Sentencing: driving under the influence.

Under existing law, if a crime is punishable, in the discretion of the court, either as a misdemeanor or a felony, the crime is a misdemeanor for all purposes under specified circumstances, including, among other circumstances, when the court grants probation to a defendant without imposition of sentence and at the time of granting probation, or on application of the defendant or probation officer thereafter, the court declares the offense to be a misdemeanor. Existing law makes it a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and sets forth the penalties for a violation of these provisions. Existing law provides that a person who is guilty of driving under the influence, or driving under the influence causing injury, is subject to enhanced penalties if the current offense for driving under the influence, or driving under the influence causing injury, occurred within 10 years of a separate conviction that was punished as a felony for driving under the influence, driving under the influence causing injury, or vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. This bill would require a felony conviction for driving under the influence or driving under the influence causing injury, to remain a felony for purpose of determining whether the person has been convicted of a separate violation or a prior violation, even if the conviction was subsequently reduced to a misdemeanor pursuant to the discretionary sentencing provision described above. By expanding the group of people eligible for a sentence enhancement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.