A DUI conviction in California can result in harsh penalties, including driver’s license suspension, fines, and even jail time. However, there are several “enhancements” that can increase the severity of the DUI penalties.
One of the most common DUI enhancements is excessive blood alcohol content (BAC) levels. Although having a BAC of .08 percent or more can lead to a DUI arrest, having a BAC of at .15 percent or .20 percent is punishable by tougher penalties.
Penalties for Having a BAC of .15 Percent or Higher
Having a BAC of at least .15 percent is considered to be “dangerously impaired.” You may experience significant impairment, such as blurry vision, substantial balance issues, impaired judgment, and difficulties controlling the vehicle.
A DUI conviction with a BAC of .15 or higher can result in the following penalties:
Driver’s license suspension for a minimum of 10 months
Mandatory IID installation
Mandatory jail sentence
Potential completion of a nine-month course of DUI school
Penalties for Having a BAC of .20 Percent or Higher
Having a BAC of at least .20 percent is considered being “unable to function.” You may require assistance to stand up or walk. Common symptoms include confusion, disorientation, and even blacking out or passing out.
A DUI conviction with a BAC of .20 or higher can result in the following penalties:
The same DUI penalties as having a BAC of at least .15 percent
A mandatory nine-month course of DUI school
Mandatory alcohol treatment as part of probation
With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, DUI offenders who are facing DUI enhancements can challenge the accuracy or legality of the chemical test results. If a chemical test was not properly conducted or a traffic stop was illegal, then the DUI case may be dismissed.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Oakland or within the Bay Area, call the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed at (510) 907-6600 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.