California has a 10-year "lookback" period for prior DUI convictions. This means that if you are arrested for drunk driving within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction, you will receive more severe consequences if convicted of the most recent charge. If more than 10 years have passed since your prior DUI arrest, your current arrest will be regarded as a first-time DUI.

Having prior drunk driving convictions will affect every aspect of your current Los Angeles DUI charge from bail to sentencing. A prior drunk driving conviction within 10 years means longer license suspensions, larger fines, lengthier alcohol education classes, etc. Speak with a Los Angeles DUI attorney to discuss defense strategies to fight for your rights and protect you from the repercussions of a second DUI or third DUI charge.

Los Angeles DUI charges that count as prior drunk driving convictions include driving under the influence (California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a)), driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater (23152(b)), DUI with injury (23153 (a) and (b)), reckless driving involving alcohol, also known as "wet-reckless" (23103.5). The 10-year lookback period is calculated from arrest date to arrest date.

Your current Los Angeles DUI charge can be enhanced with a prior drunk driving arrest even if you haven't yet been convicted of the earlier offense. The California Legislature has declared that the timing of court proceedings should not affect the court's ability to impose enhanced penalties for multiple DUI offenses.

For example, if you are arrested for a third DUI offense while a second drunk driving offense is still being resolved by the courts, then the court in the third case can convict you and sentence you as a third-time drunk driver even though you haven't been convicted as a second-time DUI driver. The only rule is that the offenses occur within a 10-year span.

California drunk driving laws are harsher than ever, particularly for drivers with multiple DUI offenses within a 10-year period. A knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI attorney will fight aggressively to protect you from the consequences of a multiple drunk driving offense and protect your rights.