Driving under the influence in California can result in numerous penalties, including jail time, fines, and probation. DUI probation in San Diego County can last between three to five years. The terms and conditions of your San Diego DUI probation depend on the facts of your case.
At Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers, California’s top defense attorney will fight to get you reasonable DUI probation terms. We also defend individuals accused of probation violations in San Diego, CA. If you face DUI charges or allegations of violating DUI probation, you need an aggressive, experienced San Diego DUI lawyer to handle your case.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation at (619) 357-4977 with one of our San Diego criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case and the DUI process in San Diego.
Table of Contents
How Our San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You with DUI Charges or a DUI Probation Violation
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers has handled thousands of criminal cases since 2010. As a result, we’ve been named National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorneys and Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers. Our San Diego criminal defense lawyer also has a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo.
Our experience and dedication to our clients are reflected in our reviews and results. We understand how to build a solid defense for criminal charges to minimize the consequences of a DUI arrest.
Hiring Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers means that you’ll have experienced legal counsel to:
- Investigate the DUI charges and allegations of probation violations against you
- Gather evidence to help build an effective defense strategy
- Help you understand your legal options
- Review your case to determine if law enforcement officers or the prosecution violated your rights
- Advocate for your best interests throughout the criminal case
- Aggressively negotiate a DUI plea agreement to minimize the consequences of a criminal charge
You do not have to face this matter alone. We’re here to help you fight these charges so you can put them behind you.
Call our law firm to schedule your free consultation with a DUI lawyer in San Diego, California.
What Are the Terms and Conditions of DUI Probation in San Diego?
DUI probation is a standard part of the criminal sentence for convictions of violations of Section 23152 or 23153 of the California Vehicle Code. These sections explain California’s DUI laws.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Additionally, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit. A violation of Section 23152 generally results in three to five years of DUI probation.
DUI probation is generally informal. Therefore, you do not have a probation officer you must report to during your probation term. However, you must obey all terms of your probation, or you can be arrested and charged with violating probation.
Probation for a violation of California’s DUI laws generally includes:
- Completing a mandatory period of DUI school
- Performing community service
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Suspension of driving privileges, although you may be eligible for a restricted driver’s license or to drive without restrictions with an IID
- Paying restitution to DUI accident victims
- Mandatory attendance at one or more DUI programs, including a MADD Victim Impact Panel and the Hospital and Morgue Program
- Attending Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous meetings
- Wearing a SCRAM device (electronic monitoring for alcohol use)
In addition to the terms related directly to your drunk driving conviction, the court also imposes other DUI probation terms. For example, you are prohibited from committing additional crimes.
You may be required to submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing. In some cases, the court could order you to refrain from consuming alcohol as part of your DUI probation.
How Can I Violate DUI Probation in San Diego?
Failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions of your probation is considered a violation.
Common DUI probation violations include:
- Failing to enroll and/or complete DUI school and other required programs
- Refusing to take a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test if you are stopped for driving a vehicle under the influence
- Failure to pay court fees, assessments, and court-ordered restitution
- Not meeting with your probation officer, if serving formal DUI probation
- Having any alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle
- Failing to attend required court hearings
- Refusing to install a court-ordered ignition interlock device
- Tampering with or taking off a SCRAM device
California has a Zero Tolerance Law for drivers serving DUI probation. Operating a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system is illegal if you are serving probation for drunk driving. You also consent to PAS and chemical tests for BAC levels under the law and as part of your probation terms.
Consequences for DUI Probation Violations in San Diego
Violating the terms of DUI probation can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. When you appear in court, the judge could ignore the violation and release you without further consequence. However, that is very unlikely.
What will likely happen for a probation violation is that the judge will sentence you to one or more of the following penalties:
- Extended probation period term
- Additional conditions to your DUI probation
- Probation revocation and imposition of the original jail sentence
- Additional jail time
You are also charged with probation violations. Therefore, the judge may impose separate penalties for that charge. If you are accused of violating probation, you need legal advice immediately regarding your options for defending yourself to avoid jail time and other penalties.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Diego DUI Probation & Probation Violation Lawyers
Violating DUI probation can result in additional penalties. Do not fight these charges alone. Instead, call Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our San Diego DUI probation lawyers.
