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California DUI Charges

Every DUI charge tier in California, with the statute, BAC threshold, jail range, fine range, and ignition-interlock requirement for each prior-offense band. Sourced from primary state authorities.

Charge Tiers

California categorizes DUI offenses by BAC, prior history, and aggravating factors. Each tier carries materially different consequences.

Common Defenses

Stop & Detention Challenges

  • Officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
  • Stop was prolonged beyond its lawful purpose
  • Fourth Amendment violation in the encounter

Field Sobriety Test Challenges

  • Officer not certified to NHTSA standards
  • Test administered on uneven surface or in poor conditions
  • Pre-existing medical conditions affecting performance

Breath Test Challenges

  • Device not calibrated to manufacturer specifications
  • Operator deviated from approved testing protocol
  • Mouth alcohol, GERD, or rising BAC

Blood Test Challenges

  • Chain-of-custody breaks
  • Phlebotomist not qualified per state regulations
  • Improper preservatives or storage conditions

Charged in California? Don't face it alone.

The DUIINFO portal gives self-represented defendants the same case-management tools attorneys use: deadline tracking, motion templates, court calendar, and AI-assisted case research grounded in California law.

General legal information for California, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult a licensed California DUI attorney. Statutes link to the official California primary source. Last verified: .