What Should You Do If You Get Another DUI?
If you have already been convicted of a DUI in California, you know that the process isn't pretty. Restrictions on your freedom, exorbitant fines and possible jail time make it a serious charge that can have a big impact on your life.
In the state of California, they take DUIs very seriously. It is considered a “priorable” offence, meaning that your punishment will be more severe for every subsequent conviction.
Are you facing a second, third or fourth DUI in Oceanside? Do not wait to contact the Law Office of Joni Eisenstein today. Our DUI defense attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and work on your behalf to reduce or dismiss your DUI charges.
Even first time DUIs require the expertise of a skilled and competent DUI defense lawyer. Joni Eisenstein has been working in the San Diego courts since 2003 and knows the DUI laws. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.
California DUIs
The penalties for a DUI increase in severity if the defendant has prior DUI convictions on their record. Generally, the courts will look back to the 10 year period prior to your latest arrest. If they find other DUI convictions, you will face harsher penalties. It is important to note that your prior convictions within that 10 year period can also include wet reckless convictions and DUIs from other states.
In addition, harsher penalties may be applied if your DUI resulted in an injury or death of another person or if you have been convicted of any felony in the past 10 years.
Penalties for DUIs in San Diego
DUI laws include the following penalties for first, second and third time offenders:
First Time Offenders
- Up to $1,600 in fines and penalties
- Four days to six months in jail
- 30 days to one year license suspension
- Possible installation of the Ignition Interlock Device
- Alcohol treatment program
Second Time Offenders
- Up to $2,800 in fines and penalties
- 10 days to one year in jail
- Two year license suspension, or one year if you submitted a chemical test
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device installation
- Alcohol treatment program
Third Time Offenders
- Up to $18,000 in penalties and fines
- Three year suspension of driver’s license, or one year suspension if you submitted a chemical test
- 120 days to one year in jail
- Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device
- Alcohol treatment program
After a fourth conviction, you can be convicted of a felony. Other possible penalties include loss of driver’s license, at least 16 months in jail and loss of certain rights such as the right to bear arms or vote.
Possible Defenses for Multiple DUIs in San Diego
Hiring an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer is the first thing you should do when facing DUI charges. No matter how many prior convictions you have, you still have rights under the law and you owe it to yourself to fight for your freedom. A skilled San Diego DUI attorney can raise a number of possible defenses based on the facts of your case.
Your attorney may be able to call into question whether or not there was probable cause to pull you over in the first place. She can explore the reliability of the breathalyzer test and the integrity of the processes and procedures used in the collection and analysis of the specimens.
You will work with your attorney to put your best defense forward. With their knowledge of your case and experience with DUI law, your attorney can fight hard on your behalf to have your penalties reduced if you are facing multiple DUIs in San Diego.
San Diego DUI Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a second, third or fourth DUI charge, you must secure the services of a highly experienced DUI defense lawyer. San Diego defense attorney Joni Eisenstein is skilled when it comes to helping her clients fight DUI charges.
As soon as you are arrested, it is in your best interest to secure an attorney. Give the Law Office of Joni Eisenstein a call today to schedule your free consultation and get to work protecting your freedom.