Facing Multiple DUI Offenses?
Retain a Downey DUI Lawyer Today
Across the country it is unlawful to drink and drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% if you are 21 or older. In California, the majority of first, second, and third DUI offenses are prosecuted as misdemeanors; however, you can be charged with a felony DUI if you caused injury or death or if you have a prior felony DU. For most people, having prior DUI convictions can quickly lead to devastating felony DUI charges, even for being only slightly over the legal limit.
If you are facing DUI charges for a first or subsequent offense, you should enlist the services of a seasoned and aggressive Downey DUI lawyer such as James Mendez. He can work hard to get your charge reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed altogether based on any procedural or evidentiary errors. Since the DUI penalties increase for each subsequent conviction, winning your case can not only clear your name, but also help reduce your risk for future penalties in any additional criminal charges brought against you.
How Does California Prosecute DUI Crimes?
Keep in mind that California DUIs are considered "priorable" offenses, meaning that each time you are convicted of a second or subsequent DUI, even if your first charges as a wet reckless, you are subjected to increased penalties. In California, repeat DUI offenders are often required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on all vehicles that they own and operate.
Other penalties for multiple DUIs include:
- Second offense:10 days to 1 year in jail, up to $1,800 in fines, and 2-year license suspension
- Third offense: 120 days to 1 year in jail, up to $1,800 in fines, and 3-year license suspension
- Fourth offense: 16 months in jail, Up to $18,000 in fines, and 4-years license suspension
In addition, all drivers who are convicted of DUI are required to complete a DUI program, file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22), and pay the restriction and reissue fees if they obtain a restricted driver's license.
Call Now for Relentless Defense
The Law Office of James Mendez is fully capable of handling and winning your DUI case, no matter how many prior convictions you have. The existence of previous convictions should not determine the outcome of your case or keep you from having a fair trial. If law enforcement stopped you without probable cause, your chemical test was mishandled, or your rights were violated in some way, you can rest assured that Attorney Mendez will make this known in court and use it to your advantage.
Contact the Law Office of James Mendez if you have been arrested for a second, third or fourth DUI offense!