Getting a second driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can change your life. Family and friends could look at you differently. Plus, your conviction can impact your ability to land a job, buy a home, and enjoy your life freely.
Take legal action to fight back against your charge. Partner with an Irvine second offense DUI lawyer who prioritizes your legal rights.
Trust a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who has decades of legal experience to handle your second offense driving under the influence case. Your lawyer guides you through the legal process and helps you make informed decisions every step of the way. Speak to an Irvine DUI lawyer.
What Is a Second Offense DUI?
A second offense for driving under the influence charge means you have been convicted of a DUI twice within 10 years. If convicted, you can face harsher penalties than the ones levied against you for your first offense.
An Irvine second offense DUI attorney explains your legal options relative to your charge. Your lawyer wants you to avoid jail time after a second DUI. They learn about your arrest and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case.
Seek legal help immediately after you are arrested for driving under the influence a second time. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can share details about CA Vehicle Code 23540 and how it applies to your case. They can discuss the penalties you could receive if you are convicted of a second offense DUI.
Irvine Second Offense DUI Penalties
The California legal system takes driving under the influence seriously. If you are convicted of a DUI for the second time, the court is likely to punish you to the fullest extent of the law. The California DUI penalties you can receive include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000, with penalty assessments that can increase this total to nearly $2,000
- Summary probation of up to five years
- Enrollment in DUI school for up to 30 months
- Driver’s license suspension for two years
- Installation of an interlock ignition device (IID) in your car for one year
Give your driving under the influence charge the attention it deserves. Hire a second offense DUI lawyer serving Irvine to represent you in your case proceedings. Your lawyer considers many DUI strategies as they try to disprove the prosecution’s case.
How to Dispute a Second Offense DUI Charge
Just because you say you should not be penalized for driving under the influence for the second time does not mean the court will agree with your argument. Have a second offense DUI attorney serving Irvine review your charge. They can share legal defenses they could use to get the court to rule in your favor, such as:
Challenging Police Officers’ Decision to Stop Your Car
The police must have a valid reason for pulling your car over and arresting you for driving under the influence. Your lawyer can argue that there was no probable cause in your California DUI case. If they raise doubts about the decision of police officers to stop your vehicle, the court could dismiss the case against you.
Showing That There is a Lack of Evidence to Support the Prosecution’s Case
To get a conviction, the prosecution must make it clear to the court that you were driving while under the influence. They can present evidence, but your attorney could poke holes in it. If the prosecution has insufficient proof, they may struggle to convince the court to convict you.
Arguing That You Did Not Receive Your Miranda Rights
At the time of your arrest and before you are questioned, the police must read your Miranda rights. If police officers do not provide you with your Miranda warning, you may be unaware that you can remain silent.
Your lawyer could prove that you were never given this warning, which could prompt the court to suppress evidence that the prosecution intended to use.
If the prosecution has concerns about their case, they could propose a plea deal. Your lawyer can teach you about DUI plea bargains and what they entail. Approving a plea agreement allows you to accept a lesser offense than the one you initially faced. In exchange, you get lesser penalties than those associated with a second offense DUI conviction.
Our Irvine Second Offense DUI Lawyers Help You Keep Your Freedom
It is overwhelming to be charged with driving under the influence more than once. You may feel alone and scared during this difficult time in your life.
Thankfully, legal help is available. Irvine second offense DUI attorneys focus on you and your case. They position you to defend against a conviction that could otherwise affect you long into the future.
Choose a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who will advocate for you as you deal with the aftermath of a second driving under the influence arrest. Your attorney knows what it takes to contest your charge. Consult with a DUI attorney.
