
A fourth charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in California often has serious results. You are likely facing felony charges for a fourth DUI. Does this mean you will go to jail for a fourth DUI? It is more likely that you will face prison time for a fourth DUI in California.
Learn more about felony DUI charges with this article. Consider additional repercussions for a felony DUI and review your options to resolve a felony charge legally.
A Fourth DUI Often Results in Prison Time in California
Technically, a fourth “basic” DUI is considered a “wobbler” in California. Wobblers are charged as misdemeanors or felonies by the prosecution. However, in all likelihood, you will face a felony charge if accused of a fourth DUI. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23550, repeat DUI offenders face harsh penalties for multiple violations.
A conviction for felony DUI results in prison time, not jail time. The prison system in California is considered more severe than local jails. You may end up far away from home if sent to prison. Prisons also hold individuals accused of more serious offenses. Depending on your situation, you may face:
- Sixteen months of prison time.
- Two years of prison time.
- Three years of prison time.
You should expect a longer prison sentence if you were involved in a DUI accident. You could spend many years in prison if someone was hurt or killed in a DUI accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Other Results of a Fourth DUI Conviction in California
You face more than time in prison if convicted of a fourth DUI in California. You may also be fined. If you caused an accident, the court could order you to pay restitution to other drivers. These payments could grow higher if other drivers were hurt or killed.
Additionally, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device (IID). IIDs are personal breathalyzers. You must breathe into them each time you want to start your vehicle. They measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). They prevent your car from starting if you have an elevated BAC. You must place an IID on:
- All vehicles you regularly drive.
- All vehicles registered in your name.
The court may also order you to attend up to 30 months of DUI school. Furthermore, your felony conviction will appear on your criminal record. It will show up each time someone runs a background check on you — this could impact your ability to get a job, find a place to live, or pursue higher education.
Get help mitigating the severity of a fourth DUI in California.
Options to Handle a Fourth DUI Charge in California
Facing felony charges is never easy. Get help handling accusations for a fourth DUI by contacting a lawyer. Your lawyer may investigate your case starting right now. Based on your specific needs, a lawyer may:
Take Steps to Get Your Charges Dismissed
Getting your charges dismissed allows you to move forward with your life. However, it may be challenging to get a fourth DUI charge dismissed. The court may not act leniently due to prior DUI convictions on your record.
Focus on Getting Your Charges Reduced
In some cases, the prosecution may reduce your charges with a plea bargain. Prosecutors do not always offer plea bargains for a fourth DUI. They are more likely to make the offer of a plea bargain for earlier DUIs. A lawyer may focus on all options to get your charges reduced.
Build Your Defense for Court
Your case may go to court if you are accused of a fourth DUI. A lawyer may work to build your defense starting immediately after your arrest. Your lawyer may help with all aspects of your legal case while working to show that:
- You were not operating a vehicle while impaired
- Your BAC levels were under the legal limit while you were driving
- You were stopped without due cause by a law enforcement officer
Learn more about your specific options to handle a DUI charge by contacting a law firm right now.
Talk to a DUI Lawyer About the Penalties for a Fourth DUI
You may go to prison, not jail, for a fourth DUI in California. You could also face fines and other penalties. Get help handling these charges right now by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. You may reach out to us easily. We even provide a free consultation to clients in your situation.
Find out how we can help today. Complete our online contact form to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form