An experienced DUI lawyer will review the details of your arrest, identify any mistakes or violations of your rights, and explore options to reduce the penalties.
They can also guide you through mandatory programs, such as DUI school or alcohol treatment, and represent you in court to present the strongest possible defense.
If you are facing a second offense DUI in California, the consequences can be more severe than a first offense, including higher fines, longer license suspension, and possible jail time. Having an experienced Los Angeles second offense DUI lawyer on your side increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
Review the Arrest for Legal Errors
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer will examine whether the traffic stop and arrest followed proper procedures under California law. For example, the officer must have had reasonable suspicion to pull you over and probable cause to make the arrest.
Your second offense DUI attorney will look for mistakes such as:
- Improper stops: The officer must have had reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as a traffic violation or clear signs of impairment. Stops based on vague suspicion, profiling, or irrelevant factors may be considered invalid.
- Failure to read your rights: Police are required to advise you of your Miranda rights if you are in custody and being questioned. If this step is skipped, any statements you make may be inadmissible in court.
- Errors in documenting evidence: This includes incomplete or inaccurate police reports, missing dashcam or bodycam footage, and mistakes in recording test results. These errors can undermine the credibility of the evidence against you and may provide grounds to challenge the case.
Identifying these errors can be critical because they may lead to reduced charges or, in some cases, dismissal of the DUI case entirely.
Challenge Field Sobriety and Chemical Test Results
Your attorney will check whether standardized field sobriety tests, like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand, were given correctly and under proper conditions.
For chemical tests, such as breathalyzers or blood tests, your lawyer will verify that the equipment was properly calibrated and maintained and that procedures were followed correctly.
Any mistakes or deviations can make the test results unreliable, and your attorney can use these issues to challenge the evidence against you in court.
Negotiate Penalties and Sentences
An experienced DUI lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the penalties for a second offense DUI. This may include lowering fines, shortening probation, or minimizing jail time.
Your lawyer can also explore alternative sentencing options, which may satisfy court requirements while lessening the impact on your life. Effective negotiation can help you avoid the most severe consequences and protect your future.
Alternative sentencing options for a second offense DUI include:
- Enrolling in DUI education programs: These state-approved programs provide education on the dangers of impaired driving, alcohol use, and strategies to prevent future offenses. Completing the program can sometimes reduce fines, probation time, or other penalties, and demonstrates to the court that you are taking responsibility.
- Alcohol treatment: Courts may require participation in outpatient or inpatient alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs. These programs address underlying substance use issues, help prevent future DUIs, and show the court your commitment to change.
- Community service: Performing court-ordered community service allows you to give back to the community while fulfilling part of your sentence. It can sometimes be combined with other alternative sentencing options and may help mitigate jail time or demonstrate good faith to the court.
A DUI lawyer can explain what each program involves, how long it lasts, and when you must complete it. They also help ensure you follow all requirements correctly, so you avoid additional penalties like extended probation, fines, or further license suspension.
Represent You in Court
In California, you go to court for a second offense DUI because the state takes repeat DUI violations very seriously, and legal proceedings are required to determine guilt and penalties. Unlike a first offense, which may sometimes be resolved through plea deals or diversion programs, a second offense triggers mandatory court appearances.
Your court appearance gives you the chance to have an attorney argue on your behalf, challenge mistakes in the arrest or testing, and potentially reduce the severity of the penalties.
A second offense DUI attorney will present legal arguments, submit evidence, and challenge any mistakes made during your arrest or testing.
By clearly explaining your side of the case and using available defenses, your lawyer works to protect your driving record, reduce penalties, and improve the outcome of your second offense DUI case.
Call a Second Offense DUI Lawyer Today
Facing a second offense DUI in Los Angeles can carry serious consequences, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and possible jail time.
You don’t have to handle this stressful process on your own; Los Angeles DUI Lawyer will connect you with the right attorney to handle your second offense DUI case.
We have been helping people charged with DUI connect with the best lawyer for their case for nearly 20 years. Our team has helped thousands of clients protect their rights and future.
Call today to learn more about how we can help.
