Want to know how much jail time you get for a second driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Los Angeles? You could end up facing up to one year of jail time after a second DUI. You may also face other penalties like fines and limits on your driving privileges.
Get specific information about the results of a second DUI in Los Angeles with this article. We will also focus on some defenses used to handle DUI charges here in California.
Jail Time and a Second DUI Conviction in California
You could end up facing up to one year of jail time for a second “basic” DUI conviction in Los Angeles. Basic DUI charges are usually prosecuted under Vehicle Code (VEH) § 23152. You may face basic charges if you are accused of driving under the influence but did not cause an accident or hurt anyone.
Note that not all drivers convicted of a VC 23152 violation end up spending a year in jail. In many cases, you may face a shorter sentence. The minimum sentence for a VC 23152 conviction is 96 hours. However, this amount of time may vary in some counties.
You should also know that you could expect to spend more time behind bars in some cases. For example, let’s say you were accused of a DUI causing injury. A conviction for a DUI causing injury could lead to up to four years in prison, regardless of how many past DUIs are on your record.
Other Results of a Second DUI in Los Angeles
Jail time is only one penalty used to punish DUI charges in Los Angeles. You will face other possible repercussions if you are convicted of a second DUI. Some examples of penalties for a DUI conviction in Los Angeles include:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Up to five years of probation
- Time in DUI school
- The use of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Note that your second DUI conviction will also remain on your driving record for 10 years. You could face more serious charges if you are accused of a third DUI here in Los Angeles, and a fourth DUI could even result in felony charges and prison time. Make sure you are ready to handle any DUI accusation by calling us at (310) 896-2724.
A Second DUI and Your Driving Privileges
As we mentioned, the courts could order you to install an IID after a second DUI conviction. IIDs are personal breathalyzer devices that attach to your steering column. They control when you can and cannot turn your car on. They will prevent you from driving if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is elevated.
California adopted statewide usage of IIDs for most DUI cases, so you may only be able to legally drive if you are using one of these devices. An IID could prevent you from facing a total license suspension from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Keep in mind that the DMV may suspend your license 30 days after a DUI arrest. However, you can get an IID-restricted license if you install an IID, which would allow you to continue operating your vehicle here in Los Angeles.
Defenses to a Second DUI Charge in Los Angeles
You might face jail time after a second DUI conviction. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer could help you avoid a DUI conviction by getting your charges dismissed or arguing that you were not driving while impaired or that you were stopped without cause.
Many DUI cases in Los Angeles end with a plea bargain, which are deals offered by the prosecution. They require you to admit fault for a less severe charge in exchange for reduced penalties, possibly allowing you to avoid jail time. Your lawyer could also defend you in court and seek a verdict in your favor here in Los Angeles.
Review all of your legal options by contacting us right now.
Talk to a Lawyer About the Jail Time for a Second DUI
You could get one year of jail time for a second DUI in Los Angeles. However, you could avoid jail time by working with a lawyer to resolve your charges. Contacting a Los Angeles DUI lawyer is easy. Just call us at (310) 896-2724. You may also fill out our online contact form. We are ready to assess your unique needs right now with a free consultation.
