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.
Felony DUI
Penalties for Felony DUI
A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and carries much higher penalties. 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.
Do you face jail time in California for a Felony DUI? – Yes. Felony DUIs are very serious because you face the following penalties:-
- 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.
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.
