You have legal options that can allow you to handle a second arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). In this situation, you can turn to a professional Lancaster second offense DUI lawyer for professional help.
A Lancaster DUI lawyer can protect your rights, assess your situation, and immediately get to work on a personalized defense strategy. Depending on your situation, an attorney could get your charges reduced or even dismissed. You can also rely on a legal professional to aggressively fight for you in court when necessary.
Our team has decades of experience helping clients like you connect with attorneys who can handle complex DUI accusations.
Why Hire a Second-Offense DUI Lawyer in Lancaster, CA?
Hiring a DUI attorney after a second arrest for drunk driving can improve your chances of successfully resolving these serious charges. A lawyer can help you in multiple ways, often:
Answering Any Questions You Have
It’s natural to have questions if you face charges under CA Vehicle Code 23540 – DUI Second Offense within 10 Years. An attorney can provide the answers you need and guidance as they work on your defense so that you can make informed legal decisions.
Protecting Your Rights
You have a right to legal representation after an arrest. You can exercise this right by contacting a DUI lawyer before you answer any questions for the prosecution or police officers. A lawyer can stand by you and monitor the police to ensure they do not violate your rights.
Helping with Pretrial Hearings
You can count on your attorney to provide the support you need when dealing with pre-trial hearings. An attorney will guide you through your arraignment hearing and assist with your bail hearing, if you have one.
Explaining Your DMV Hearing
The DMV can automatically suspend your driver’s license after a DUI arrest. You have 10 days from the time of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to protest this suspension. We can provide more information about the hearing and how you can protect your driving privilege.
Fighting Your Charges
An attorney can take immediate steps to handle the drunk driving charges you face, explaining how to beat a second DUI. Lawyers develop personalized defense strategies based on the unique needs of each client.
How Lawyers Resolve Second DUI Allegations
Second offense DUI attorneys in Lancaster can use several strategies to successfully assist a client dealing with a second DUI arrest. Depending on your circumstances, your attorney may focus on:
Getting the DUI Charges Reduced
In some situations, the prosecution will offer a plea bargain to reduce drunk driving charges. These deals require you to admit fault for a less serious offense in exchange for reduced penalties. However, plea bargains are less common for a second DUI arrest. You can discuss this option with your attorney.
Having the DUI Allegations Dropped
Your attorney may request that the court drop the DUI allegations you face if the police violated your rights during an arrest or if the prosecution lacks evidence that you committed a criminal act. You will not face legal penalties for a dropped charge.
Building a Defense for Court
A lawyer can quickly start working on a defense based on the events surrounding your arrest. Depending on your situation, your attorney may focus on showing that:
- The police stopped you without due cause
- The police incorrectly performed blood alcohol content (BAC) testing
- The lab mishandled your BAC test
- You failed a BAC test for reasons unrelated to alcohol consumption
It’s critical that you reach out to an attorney immediately after an arrest to improve your chances of successfully handling these serious allegations.
How Does a Second DUI Compare to a First DUI?
A second DUI conviction within 10 years of a first conviction will have more serious penalties. You can expect to face more time in jail and higher fines for a second DUI. You may also face other penalties if the court finds you guilty of drunk driving.
For example, California expects most drivers to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles after a DUI conviction. These devices function as breathalyzers, and you have to use them each time you want to drive.
You will have to pay for the installation and maintenance of the IID. An attorney will take all the penalties you could face for a DUI conviction seriously and immediately get to work on your defense.
Can You Wait to Hire a Lawyer?
Technically, you can delay hiring a criminal defense attorney after an arrest, but doing so can weaken your defense and increase the odds of a conviction. Therefore, reaching out for professional help immediately can represent your best option.
You do not have to try to navigate California’s complex legal system on your own. You can turn to a lawyer for help 24/7, getting fast answers to your questions and the support you need after a drunk driving arrest.
Take Charge After a Second DUI Arrest in Lancaster, CA
You can get professional help after an arrest by hiring a Lancaster second offense DUI attorney. Our team can put you in touch with dedicated attorneys who will put you first, explain the steps you need to take, and stand by you every step of the way.
We’re ready to assist you right now, so don’t wait to start working on your defense.
