DUI Causing Injury
California Vehicle Code § 23153
Drunk driving penalties are serious, but are even more severe with the DUI involves an accident and injury. According to § 23153 of the California Vehicle Code, it is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol and, because of that negligence, cause bodily injury to another.
It is unlawful for a person, while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle and concurrently do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in driving the vehicle, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver.
Were you arrested for DUI causing injury? Get tough defense from our South Bay DUI lawyers.
Penalties for DUI Causing Injury
Anyone who is convicted for driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol) who injured someone other than themselves as a result can face the following penalties for a first conviction:
- 90 days to 1 year incarceration
- $390 - $1,000 in fines
- Driver's license suspension
- Victim restitution
If you are arrested for drunk driving and there are multiple injured victims, you will face an enhanced penalty per § 23558 of the vehicle code. Imprisonment can be enhanced by up to one year per each additional injured victim.
Terms and Conditions of Probation
For a first conviction under § 23556 of the vehicle code, you can face the following terms and conditions of probation:
- Serve at least five days of incarceration before probation can begin
- Participation and completion of an alcohol or drug education program
- Group counseling and individual interview sessions for offenders with a BAC of .20 or more
Defense Strategies We Employ
We understand the severity of DUI causing injury charges, and so do our clients. Typically, our clients are willing to do whatever necessary to not just make their charges go away, but to take steps to prevent future DUIs. With severe cases like this, we usually recommend that our clients, even prior to sentencing, begin alcohol education courses and voluntarily participate in alcohol monitoring. No two cases are the same, but with these cases in particular, our goal is to show the judge that you are committed to change.
Defense from Our South Bay DUI Attorneys
Contact Gold & Witham's South Bay DUI lawyers if you are facing a DUI with injury charge. We understand that this can be an intimidating time, but you can be confident in our proven defense methods. Call us today and receive a free and confidential evaluation of your case.