Multiple DUI Lawyer in San Diego
Second, Third & Subsequent DUI Offenses in California
In California, DUIs are considered “priorable” offenses, which means penalties are enhanced with each DUI conviction (or “wet reckless” conviction) within a certain period of time. Under state law, the lookback period for multiple DUI offenses is 10 years.This means you can face increased punishment if you are charged with a second, third, or subsequent DUI within a 10-year period.
Because multiple DUI offenses make for higher stakes and more severe penalties, working with a proven criminal defense attorney is of the utmost importance. At Premier Criminal Defense, our legal team has cultivated a reputation for being aggressive and experienced legal advocates who fight relentlessly to protect the rights, freedoms, and futures of clients facing criminal charges throughout San Diego and the surrounding areas of Southern California.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI and have previously been convicted of DUI, a wet reckless, or any combination of the two within the past 10 years, you can have confidence placing your trust in our team.
Contact our firm today to schedule your free initial consultation. We are available 24/7.
Here are a few reasons why clients choose us:
- Years of Criminal & DUI Defense Experience
- Our Founding Attorney (Thomas Slattery) is a Former Prosecutor
- We’re Focused on Personalized Service and Communication
- Our Team is Available 24/7 and Offers No-Cost Case Evaluations
Do not wait to speak with a San Diego DUI attorney from our firm. Call (619) 605-0507 or contact us online for a no-cost case evaluation.
Multiple DUI Offenses & Elevated Penalties
A previous DUI conviction is one of the most serious aggravating factors in California DUI cases, and it can substantially increase the penalties and consequences you face. Generally, these include:
- Second DUI – A second DUI conviction within 10 years is punishable by fines and court-related fees, between 3 to 5 years of probation, mandatory DUI school for 18 to 30 months, possible court-ordered installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), a 2-year driver’s license suspension (with possible restricted license after one year), and between 96 hours to 1 year in a county jail.
- Third DUI – A third DUI conviction imposes much harsher penalties than a first or second DUI. These commonly include probation, a 30-month DUI school program, substantial fines and fees, possible court-ordered drug or alcohol treatment, a 3-year driver’s license suspension (with possible restricted license after 18 months), and between 120 days to one year in a county jail.
- Fourth or Subsequent DUI – A fourth or subsequent DUI is grounds for felony charges in California. As the most serious classification of crime one can face, felonies result in substantial fines, California state prison sentences, and the long-term consequences and limitations that can accompany a felony conviction on your criminal record, such as employment limitations and a loss of certain civil rights. While penalties may vary from case to case, a fourth DUI conviction can trigger a 4-year driver’s license revocation and either 16 months or 2 or 4 years in a state prison.
Because multiple offenses typically trigger mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment, one of the largest objectives in these cases is to avoid time behind bars. Aside from arguing the facts of the case – from an officer’s probable cause when arresting you to any results obtained from chemical testing of your breath, blood, or urine – our team also explores options for reducing sentences or seeking alternative sentencing options such as work release, alcohol or drug treatment, community service, or home confinement. In cases involving a fourth offense (felony), avoiding a substantial prison sentence becomes critical to protecting one’s freedom.
Request a No-Cost, Confidential Case Evaluation Today
A second, third, or subsequent DUI is nothing to take lightly. Given the serious penalties at stake and the far-reaching consequences that come with a conviction, your freedom and future are on the line. This is especially true in San Diego and neighboring counties, where prosecutors and judges take a strict stance when it comes to multiple offenders.
To make the most of your right to legal representation during these difficult times, you can place your trust in our experienced DUI defense attorneys at Premier Criminal Defense.
Our team helps clients navigate all aspects of their legal journeys, including criminal court proceedings and administrative hearings with the California DMV. Because time is a factor, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our firm as soon as possible after an arrest.
Discuss a multiple DUI offense and your options when you call (619) 605-0507 or contact us online. Our team is available 24/7 to help.