Key DUI Laws & Sentencing Factors Unique to Riverside, CA

California Vehicle Code Sections 23152 and 23153 govern most DUI charges throughout the state. However, Riverside County is known for strict enforcement and a proactive approach to traffic and alcohol-related offenses. Local agencies, like the Riverside Police Department and the California Highway Patrol’s Riverside office, routinely set up DUI checkpoints and invest resources in enhanced field sobriety testing training. These proactive measures often result in more complex evidence, from dash cam recordings to chemical analysis reports, which must be carefully examined by your defense attorney.

What Are California’s DUI Penalties?

In California, penalties for even a first-time DUI conviction can be extremely severe. The exact sentence depends on the county, but you can generally expect one or more of the following:

• A six-month license suspension
• At least three months of probation
• Fines up to $1,000
• Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
• Certain counties may impose jail time even for a first offense

Penalties increase if this is a repeat DUI arrest. For example, a second offense can result in doubled maximum fines and a much longer license suspension. A second DUI conviction will mean a sentence of no less than 96 hours of jail time, with the possibility of a longer term. Scroll down to learn more.

Felony DUI Penalties in Riverside

The above punishments pertain to misdemeanor DUI offenses. The consequences for a felony DUI are even more severe. Legal representation can help protect your rights at every stage of the DUI criminal justice process.

From the very beginning of your case, while evidence is gathered and charges are filed, your defense attorney will work to safeguard your legal rights.

Felony DUI in Riverside often involves circumstances such as causing injury to another person, having multiple prior DUI convictions within ten years, or being arrested for DUI with a child in the vehicle. The Riverside County Superior Court treats felony DUI cases with a high level of seriousness, and penalties may include several years of incarceration, large fines, lengthy license revocations, and long-term probation conditions. Unlike misdemeanor charges, felony convictions may also carry lasting consequences, including future restrictions on civil rights and employment options.

It is also important to recognize that, for felony DUIs, certain enhancements under California law—such as high blood alcohol content or refusing a chemical test—can increase sentencing severity. Local courts may have little flexibility when mandatory minimums apply. Working with a DUI attorney in Riverside who is respected among judges and prosecutors provides the opportunity to explore the full range of legal defenses, challenge the facts, or potentially negotiate lesser consequences when possible.

Is DUI a Felony in California? 

In California, a DUI may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Most DUI charges are misdemeanors, even for cases that are not first-time offenses.

Understanding the distinction between misdemeanor and felony DUI charges is critical for anyone facing accusations in Riverside. The deciding factors typically revolve around the circumstances of the arrest, whether there was property damage or bodily injury, and the number of previous DUI offenses on your record. In Riverside, prosecutors often aggressively pursue felony charges if aggravating elements are present, following California's strict sentencing guidelines. Consulting early with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Riverside gives you the best opportunity to understand the risks you are facing and to develop the best legal strategy for your case.

If you are convicted of a felony DUI in Riverside, the repercussions extend beyond criminal penalties—they may also impact your ability to drive, vote, travel, or maintain professional licensure in the future. Having experienced defense on your side ensures you have a powerful advocate throughout the legal journey and can help reduce your exposure to the most severe outcomes under California law. 

Deciding Whether to Fight the Charges With a DUI Attorney in Riverside

Every DUI defense starts with the decision of whether to fight the charges brought against you. This is where you need a DUI lawyer in Riverside who understands how to think like a prosecutor. Choosing to contest charges when a plea bargain has been offered is not a decision to be made lightly.

If you live or were arrested in Riverside, you have the right to challenge the charges against you with the support of an attorney familiar with local procedures and the district attorney's office. Contesting a DUI charge may open a range of possible outcomes, from suppression of illegally obtained evidence to plea agreements that substantially reduce the potential penalties. Many Riverside residents are unaware that the mere existence of procedural errors, uncalibrated testing equipment, or officer missteps can provide a foundation for a successful challenge or negotiation with an experienced dui attorney in Riverside.

It is also essential to understand how the unique dynamics of Riverside County courts—such as the assignment of certain cases to specific branches or judges—may affect your decision to fight. Your dui lawyer in Riverside can guide you in weighing the evidence, considering both strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your case with an experienced DUI lawyer enables clearer decisions and increases your chances of securing the most favorable result possible under local law.

