A chief concern for those charged with DUI in Beverly Hills is what potential Beverly Hills DUI Penalties they may face. Sentencing is often the last step of the DUI Process, and people sentenced in Beverly Hills can expect the following penalties:
First Time DUI Offenders in Beverly Hills (Misdemeanor):The penalties listed here apply to DUI cases without aggravating factors. For people facing enhanced allegations, such as DUI Refusal or DUI under age 21, additional penalties would apply.
Jail sentences for first time DUI offenders in Beverly Hills can range from a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of six months in a Los Angeles County Jail facility. The sentencing judge will also assess a base fine and penalty assessments. A first DUI carries a maximum $1000 base fine; however the assessments added to the fine make the final amount significantly higher.
Beverly Hills DUI Penalties will also trigger a driver’s license suspension unrelated to any administrative suspension imposed by the DMV. This suspension period may extend to a year, depending on the underlying circumstances of the DUI. Beverly Hills is involved in the Los Angeles County DMV IID pilot program, meaning that installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (“IID”) would be required for first time DUI offenders.
Additionally the Beverly Hills sentencing court will impose a mandatory DUI class between three and nine months in length.
Most people convicted of a first DUI in Beverly Hills are sentenced to between three and five years of probation. Probation can either be formal, where the individual is under supervision and is assigned a probation officer, or informal, where the defendant does not have to meet with a probation officer and instead is solely responsible for meeting all court-imposed deadlines.
Those on probation are subject to various restrictions, including search and seizure conditions that would allow a police officer to search the defendant and his or her property at any time without probable cause. Additional probationary terms include remaining law abiding, maintaining a valid license and insurance, and not driving after drinking any amount of alcohol.
Second Time DUI Offenders (Misdemeanor)Someone with one prior DUI conviction within the past ten years would face harsher Beverly Hills DUI Penalties.
The court will impose a minimum of 96 hours and a maximum six months in jail for a second DUI conviction. A longer DUI class, either 18 or 30 months, would be required.
Additionally, a second DUI conviction triggers a one year license suspension. For defendants who refused or who were on probation when they committed the second DUI, there is no ability to get a restricted license. All others would be eligible for a restricted license after 90 days as long as they have an IID installed in their vehicle. Regardless of any DMV action, the Court will also impose an IID requirement. Fines for second DUI convictions in Beverly Hills are also higher.
Third Time DUI Offenders (Misdemeanor)Those with two prior DUI convictions can be sentenced to serve a jail sentence between 120 days and one year.
Additional Beverly Hills DUI Penalties include either the 18 month (SB38) or the 30 month DUI class, IID installation, and a three year driver’s license suspension with no opportunity for a restricted license. All fines and fees are significantly higher.
Fourth Time DUI Offenders (Misdemeanor or Felony)A fourth DUI within 10 years can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Sentences will range from either a minimum of six months in jail for a misdemeanor to three years in prison for a felony.
Other Beverly Hills DUI Penalties for a fourth DUI include the loss of driving privileges for four years, a mandatory DUI class between 18 and 30 months, IID installation, and more expensive fines.
Because of the severe consequences that a Beverly Hills DUI conviction can carry, it is crucial that you have a knowledgeable and experienced DUI Defense attorney representing you as soon as possible. Beverly Hills DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut is highly skilled at challenging DUI allegations and minimizing or avoiding harsh Beverly Hills DUI Penalties. Mr. Kraut is a former deputy district attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience and is highly respected by law enforcement and prosecutors.
For more information about Beverly Hills DUI Penalties, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Beverly Hills DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. located 8484 Wilshire Boulevard, #660B, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3220. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at (323) 464-6453 or (424) 457-0899.