DUI Collateral Consequences Can Be as Bad as the Sentence

 Posted on April 08, 2025 in DUI

If you are facing DUI charges in California, you should take those charges very seriously. Not only could you face penalties imposed by the court in the event of a guilty verdict, but you may also face a wide range of collateral consequences that can potentially last for several years.

These collateral consequences often surprise people, even more than the judicial penalties. You should not face DUI charges alone. An experienced Sonoma, CA DUI lawyer will build a solid defense on your behalf after comprehensively reviewing the evidence.  

What Court Penalties Can You Expect for a First-Time DUI in California?

A first-offense DUI in the state is a misdemeanor, with potential punishments that include three to five years of probation, $390 to $1,000 in fines and fees, a six-month driver’s license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, DUI school, and, depending on the county, a short jail sentence (up to six months, depending on the county), or a work release. The defendant may also be sentenced to attend a victim impact panel.  

There Are Two Types of Legal Proceedings Following a DUI

Defendants will face a jury trial or a bench trial in a California criminal court and will also face a California DMV license suspension hearing. The DMV cannot sentence a person to jail or impose fines – it can only suspend driver’s licenses. If the defendant does not request a DMV hearing in a timely manner (within 10 days of the DUI charges) and does not prevail at the DMV hearing, his or her driver’s license will be suspended.

What Collateral Consequences Could a Defendant Face Following a DUI Conviction?

The collateral consequences that can negatively affect a defendant following a DUI conviction include:

A Steep Rise in Auto Insurance Premiums

Anyone with a DUI conviction will find their auto insurance premiums rising dramatically after serving the period of license suspension. In some cases, auto insurance can increase so much that it becomes unaffordable. On average, car insurance increases between $2,300 and $7,300 following a California DUI for a period of three to six years.

Adverse Employment Decisions

A DUI conviction in California can result in the loss of a current job and prevent an individual from obtaining employment in the future. In particular, if a court sentence includes any jail time, being away from a current job can result in being let go.

Even when a defendant is not sentenced to jail, if a current employer finds out about the DUI, he or she could still be let go, depending on the job. Attempting to find a new job can be disheartening. Many companies will not hire an individual with a DUI on his or her record.

The Loss of a Driver’s License

Not only do most people depend on their ability to drive to get to and from work, but they also depend on their vehicles to run errands, take the children to school, go on vacation, and engage in recreational activities. Being unable to drive can severely limit a person’s mobility, making it difficult to engage in regular day-to-day activities.

A Severe Financial Impact

In addition to the court fines and fees a person will pay for a DUI, the following costs may follow a DUI conviction:

• Vehicle towing and impound fees
• Legal fees for a DUI defense lawyer
• Reinstatement fees when the individual becomes eligible to drive again
• Additional fees to maintain a high-risk auto insurance policy
• Monthly fees for an ignition interlock device, if ordered

Reputation Loss

If the individual has a professional reputation to uphold, particularly one that his or her business depends on, a DUI conviction can significantly damage his or her standing in the community. Personal relationships can also be destroyed following a DUI conviction.

Contact a San Francisco, CA DUI Lawyer

If you have been charged with DUI, it is important to have a Napa, CA DUI attorney from Burglin Law Offices, P.C. to guide you through the process. Attorney Burglin has represented more than 5,000 individuals charged with DUI and has been lead counsel in more than 120 DUI jury trials throughout his 32-year career. For a free consultation, call 415-729-7300.