Fourth Offense DUI

San Jose DUI Defense Lawyers  

Sentences for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs


Typical 4th DUI Offense within 10 years charged as a Felony (Vehicle Code Section 23550 and 23550.5)

  • One year jail or prison time
  • Five-year formal probation or parole
  • 4-year license revocation
  • Multiple offender program – 18 months
  • Designation as a habitual traffic offender for three years after conviction
  • Ignition interlock device required

Your fourth conviction will be charged as a felony due to prior convictions. A felony conviction will bring you the same or higher fines, a longer license suspension/revocation, required attendance in a drug/alcohol treatment program, and at least a one-year jail sentence.

Felony Drunk Driving (Vehicle Code Section 23153 (a) and (b)

If the fourth DUI charge involves an injury you will most likely face felony charges. This is often referred to as a "felony drunk driving." However, in cases involving minor injuries, prosecution may elect to charge you with a misdemeanor Vehicle Code 23153. 

Additional DUI Offense information: 

How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Insurance
Information on how drunk driving convictions affect automobile insurance, from Insure.com.

Your insurance costs will probably increase for your family. If you have to drive for your job, your employer's insurance rates may rise or you may not qualify for employment in areas where insurance rates are negotiated based upon drivers without DUI convictions.


The San Jose criminal defense attorneys at the Moore Law Firm with offices in San Jose and Fresno, represent clients facing serious state and federal criminal charges such as drug crimes, domestic violence, and drunk driving, including repeat and felony DUI offenses in the South and East Bay Area, Santa Clara County, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Fremont, Milpitas, Hayward, Morgan Hill, South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Martin, Watsonville, Salinas, Santa Clara, Campbell, San Mateo County, Santa Cruz County, Alameda County, San Francisco County, Contra Costa County, Monterey County, Stanislaus County.

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