San Diego Multiple DUI Attorney

In San Diego, California, a DUI charge, or “driving under the influence,” is considered to be a “priorable offense,” meaning that if an individual suffers further or subsequent charges, these may be treated with increasing harshness and more devastating penalties. Facing one DUI charge is a terrifying enough experience, but facing multiple charges can have an individual dealing with heavy fines and lengthy jail time. A San Diego multiple DUI lawyer can help you build a robust defense strategy.

For over twenty years, the team at Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys has been assisting clients in fighting several criminal charges, including those for multiple DUIs. If you have been arrested for a second, third, or even fourth DUI, it is vital that you speak with a defense attorney from Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys as soon as you can. Allow us to review your case, determine the right course of legal strategy, and protect your rights, freedoms, and future.

Multiple DUI Charges and Penalties in San Diego, California

The city of San Diego holds the seventh spot in the country when it comes to DUI incidents. Currently, about .87 DUI incidents occur per 1,000 drivers. This might not seem like a lot, but these accidents happen across the city every day. In fact, MADD reports that a fatal DUI crash occurs every 79 seconds across the United States.

When an individual is charged with a DUI and they already have one or more previous DUI convictions on their record, then it is vital that they speak with an attorney who knows how to correctly handle multiple DUI charges. If this is your fourth DUI within 10 years, it can be charged as a felony. Likewise, if there are certain aggravating factors involved, it can also be raised to a felony.

When it comes to multiple DUI charges in San Diego, these cases may be heard at the Central Division of the San Diego Superior Court at 1100 Union Street. In San Diego, the potential punishments for multiple DUIs can include the following:

• Second DUI charge. If an individual is convicted of a second DUI charge, they can face jail time from anywhere between 10 days and one year, fines totaling up to $1,800, a one or two-year suspension of their driver’s license, and the installation of an ignition interlock device for a certain period of time.
• Third DUI charge. When an individual faces a third subsequent DUI charge in San Diego, they can find themselves dealing with penalties such as a jail sentence of anywhere between 120 days and a year, fines totaling up to $1,800, a three-year suspension of their driver’s license, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Fourth DUI charge. When an individual is faced with a fourth DUI charge, the penalties can become incredibly severe, and they could be hit with a felony offense. The consequences for this charge can include up to 16 months in jail, fines totaling up to $18,000, a four-year suspension of their driver’s license, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

You may also face several personal consequences if you are convicted of multiple DUI charges in San Diego. First, if you are required to drive for your mode of employment, you could lose your job as you may not be able to operate a motorized vehicle under a suspended driver’s license. You could also face difficulty in your personal relationships and a damaged social and professional reputation.