You always have the option to fight the charges and go to trial. This may make sense if:

• The evidence against you is insufficient or flawed
• Your legal rights have been violated
• You do not want to accept the proposed penalties in a plea deal (for example, the prosecutor is not offering terms sufficient for you to plead guilty)

To successfully challenge the charges, you need an experienced DUI attorney who knows how to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Working with a dui lawyer in Riverside can make all the difference.

How Much Does the Average DUI Cost in California?

A DUI conviction in California can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 on average. This cost includes fines, court fees, DUI school, DMV expenses, increased car insurance premiums, and legal fees.

Beyond these direct costs, individuals accused of DUI in Riverside should also consider the indirect expenses, such as lost wages from missed work due to court appearances, mandatory program attendance, or incarceration. Many local employers conduct background checks, so the presence of a DUI conviction on your record may limit future employment opportunities or result in job loss, escalating the long-term financial impact. Higher insurance premiums in Riverside County may persist for several years following a conviction—sometimes doubling or tripling standard rates.

It is also important to account for the specific fees associated with the Riverside County Superior Court system. Each step in the process, from initial arraignment to resolution, may involve administrative costs, surcharges, and required program fees that differ from other California regions. Legal representation from a qualified dui attorney in Riverside early in your case can sometimes offset or reduce these expenses by achieving favorable outcomes such as charge reductions, alternative sentencing, or timely advocacy in DMV proceedings.

Call us at (951) 777-9104 or contact us and discover how we can defend you in Riverside today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Blood Test in Riverside?

Under California’s implied consent law, all drivers lawfully arrested for DUI are required to submit to chemical testing upon request. Refusing to provide a breath or blood sample can trigger automatic license suspension by the DMV, entirely separate from the criminal case outcome. In Riverside, refusing a test will almost always be used by prosecutors as an aggravating factor and may result in harsher sentencing if you are convicted. However, not every request for a test is legally valid—your DUI attorney in Riverside may be able to challenge the legitimacy of the arrest or the testing process to mitigate the impact of a refusal on your case.

Is It Possible to Get a DUI Charge Dismissed in Riverside?

While not common, DUI charges can be dismissed in Riverside if legal or factual errors are identified early in the process. Examples include improper stops, flawed field sobriety testing, or errors in chemical test administration. Our approach focuses on a comprehensive case review, identifying all weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. If law enforcement fails to follow specific protocols, especially during Riverside DUI checkpoint operations, it is occasionally possible for key evidence to be excluded, leading to a reduction or dismissal of charges. Each case outcome is unique, and thorough preparation with a DUI lawyer in Riverside is essential to explore every possible defense.

What Happens if I Am Convicted of DUI in Riverside?

A DUI conviction triggers both criminal penalties—such as probation, fines, and possible incarceration—and administrative sanctions from the DMV, including license suspension. You may also be required to attend DUI education programs, install an ignition interlock device, or complete community service based on the court’s discretion. Riverside courts coordinate with the DMV to ensure compliance with sentencing terms, and violations may lead to further penalties or revocation of diversion status. Having an experienced DUI attorney in Riverside by your side ensures you fully understand the terms, deadlines, and next steps required to comply and move forward after a conviction. Our firm provides ongoing support throughout the sentencing period to minimize disruption and help restore your driving privileges as efficiently as possible.

Is a Second DUI a Felony in California?

In California, a second DUI can be elevated to a felony under certain aggravating circumstances.

While a second DUI within ten years is often charged as a misdemeanor, it is important to remember that Riverside law enforcement and prosecutors carefully evaluate the facts of each case. Aggravating factors—such as refusal to submit to testing, excessive speed, or the presence of minors—can trigger felony charges or lead to harsher sentencing, even for a second offense. Riverside’s local courts have established procedures for repeat offenders, and prosecutors are trained to seek enhanced penalties when public safety concerns are raised. It is critical to work with a seasoned dui attorney in Riverside if you are facing a repeat DUI offense.

To protect your freedom and driving privileges during any repeat DUI process, your legal counsel must be familiar with evolving California DUI statutes and how Riverside courts interpret aggravating circumstances. The right strategy, advised by an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer, can sometimes result in reduced charges, diverted sentencing, or other alternatives. Awareness of local policies and timely legal intervention is key to limiting long-term negative effects for anyone charged with DUI in Riverside.

If you are facing criminal DUI charges, call Daniel DeLimon today for a free consultation at our local number (951) 777-9104.