Child Endangerment Lawyer in Santa Barbara, CA

Experienced Santa Barbara DUI Lawyers

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a serious offense. However, driving drunk with a minor in the car is much worse, resulting in a separate criminal offense or an enhanced DUI offense.

If you have been arrested for a DUI and child endangerment, our Santa Barbara DUI lawyers at Appel & Morse are dedicated to helping you get your life back on the right path. With over 40 years of collective experience, we understand what it takes to get a positive outcome in your case.

What Are The Penalties for DUI with a Child?

If you have been charged with a DUI for the first time and had a minor in your car during your arrest, you may serve a maximum jail sentence of six months in addition to an enhanced penalty of 48 hours in jail for child endangerment. However, if you have been charged with your second DUI, then the child endangerment enhanced penalty is 10 days in jail. A third DUI will lead to an enhanced sentence of 40 days in jail, while a fourth DUI enhances the punishment to 90 days in jail.

If the minor is under 14 years of age, you may be charged with either an enhancement or a separate charge of child endangerment. A misdemeanor child endangerment penalty is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year, while a felony child endangerment penalty is punishable by a prison sentence between two to six years.

Let Us Fight For You

Our Santa Barbara DUI lawyers have an exceptional track record of success when it comes to protecting the rights and freedom of our clients. With the charges this serious, it’s imperative to get an experienced and skilled criminal defense team on your side.

Contact us and request a free case evaluation today.