Multiple DUI Lawyers in Los Angeles

Aggressive Defense for 2nd, 3rd & 4th DUI Arrests

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence and already have at least one DUI offense on your record, you will face very harsh penalties. In fact, a fourth DUI offense may be charged as a felony DUI, which can result in up to three years in state prison.

If you have been arrested for a second or subsequent DUI, it is important to consult a multiple DUI attorney as soon as possible to begin building a successful defense on your behalf.

Gold & Witham has over 40 years of combined experience and proven methods that have helped hundreds of DUI clients. Call us today at (800) 716-6791!

Challenges Facing Multiple DUI Offenders

It can be exceedingly difficult to successfully defend a multiple DUI case, as prior convictions may influence the way you are treated at your DMV hearing and throughout the criminal court process.

A prior DUI conviction may affect you in the following ways:

• The is predisposed to believe you are guilty.
• A judge may be harsher in determining your sentence.
• The prosecution will probably pursue maximum penalties.

At Gold & Witham, we are familiar with defending multiple DUI cases and have the knowledge, experience, and resources to build a creative and workable defense strategy. Our persistence, as well as negotiation and litigation techniques, help us take your defense as far as it can go.

There is no doubt that your lawyer will have their work cut out for them, but don't give up hope. There are ways in which you can be effectively defended.

Second DUI Penalties

Penalties for a second DUI offense that occurs within 10 years of your first are outlined in the California Vehicle Code § 23540. According to this statute, second-time DUI offenders could face:

• 90 days to 1-year imprisonment in county jail
• Minimum $390 to $1,000 in fines
• Driver's license suspension for two years
• Up to 5 years of probation

If losing your license presents undue hardship to you or your family, you may be able to request restricted driving privileges. According to § 13352 of the Vehicle Code, you may petition for this privilege no sooner than 12 months after your second DUI offense suspension; the court may or may not grant this request. After serving two years of license suspension, an individual can petition to have their driving privileges restored. To do so, the driver must show proof of completion of a treatment program per VC § 13352(a)(1).

Third DUI Arrest & Penalties

A driver who has two prior convictions for drunk driving on his or her record will face all the more serious penalties if convicted of a third offense.

Although the specific penalties may vary depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the case, you may face the following for a third DUI:

• 120 days to 1 year in county jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• 3-year suspension of his or her license

In some cases, additional penalties such as vehicle impoundment, mandatory completion of a DUI education program, and ignition interlock device installation may also be required.

Fourth DUI Arrest: The Felony DUI

In Los Angeles, most drunk driving-related offenses are charged as misdemeanors. However, even a standard DUI offense may be charged as a felony if a driver has three or more prior DUI convictions on his or her record.

A fourth DUI offense may have extremely serious repercussions for a driver, leading to 4-year driver's license suspension, up to 3 years in state prison, and heavy fines.

All of these penalties—along with having a conviction on your criminal record—may jeopardize employment and educational opportunities and may place you at a distinct disadvantage in future ventures. Do not allow your future to be placed at risk because you were arrested for drunk driving and already had a conviction on your record. You can fight against both the administrative and criminal consequences with our help.

Can a DUI Conviction be Reduced or Expunged After Multiple Offenses?

For felony DUI convictions, you may be eligible to have the felony reduced to a misdemeanor. This process is known as a "reduction" under Penal Code Section 17(b). To qualify, you typically need to demonstrate that you have completed all terms of your sentence, including probation, fines, and DUI programs, and that you have no new criminal offenses.

The court considers several factors, such as the nature of the offenses, your conduct during probation, and whether you've fulfilled all requirements. Multiple DUI offenses can make this process more challenging, as the court might view your criminal history more critically.

Additionally, expungement, or "dismissal," means removing the conviction from your public record, making it appear as if the offense never occurred. This process is governed by Penal Code Section 1203.4. It does not erase the conviction but allows you to withdraw your guilty plea or conviction and replace it with a dismissal.

To be eligible for expungement, you must have completed your sentence, including any probation and required programs, and must not currently be serving a sentence for another offense. You should also not be on probation or parole for any other criminal case. For multiple DUI offenses, you need to demonstrate successful completion of all related legal obligations and a stable record since your last conviction.

Remember, multiple DUI convictions can complicate both reduction and expungement. Courts may be less inclined to grant these requests if they perceive a pattern of behavior or if you have ongoing legal issues. An experienced DUI attorney can help present a strong case, showing evidence of rehabilitation and demonstrating that you have complied with all legal requirements.

Don't Wait to Get Started: Call Gold & Witham Now!

Your future freedom is at stake, and it is strongly advised that you contact Gold & Witham without delay. Investigation of your DUI must begin at once so that our team can work at finding any flaw in the case against you.

At Gold & Witham, our Los Angeles multiple DUI lawyers can review your current DUI charge carefully in order to find anything that will help to defend your case. Our attorneys can also review your past DUI cases in order to see if anything was missed and if the earlier conviction can be overturned. When you work with a lawyer at our firm, you can rest assured knowing we will explore every option and utilize every resource in defending your charges.