Leaving the Scene

Multiple DUI Offenses

DUI Lawyer in Sacramento, CA

If you have been charged with DUI and are already in possession of earlier DUI convictions, then you may be facing extremely harsh penalties. Generally, most DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors, but as you accumulate multiple DUI convictions, the seriousness of the crime can increase. A fourth DUI offense will likely result in felony charges. It is recommended that you contact a Sacramento criminal defense attorney if you have been convicted of DUI multiple times, as they will provide you with aggressive defense against a conviction for your current charges.

Wise Law Group, PC is a firm with nearly 20 years of experience in the area of criminal defense. They have represented individuals in virtually all levels of criminal defense matters, from misdemeanors to serious felonies that carry federal charges. As a top attorney in Sacramento, Mr. Wise has obtained successful results on behalf of many of his clients, and is respected by criminal courts and District Attorneys. He is available to provide you with comprehensive legal support in your multiple DUI case that may result in the reduction or dismissal of your charges and the avoidance of severe penalties.

Penalties for 2nd, 3rd & 4th DUI Charges

The penalties for DUI become increasingly severe with each new offense. They include:

• 2nd offense – 1 ½ years of mandatory alcohol programs, 3 to 5 years of probation, 2 years of license suspension, 1 year in jail
• 3rd offense -5 years of mandatory alcohol programs, 3 years of license suspension, 1 year in jail
• 4th offense – Felony charges, 4 years of license suspension, up to 3 years in prison

A charge of driving under the influence is usually a misdemeanor offense. A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony and has less severe charges. For example, a misdemeanor results in jail time and a felony results in time in a state prison. A felony conviction could also count as a strike under California’s three strike law. Under California law, a fourth degree DUI is charged as a felony. An individual could be charged with fourth degree DUI if they caused an accident which resulted in injury or death. They could also be charged with this felony DUI if they already had a felony DUI conviction on their record. As in cases of multiple DUI, if the individual already was convicted of at least three DUIs, the fourth DUI will automatically be a felony. The last situation is the most common way people are convicted of felony DUI. In order to avoid the serious ramifications of being convicted of a felony, you need to ensure you have a strong representative on your side.