Being arrested for a 2nd Offense DUI in San Diego can have devastating consequences. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may face a lengthy license suspension and mandatory jail time. If you are arrested for driving under the influence within 10 years of a prior drunk driving offense, you will face up to 1 year in county jail, an 18-month alcohol program and a fine of $390 to $1000 plus penalty assessments. Your license can be suspended for up to 2 years. You cannot afford to fight the charges without the help of a leading DUI attorney. You can lose your job, driving privileges and even your freedom if you do not know how to defend your rights. It is important to remember that even if your 1st offense was reduced to a “wet reckless” or violation of Vehicle Code section 23103.5, you will still be charged with a second offense DUI.
No matter what the circumstances of your drunk driving offense, you should not feel that you have to plead guilty. DUI cases are complicated. They often require a knowledge of science and criminal law that can evade even experienced attorneys, but DUI cases can be won. You have rights and should hire an attorney who will fight hard to defend those rights. You do not need to plead guilty simply because you were arrested. The consequences for a 2nd Offense DUI can affect your entire life. You need the experience and expertise of a seasoned trial attorney. You need the DUI Defense Law Group.
Facing a 2nd Offense DUI Arrest while on Probation
Unfortunately, many people are arrested within 3 years of a prior drunk driving offense. This means that you are likely still on probation. If you are on probation, you can have additional consequences since being convicted of a subsequent DUI is a violation of the terms of your probation on your prior case. It is generally best to have an attorney represent you in both the violation of probation and the current San Diego DUI case. A drunk driving lawyer will know how to defend the additional charges that you may face and can get you the best outcome in both cases.
Penalties for a San Diego DUI – 2nd Offense
If you are convicted for driving under the influence with a prior DUI within 10 years then you could be sentenced to jail. San Diego County generally requires a mandatory 96 hours of jail time. In serious cases, you can face up to 1 year of jail time. You will also be required to complete an alcohol program that will last a minimum of 18 months. This alcohol program may also be required to obtain your driving privileges. The court can assess a fine up to $1000 plus penalty assessments and a 2 year license suspension can be imposed by the DMV. A newer requirement of a 2nd offense DUI in San Diego is the ignition interlock device. This device is placed on the vehicle and requires the operator to blow into it to start the car. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. In addition to these consequences, a judge may require your vehicle to be impounded, community service or a MADD Victim Impact Panel. Given the seriousness of a 2nd Offense DUI, you need to contact the DUI Defense Law Group today. We can help you understand the charges against you and will help you fight those charges. We are not afraid to take your case to trial. You need the help of a team of criminal defense lawyers who know drunk driving laws and will fight hard to get you justice.