-2723 and begin working on a defense to DUI charges in California.
Felony Charges for a Fourth DUI in California
Most DUIs in California are prosecuted as misdemeanors. A DUI causing injury or death can be charged as a felony. Additionally, you can be charged with a felony if you have:
- Three or more previous misdemeanor DUI convictions
- One or more previous felony DUI convictions
This means that a fourth DUI in California will likely be treated as a felony offense in California, even if no one was hurt by your actions. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23550, repeat DUI offenders face harsher penalties for multiple violations.
You should be aware that past DUI charges will remain on your record for 10 years. After 10 years, a DUI will no longer be considered priorable.
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Results of a Felony Conviction for a Fourth DUI
Felony charges are considered more serious than misdemeanor level offenses. If you are convicted of a felony DUI in California, you can face:
- Prison time of up to four years
- DUI classes for up to 30 months
- Incredibly high fines and fees
Additionally, you will likely be forced to complete alcohol treatment after your fourth DUI conviction. It’s important that you understand that you will be considered a felon, if convicted of a felony DUI. This means that you may have difficulty getting certain jobs or gaining admission to some colleges in the state.
You can get professional help quickly if you are accused of a felony DUI in California. Call (310) 896-2723 to talk to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles now.
Fourth DUI Offenses and Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Charges
The court system in California can deem you a habitual traffic offender (HTO) if you commit too many traffic offenses. Generally, a conviction for a fourth DUI will mean you are considered an HTO for three years.
Drivers considered an HTO in California can have additional penalties added to any further convictions they face. For example, if you are legally declared an HTO and you are convicted of a subsequent traffic violation, your penalties can be increased by:
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Up to 180 days in jail
You may no longer be considered an HTO if you go three years without committing another traffic violation after your fourth DUI conviction.
Fourth DUI Offenses and Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs)
Until recently, a fourth DUI conviction in California would have resulted in the revocation of your driving privileges. However, in the year 2019, California adopted the statewide usage of IIDs in DUI cases. Currently, you will be allowed to continue operating your vehicle after a fourth DUI conviction if you install an IID.
You will need to keep an IID in your vehicle for three years if you are convicted of a fourth DUI in California. While your IID is installed, you will need to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test:
- Each time you turn on your car
- At regular intervals while you are driving
Attempting to get around, damage, or tamper with an IID can lead to additional criminal charges in the state of California. Additionally, trying to drive without an IID can result in charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license.
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Get Legal Help Handling a Fourth DUI Offense in California
As you can see, a fourth DUI offense in California can be incredibly serious. You can get help facing this felony charge by contacting a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested. A legal professional could be able to get your charges reduced in some situations.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can also focus on defending you in court. We may be able to argue that you were arrested without reasonable cause. We could even dispute the results of your BAC tests. Find out more by contacting us now.
A Lawyer Can Help with a Fourth DUI Offense
Make sure you’re ready to take charge if you are arrested for a fourth DUI in California by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. We can help you understand your fourth DUI offense. Start getting the answers you need from our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Fill out our online contact form or call (310) 896-2723 to start focusing on your defense.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form