CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

DUI Fines in Los Angeles

Penalties for Drunk Driving in California: Fines, Restitution, and Other Expenses

Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense that can result in a variety of penalties when convicted. California laws impose penalties that judges must impose, which includes more than just jail time. Fines are one of the various types of penalties that can have a severe financial impact on your future.

Fines for Drunk Driving in California

Among the most common penalties imposed for drunk driving convictions are fines. There are a variety of fines and assessments that you may have to pay if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in California. In addition to a base fine, there are also various fees and assessments that you may have to pay, which can result in more than a thousand dollars even for a first-time offender.

The base fine for a first drunk driving offense in California is typically around $390. There are additional assessments that the state government has imposed, which includes payments to a fund designated for victims of crimes. Other mandated fees may also be required.

Supervision on probation, as well as fees for attending alcohol education or awareness programs, may also add to the costs associated with a DUI conviction. These additional fees can result in totals exceeding $2,000 for a first-time DUI offense, and the amount can vary depending on the individual and the court.

Fines and Court Discretion

A person’s fines for a DUI conviction can vary based on a range of factors, including the court’s discretion, nature of the offense, and other circumstances surrounding the case. The court must stay within the bounds of the law, but there is usually a range of outcomes from which the judge may choose to administer the penalty.

In cases where a person cannot afford to pay the fines imposed, the court may allow the individual to serve jail time or community service instead. Each day in jail is worth a certain amount of money, but courts approach this situation in different ways, and the specifics might differ.

Repercussions for Late Payments

It’s vital to ensure you make payments on time once they come due to avoid further complications. Failure to pay on time can result in a probation violation and a bench warrant. Sometimes, an extension may be possible, but it may be challenging to persuade the court that you’ve done everything possible to pay.

Your DUI attorney in Los Angeles can come in handy in such circumstances as they can help you address issues that arise when paying the fines. Most courts accept credit card payments, though they are typically imposed with an additional fee. The court might also allow periodic payments, but missing a payment may attract late fees, probation violation, and bench warrant.

Restitution to Victims

Apart from fines, you may also have to pay restitution to the victim if your actions resulted in personal injury or property damage. The court expects you to compensate the affected persons once they present information about their losses. This is in addition to any fines that may have been imposed.

Working with a DUI Attorney in Los Angeles

If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s crucial to work with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. Working with an attorney can help you evaluate the amount of requested restitution, mitigate the fines imposed, and explore other options to reduce additional expenses. Contact a DUI attorney today to protect your future from DUI charges.