Back to Home Media Blog Kern County Community Unites Behind Chain | Cohn | Clark Petition to Demand Stricter DUI Sentencing

Kern County Community Unites Behind Chain | Cohn | Clark Petition to Demand Stricter DUI Sentencing

March 26, 2025 | Article by Chain | Cohn | Clark staff

Kern County Community Unites Behind Chain | Cohn | Clark Petition to Demand Stricter DUI Sentencing

A young couple lost their lives St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Bakersfield while doing everything right. They took a rideshare home to stay safe – but their car was struck by an impaired driver, killing them both and injuring their driver and a third passenger.

This is not an isolated incident. Kern County has seen a devastating number of fatal DUI crashes, and in far too many cases, the many offenders have prior DUI convictions. Weak sentencing for first-time DUI offenders allows repeat offenses to escalate, often leading to tragic consequences. Weak sentencing is not an effective deterrent, and too many people are making the choice to drive impaired. More stringent sentencing and more substantial punishment is necessary to deter people from impaired driving.

DUI crash victims, MADD representatives, community members and attorneys from the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark are coming together to demand stronger efforts to ensure stricter sentencing for first-time DUI offenses; not just higher fines, but real deterrents that make people think before they drink and drive, and prevent repeat offenses.

“Tougher DUI sentencing is about holding offenders accountable, and it’s about preventing the next tragedy,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Kern County deserves safer roads and a system that truly values justice and deterrence.”

The group is asking Kern County community members to come together and sign the petition to urge lawmakers and policymakers to take action and implement tougher DUI laws. They hosted a press conference to answer questions from local media representatives — media coverage could be viewed at the links below.

The goal is to get at least 30,000 signatures, petition officials said, which is the amount garnered by a candidate in the most recent election to get elected in Kern County.

Join by signing the petition: bit.ly/duipetition

 

LOCAL STATISTICS

2024 Alcohol Involved Crashes in Kern County

  • Total Crashes: 524
  • Total Victims: 37 Killed and 731 Injured
  • Pedestrian Involved: 37
  • Bike Involved: 11
  • Motorcycle Involved: 22

2024 Alcohol Involved Crashes in Bakersfield

  • Total Crashes: 210
  • Total Victims: 16 Killed and 300 Injured
  • Pedestrian Involved: 20
  • Bike Involved: 2
  • Motorcycle Involved: 9

Note: Data is from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System; 2024 data is provisional and subject to change.

 

KERN COUNTY DUI LAWS

In California, a first-time DUI offense is typically treated as a misdemeanor. Here’s a breakdown of what a first-time offender might face under California law:

  1. Fines and Penalties: Base fines range from $390 to $1,000. After penalties and assessments, the total cost can rise to $1,500–$3,000 or more.
  1. Driver’s License Suspension: 4 months, which can begin immediately upon arrest if the driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher; If convicted in court, a 6-month suspension. Drivers may be eligible for a restricted license (to drive to work, school, or a DUI program) after a short period and installation of an ignition interlock device.
  1. DUI School: Mandatory enrollment in a DUI education program, typically 3 months (30 hours), but may be longer depending on BAC level.
  1. Jail Time: Possible jail time of 48 hours to 6 months, but many first-time offenders receive probation instead of jail.
  1. Probation: 3 to 5 years of informal (unsupervised) probation; Conditions often include not driving with any measurable alcohol, submitting to chemical tests if arrested again, and obeying all laws.
  1. Ignition Interlock Device: In most counties, first-time DUI offenders may be required to install a device for up to 6 months to continue driving.
  1. Other Consequences: Higher car insurance rates and a DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years and penalties increase for any future DUI offenses.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

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