You can take charge and build a solid defense after a second arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). In this situation, you can rely on a Garden Grove second-offense DUI lawyer to help with all legal matters.
A conviction for a second DUI can result in jail time, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. Fortunately, your Garden Grove DUI lawyer can explore multiple options to resolve these charges, potentially getting the allegations dropped or having them reduced.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has helped thousands of clients connect with lawyers who can confidently handle their defenses, so reach out 24/7 for help.
Do You Need a Second-Offense DUI Lawyer in Garden Grove, CA?
You may need help from a criminal defense lawyer to feel confident about handling drunk driving allegations, especially for a second offense. California treats second DUIs more seriously than first offenses. However, you should only face harsher penalties if you get a second DUI within 10 years of the first conviction.
An attorney can explain how to beat a second DUI and can focus on your specific legal concerns after an arrest. You can rely on your lawyer to:
Help During Legal Questioning
You do not have to discuss your DUI charges with police officers and prosecutors on your own. Instead, you can get professional support and protection from a DUI attorney.
An attorney can protect your rights and advise you on what questions to answer during legal questioning. You should always remember that law enforcement can use all the things you say against you when building their case.
Assist at Pre-Trial Hearings
A second-offense DUI attorney in Garden Grove, CA, can stand up for you during any hearings associated with your criminal charges. For example, a lawyer can tell you what to expect before your arraignment hearing, where the court will explain the specific charges you face.
Your attorney can also help at a bail hearing, when necessary. A lawyer can push the court to order a minimal bail payment, potentially reducing the money you have to pay if you wish to remain out of jail until your criminal trial.
Handle Your Hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The DMV will automatically suspend your license after a second DUI arrest unless you request a hearing. You have limited time to request this hearing, so you must reach out immediately to a lawyer for help.
Your lawyer can clearly explain the process of requesting a hearing and support your claim in front of the DUI hearing board.
Note that the DMV may still suspend your license, even if you request a hearing.
Build Your Defense
You can count on your lawyer to immediately get to work on a personalized defense designed to address the allegations you face after a second DUI arrest. For example, your lawyer may need to show that:
- The police stopped you without reasonable cause
- The police failed to follow correct procedures when administering a blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- The lab handling your BAC test did not handle the samples correctly
You must work with an attorney quickly after an arrest to have a stronger chance of successfully handling a second DUI charge.
Benefits of Hiring a Second-Offense DUI Attorney
Hiring a second-offense DUI lawyer means you’ll have someone on your side every step of the way who takes the charges you face seriously. An attorney can immediately begin working on a solid defense that can help you avoid the harsh penalties for a second DUI conviction.
You could face jail time, fines, and orders to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you drive after a conviction for a second DUI.
Additionally, having a second DUI conviction on your record means you could face harsher penalties if the police accuse you of a third drunk driving offense in the future.
How Do Lawyers Handle Second DUI Offenses?
Your lawyer could use several strategies to handle your legal needs after a second arrest for drunk driving. Depending on your situation, an attorney could focus on:
Convincing a Judge to Drop Your Charges
In some cases, a lawyer can petition the court to drop your second-offense DUI charges. The court could consider this request if your lawyer shows that the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to establish your guilt or if the police violate your rights.
You can avoid jail time after a second DUI if the court dismisses the allegations.
Reducing Your Charges Through a Plea Bargain
An attorney may recommend that you take a plea deal if the prosecution offers one after a DUI arrest. These deals require you to admit guilt for a less serious charge and, in return, the prosecution reduces the penalties you face.
However, the prosecution does not offer plea bargains as often for a second DUI arrest.
Fighting for You in Court
You can rely on a criminal defense lawyer to aggressively represent your best interests in court. Having a lawyer to present your case can improve your chances of getting the result you want.
Talk to Us After a Second DUI Arrest in Garden Grove, CA
You can rely on a Garden Grove second-offense DUI lawyer to construct a personalized defense on your behalf after an arrest. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and assist with any hurdles you face.
Our team works to connect drivers accused of DUIs with lawyers who stand ready to provide comprehensive legal support. You can reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer 24/7 to get the help you need when navigating California’s complex legal system.