CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Multiple or Old DUI Convictions

The Serious Consequences of Repeated DUI Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense, and repeated DUIs only raise the stakes. First-time offenders can face criminal charges and financial penalties, but their situation can become much worse if they commit the same mistake again. A repeat DUI offender risks a lengthy prison term and higher penalties, even when no physical harm is caused. Todd Spodek Law Firm understands that repeat DUI offenders need a strong legal defense to avoid the severe consequences of multiple offenses.

Enhanced Charges and Penalties

Drunk driving charges get graver with each subsequent offense. A fourth conviction in ten years, for example, could lead to a felony charge, and the possibility of serving prison time becomes very real. States use a look-back period of approximately ten years to determine the seriousness of a subsequent drunk driving offense, but this varies from state to state. In some states, prior convictions stay on the record indefinitely, and other states have no time limits. If a person with a prior DUI conviction in California, for example, faces another DUI charge in another state, that state could count the first conviction, regardless of when it happened.

Even if the court doesn’t impose an enhanced charge, it can consider the previous DUI conviction when determining the appropriate sentence for the most recent offense. Those facing a second or subsequent DUI charge will likely face an increased jail term, monitoring, or be required to undergo treatment for alcohol abuse. Law enforcement officials can run a person’s driving record to check for any prior offenses. DUI convictions remain on a person’s record forever, and there is a high probability that law enforcement officials would be aware of them, particularly incidents that occurred in California.

Convictions that Count as a Prior Offence

It’s essential to seek legal counsel from Todd Spodek Law Firm, which has a team of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers, to determine which convictions count as previous DUI offenses. The count may even include a wet reckless conviction under California Vehicle Code Section 23103/23103.5 VC, and expunging the conviction may not erase it from a person’s record.

Enhanced Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenders

Enhanced DUI charges carry far more severe penalties than the first-time offense. A first DUI offense may not require any mandatory jail time, but a repeat offender faces a minimum of 90 days in jail, with a maximum of up to one year in prison. A repeat offender also faces harsher fines and longer periods of license suspension. A court may make it mandatory for those convicted multiple times of DUI to participate in probation for considerably longer periods and undergo more stringent monitoring. It’s vital to partner with our DUI attorneys for a clear understanding of these penalties and to evaluate one’s case to receive the possible outcome in spite of the charges.

Table

The following table highlights the enhanced charges and penalties associated with repeat DUI offenses:

| Offense | Penalty |
| — | — |
| First DUI | Criminal charges; $390-$1,000 fine, 4-month license suspension |
| Second DUI | Mandatory 96 hours to one year in jail; $1,000-$1,000 fine, 2-year license suspension |
| Third DUI | Mandatory 120 days to one year in jail; $1,000-$1,000 fine, 3-year license suspension |
| Fourth and subsequent offenders | Felony charge, 16 months to three years in jail, $1,000-$1,000 fine, 4-year license suspension |

Conclusion

While the penalties for a first DUI offense may not be so severe, subsequent DUI offenses impose substantially harder penalties. Repeated offenders are more prone to doing time in jail, receiving longer probation terms, undergoing more intense monitoring, and losing their license for a more extended period. Todd Spodek Law Group has several experienced lawyers with a wealth of knowledge in DUI law to help clients facing repeat DUI charges. They will at all times stand with those clients to help them to the possible legal outcome, given the circumstances.