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Felony DUI & Misdemeanor DUI Print E-mail

in California

More Serious : Felony DUI

In California, if you have 4 DUI's within 10 years or you are involved in a serious accident and someone is hurt seriously you face a Felony DUI charge. You can be charged with a felony DUI even if a passenger in your car is hurt seriously. Felony DUIs are very serious because you face :-

  • a minimum state prison sentence of 16 months
  • and parole after your sentence.

How long is a Felony DUI on your record?

  • A felony DUI is on your record for 10 years.

Less Serious : Misdemeanor DUI

Most DUI's are filed as misdemeanors.

How long is a Misdemeanor DUI on your record?

  • A misdemeanor DUI is on your criminal and DMV record for 10 years.
  • After 10 years, the courts and DMV cannot use that DUI against you.
  • The ten year time period begins on your arrest date.
WARNING - presently a DUI conviction will be on your record for 10 years starting from your arrest date. However, there are efforts in the California legislature to make a DUI stay on your record for a lifetime and to be used against you for your whole life. This means if you got a DUI 20 years ago and get arrested for another DUI it will be your second DUI and you will face additional punishment. Expect the worse and expect the California DUI laws to change in the future and make your DUI stay on your record for 15 years or longer if not for a lifetime.


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After DUI Arrest

4 essential steps you must take:

1. Contact the DMV
Contact the DMV within 10 days of your DUI Arrest in California

You must contact the DMV within 10 days of your DUI Arrest.

2. Get your Police Report
Get Police Report after DUI Arrest in California

Obtain and review a copy of your DUI Police Report.

3. Educate yourself
DUI Defense Legal Representation

Educate yourself - learn about
DUI Defense.

4. Plea Bargain or Trial
Plea Bargain or Trial for DUI California

Know your
options in Court - Plea Bargain or Trial.