The state of California has very little empathy for those caught driving under the influence. DUI convictions have very serious consequences in California. Orange County, CA has some of the worst penalties across the state. You will be faced with severe penalties such as license suspension, hefty fines, imprisonment and a criminal record that stays with you for the rest of your life.  Any type of DUI conviction- whether it’s your first offense or not, can result in long term difficulties for the rest of your life.

In Orange County, a first offence DUI conviction can result in a fine, probation for a period of 3 years, enrolment in an alcohol program for a period of 3-9 months among other consequences. If you are charged with a first offence DUI in Orange County, the California Department of Motor Vehicles may impose a 1-3 year suspension. If the reported blood or breath alcohol level is above 0.20%, then you are faced with a first offense DUI alcohol program that lasts for nine months. Other factors like if you have prior DUI convictions will determine the severity of your penalties.

If convicted of a second offence DUI, the state of Orange County will enforce a 30 to 60 days in County jail. This time can be increased if the person was already in DUI probation after having previously faced a DUI conviction or any other type of alcohol related convictions. If you were on DUI probation, the Orange County District Attorney’s office can seek additional jail time for you.

If caught driving under the influence and convicted of a third offense in Orange County, you face 150-180 days of county jail. Similar to the second offense, a third offense DUI can have more jail time if the person is already on DUI probation. You can serve a severe jail sentence of almost a year on a third offense DUI.

The fourth offense DUI is a felony which has very severe penalties. A fourth offender is faced with up to 2 year’s jail time. If facing this type of conviction, you must consult an experienced DUI attorney. The stakes are way too high when it comes to fourth offense DUI charges in Orange County and that’s why you need proper legal representation.

A DUI conviction generally has very serious consequences. If your crime is recorded then it will reflect on all your records for years to come. This criminal record can jeopardize countless job opportunities and educational openings that you may come across in future. Other than that, you may find it difficult to secure an affordable auto insurance policy after facing a DUI conviction. Many insurance companies in Orange County will charge drivers even three or two times more for having a history of drinking and driving. Sometimes, you may not get anyone to insure your car all together.

As you can see, the consequences of a DUI conviction in California are very serious. If you or a loved one was arrested for drunk driving, get legal representation immediately.  If you have been arrested for a DUI and you have prior DUI convictions, you will also need the help of a bail bondsman in Orange County to get you released from custody so you can avoid time in jail.  Within Orange County there are five courts each with their own method of handling drunk driving, so it is best to be out of jail and working with your attorney to make your best legal defense to the judge assigned to your case.

Orange County Bail Bonds:  www.bailall.com