Felony DUI Penalties in San Diego

A DUI is considered a felony when a drunk driver causes injury to another driver or passenger.  Being charged with a felony DUI in San Diego is considered a misdemeanor charge and it’s likely that it will go on your criminal record.    You could also be charged for a felony DUI if you’ve had 3 or more DUI convictions within the past 7 years. 

In the county of San Diego there is a ten-year “washout” period.  What this means is that if you’ve had a previous felony DUI conviction within the past 10 years, the current drunk driving charge can be viewed as a felony DUI.  For example, if you were charged for a felony DUI on June 18, 1996 and you are guilty again of DUI on June 15, 2006, you could be charged with a felony DUI.  

Here is a list of possible penalties for a felony DUI in San Diego:

• Jail sentence of 6 months - 1 year

• Mandatory minimum term of incarceration:  48 consecutive hours, or 10 days of community service

• Fines from $390 – $1,000

• 4-year license revocation

• Vehicle may be impounded for six months and you could be required to have an ignition interlock device put on your car up to three years

• Alcohol or drug program for 18-36 months if you haven’t already attended one

Photo Credit:  Patrick Fitzgerald