What Is the Lookback Period for DUI in California?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, one of the most important factors affecting your case is whether you have prior DUI convictions on your record. California law imposes progressively harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenses, but only if they fall within a specific timeframe, commonly referred to as the lookback period or washout period. For anyone facing DUI charges in Ventura County, even without prior convictions, understanding how the lookback period works is crucial. It can mean the difference between a misdemeanor DUI and a felony charge or between a temporary driver’s license suspension and losing your driving privileges for years. Learn more below, and contact the Law Office of Paul Tyler for help from an experienced and successful Ventura County DUI defense lawyer.
California’s 10-Year Lookback Period for DUI
California has a 10-year lookback period for DUI convictions. This means that if you are arrested for a DUI, any previous DUI convictions from the last 10 years will be considered when determining your penalties.
The lookback period starts from the date of arrest—not the conviction date. So, if you were arrested for a DUI in April 2015 and arrested again in March 2025, your prior DUI would still count under the lookback period, even if the conviction happened later in 2015. However, if your last DUI was in 2013, it would be outside the lookback period and would not be used to enhance your penalties.
Why the Lookback Period Matters
The number of prior DUI convictions within the 10-year window determines the severity of your penalties. Here’s how California law escalates punishments for multiple DUI offenses:
First DUI Offense
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines between $390 and $1,000
- Six-month license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education program (three to nine months)
Second DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Two-year license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education program (18 to 30 months)
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Third DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)
- Up to one year in jail or 16 months in state prison
- Fines up to $1,000
- Three-year license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education program (30 months)
- Required installation of an IID
Fourth DUI Offense (Within 10 Years) – Charged as a felony
- State prison sentence of up to three years
- Fines up to $5,000
- Four-year license revocation
- Permanent felony conviction on your record
In addition to these legal penalties, multiple DUI convictions can lead to higher car insurance rates, employment consequences, and difficulty obtaining professional licenses.
Does a DUI Fall Off Your Record After 10 Years?
After 10 years, prior DUI offenses do not count toward new DUI sentencing enhancements. However, this does not mean they disappear completely. The following consequences remain:
- Criminal Record: A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless expunged.
- Driving Record: A DUI conviction stays on your DMV record for 10 years. It cannot be used against you in a new DUI case after that period, but insurance companies may still see it.
- Background Checks: Certain employers and government agencies may still be able to see past DUI convictions, even after the lookback period expires.
Can a DUI Be Expunged?
California law allows for DUI expungement under certain conditions. If you completed your probation and did not serve time in state prison, you may petition the court to have your conviction dismissed. While an expunged DUI will no longer appear on most background checks, it does not erase it from your driving record or restore your full rights (such as gun ownership if your DUI was a felony).
How DUI Cases Are Handled in Ventura County
If you are facing DUI charges in Ventura County, your case will be processed through the Ventura County Superior Court system. If pleading not guilty, you will have to appear in court, and the prosecution will present evidence, which may include, for example, field sobriety test results, breathalyzer or blood test results, police officer observations, or dashcam or bodycam footage. However, an experienced Ventura County DUI defense attorney can challenge the evidence and look for errors in police procedures, inaccuracies in chemical tests, or violations of your rights.
Possible DUI Defenses
Even if you failed a breathalyzer test, there may still be ways to challenge your DUI charge. Some common defenses include:
- Inaccurate BAC Readings: Breathalyzer tests can give false readings due to improper calibration, medical conditions (like acid reflux), or certain diets (like keto).
- Unlawful Police Stop: If an officer pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, any evidence gathered may be inadmissible in court.
- Faulty Field Sobriety Tests: Many field sobriety tests are unreliable and can be influenced by poor road conditions, medical issues, or even nerves.
- Violation of Rights: If the police failed to inform you of your rights or improperly conducted the DUI investigation, your attorney may be able to get your case dismissed.
What to Do If You Are Facing a DUI Charge in Ventura County
A DUI charge is serious, but it does not automatically mean a conviction. If you have been arrested for DUI in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, or anywhere in Ventura County, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Do not admit guilt or make statements to the police without a lawyer present.
- Request a DMV hearing within 10 days to challenge your license suspension.
- Contact an experienced Ventura County DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Office of Paul Tyler, we have extensive experience defending DUI cases throughout Ventura County. We will analyze your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and fight to reduce or dismiss your charges whenever possible.
Contact Ventura County DUI Defense Attorney Paul Tyler Today
A DUI conviction can have lasting consequences, especially if you have prior offenses within the 10-year lookback period. If you are facing DUI charges in Ventura County, don’t leave your future to chance—get the legal defense you need. Contact the Law Office of Paul Tyler today by calling 805-889-9000 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
