What Are the Penalties for DUI Involving Injuries or Death?

 Posted on September 21, 2023 in DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have long-term consequences. Because drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a danger not only to themselves but also to others on the road, they may face serious penalties if they are arrested and convicted of offenses related to DUI. In cases where a DUI results in someone else’s injury or death, the penalties are likely to be even more severe. For people who may face these types of charges, it is important to secure legal representation from an attorney who can help defend against a conviction or seek reduced penalties.

Penalties for DUI Resulting in Injury

A person who is accused of causing someone else to suffer a bodily injury because the person was driving while intoxicated may face a number of harsh legal consequences. The penalties vary depending on factors such as prior convictions and the seriousness of the injuries:

1. Fines: A first violation may result in fines ranging from $390 to $1,000. For a second violation within 10 fines of $390 to $5,000 may apply. A third or subsequent violation within 10 years may lead to fines of $1,015 to $5,000.

2. License suspension: For a first violation, a person’s driver’s license will be suspended for one year. A second violation will result in a three-year driver’s license revocation. After a third violation, a five-year license revocation will apply.

3. Jail time: A first violation carries a sentence of 90 days to one year in a county jail. For a second violation, a county jail sentence of 120 days to one year may apply. A third violation may result in a sentence of two, three, or four years in a state prison. If more than one person was injured, and a person is convicted of a felony, they may receive an additional sentence of one year in a state prison for each additional injured person.

4. Probation: Instead of or in addition to jail time, a person may be placed on probation for a specified period, and they will be required to receive alcohol and drug education or counseling or participate in a driving-under-the-influence program.

Penalties for DUI Involving Someone’s Death

When a DUI results in the loss of life, the legal repercussions become even more severe. In these cases, a person may be charged with the offense of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The penalties for this offense will depend on whether a person is accused of gross negligence, meaning that they had a total lack of care for the safety of others and refused to take the actions that would be expected of a reasonable person that would prevent people from suffering harm.

A person who is convicted of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence may be sentenced to four, six, or 10 years in a state prison. Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence may result in a sentence of 16 months, two years, or four years in a county jail. A second conviction for vehicular manslaughter, with or without gross negligence, will result in a sentence of 15 years to life in a state prison.

Contact a Sonoma DUI Injury Attorney

If you are facing DUI charges, and you have been accused of causing an accident in which someone else was injured or killed, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney. The consequences of these charges are severe, and they can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life.

At Burglin Law Offices, P.C., our Sonoma County DUI defense lawyer works to help people who have been accused of drunk driving in California. We have extensive experience helping clients navigate the complexities of DUI law, and we will work to protect your rights as you defend against criminal charges. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you defend against vehicular manslaughter or DUI charges involving injuries, contact our office at 415-729-7300.