Getting charged with a second offense DUI can result in harsher penalties, longer license suspension, mandatory jail time, and lasting damage to your professional life. At a time like this, you’re probably worried about your future and unsure how to avoid a life-altering conviction. Luckily, a skilled Costa Mesa DUI lawyer can help.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with an attorney who can build a strong defense on your behalf and fight the charges you’re facing. No matter how serious your alleged DUI offense is, a Costa Mesa second offense DUI lawyer can work tirelessly to get a fair outcome for you.
Understanding Second Offense DUI Charges in California
Vehicle Code § 23152 makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of California. If you have a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years, you will be charged with a second offense DUI if you are found driving under the influence.
Although a second DUI is often still considered a misdemeanor, the penalties can be much more serious than those associated with a first-time offense. Since courts consider repeat DUI offenses a pattern of dangerous behavior that poses a serious risk to the public, prosecutors are often less willing to offer lenient deals.
That said, if you hire a Costa Mesa second offense DUI lawyer who has extensive experience with cases like yours, they’ll be able to craft a strong and aggressive defense strategy. With an excellent defense, there’s a solid chance that prosecutors will offer a deal for reduced charges, protecting you from outcomes that could turn your life upside down.
How a Costa Mesa Second Offense DUI Lawyer Can Help You
Facing a second DUI offense is overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A second offense DUI lawyer in Costa Mesa can handle the entirety of your case, guiding you throughout the process and representing you during all legal proceedings.
Here’s what a dedicated attorney can do to protect you from a damaging DUI conviction:
- Investigate the arrest and gather blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, witness statements, footage of the incident, and other important pieces of evidence
- Review your previous convictions
- Determine if arresting officers made procedural errors that could get evidence thrown out
- Analyze breath and blood test procedures to determine if results are valid
- Request and handle your DMV hearing within the 10-day deadline
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Prepare a strong defense for trial, if necessary
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a drunk driving offense in California, you’ll have exactly 10 days to request a DMV hearing to avoid automatic license suspension. If you hire an attorney soon, they can request a hearing on your behalf and advocate on your behalf during it.
Penalties for Second Offense DUIs in California
If you are convicted of a second DUI in California within 10 years of your first, you may face a handful of harsh penalties that can impact your entire life. It’s your Costa Mesa second offense DUI attorney’s job to mount a compelling defense case on your behalf and either get your charges dropped or reduced to a more manageable offense.
Your lawyer will work tirelessly to shield you from the following second offense DUI consequences:
- Up to one year of jail time
- Expensive fines and court fees
- License suspension
- A mandatory DUI education program
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in all your vehicles to prevent future offenses
- Probation
In many cases, judges will not waive jail time for a second DUI offense. However, a skilled DUI attorney may be able to negotiate alternatives such as home confinement, work release, or an alcohol treatment program to help you avoid imprisonment. Get in touch with a knowledgeable lawyer today to get the help you need to prevent the worst outcomes.
Legal Arguments a Lawyer Can Use To Defend You
Just because you were arrested for a second offense DUI doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. With the help of a second offense DUI attorney from Costa Mesa, you may be able to push for reduced charges or get evidence thrown out if your rights or standard procedures were violated.
Depending on the details of your arrest, a lawyer may make one of the following arguments to defend you:
- The police didn’t have probable cause to pull you over
- Breathalyzer or blood test procedures weren’t followed
- Faulty equipment was used during blood alcohol content (BAC) testing, leading to skewed results
- Your BAC was under the legal limit while you were driving, and only became elevated once you were pulled over
- You have a health condition or dietary issue that impacted the BAC test results
- Officers violated your constitutional rights
Don’t Let a Second DUI Define Your Future
A second DUI charge can impact nearly every area of your life, including your job, finances, insurance, and freedom. Fortunately, a second DUI doesn’t have to define your future. You have the right to hire an attorney and fight the charges you’re facing, no matter how serious they seem.
Contact Los Angeles DUI lawyer today to get connected with a Costa Mesa second offense DUI lawyer who has what it takes to handle your case. A trusted attorney will be able to gather all available evidence and facts to create a strong defense strategy.
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