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.
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:
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.
At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we have an in-depth knowledge of the judges, court systems, and prosecuting attorneys in San Diego and know how to approach these cases. Whatever your charges entail, we can explore all legal avenues of defense and determine weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, which can lead to a reduction of charges or even a complete dismissal. Trust our local knowledge and years of experience to work on your behalf.
A: Depending on the circumstances surrounding your multiple DUI charges, your attorney might be able to use several defenses in your case. These potential defenses can include driving under emergency circumstances that could offer a “legal necessity” defense, the police having a lack of probable cause for the traffic stop and resulting arrest, and faulty chemical test results from improper storage or malfunctioning equipment.
A: If you reside in San Diego and are not a U.S. citizen, but are convicted of a DUI, you could face consequences when it comes to your immigration status. This can be especially true in the case of multiple DUI charges. These consequences might include deportation, visa revocation, or the denial of a green card or visa.
A: In some multiple DUI cases, you may be able to avoid jail or seek the reduction of your sentence through the pursuit of alternative punishments. Your lawyer may be able to take advantage of these alternative punishments in your case, including probation, community services, house arrest, electronic monitoring, roadside cleanup, or alcohol/drug rehabilitation.
A: When facing consequences for multiple DUI convictions, these punishments may become more harsh due to the existence of any aggravating factors in your case. These factors include refusing to take a chemical BAC test after your arrest, having a minor in your vehicle at the time of the arrest, causing bodily injury or death during the DUI event, and reckless driving.
If you are facing multiple DUI charges in San Diego, it is time to contact the lawyers at Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys. We understand how frightening this time may feel and are ready to do everything in our power to fight for you and protect your rights to a future free from legal and personal consequences. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation.