What Are the Penalties for a Second DUI in Los Angeles? California DUI Lawyer Discusses
Los Angeles, CA- The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California keep getting tougher and tougher. That’s due in part to the fact that nearly half of the people who are charged with their first DUI will face a second or third drunk driving charge. So, USAttorneys would like to inform you of the penalties you face if you make this mistake again.
If you have been charged with a second or subsequent DUI offense, we urge you to retain a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles to work on your defense. The only way to avoid the consequences of a second DUI is to get legal assistance right away. We can help you find a DUI lawyer near you in Los Angeles, California, to protect your rights and give you the best defense possible.
Under California’s DUI laws, you can be charged with a repeat DUI offense if your second arrest occurred within ten years of your first conviction. If you agree to a plea bargain for wet reckless or another lesser DUI-related offense, your plea will be considered a prior offense for sentencing purposes.
Unless aggravating circumstances, such as a high blood alcohol concentration, apply to your second offense is considered a misdemeanor in California, but there are still steep consequences. If convicted of a second DUI offense, you face ten days in jail up to one year and fines up to $1,800. Your license will also be suspended for two years with the possibility of having the suspension reduced to one year.
Between the fines, administrative and court costs, legal fees and insurance premiums, you second DUI will cost several thousand dollars. Other penalties include community service and mandatory attendance of a DUI awareness course. A judge has a great deal of latitude when it comes to your sentencing, so you’ll have a better chance of getting leniency if you have a DUI attorney in Los Angeles on your side.
Making matters worse is the fact that you could lose your job or have difficulties getting back and forth because your license was suspended. So, a repeat DUI charge will make cost in several ways and could be detrimental to your future.
Take your second DUI seriously and let USAttorneys connect you with a local defense lawyer who can help you with all aspects of your case. We urge you to set up a consultation and learn about the consequences and make a wise decision about how to proceed with your case. The legal system is complicated, and you need someone on your side who can guide you through it.
