How serious is a second driving under the influence, DUI, charge? In California, a second DUI conviction within 10 years may result in additional penalties.
Below is a comparison of penalties for a first time DUI conviction and second DUI conviction.
First Time DUI Conviction Penalties
- Jail time which ranges from 96 hours to 6 months
- Fine up to $1,000
- Suspended driver’s license for four months
Second Time DUI Conviction Penalties
- Jail time which ranges from 10 days to one year
- Fine up to $1,000
- Suspended driver’s license for one year
Some driver with DUI convictions can request a restricted driver’s license. This is referred to as a hardship driver’s license. The license allows drivers to continue operating a vehicle under certain restrictions like only driving to work or school. With each subsequent DUI within a 10-year period, there’s an increased likelihood the court won’t allow a restricted driver’s license. For example, restricted licenses are available for drivers with first and second DUI convictions. The court reserves the right to deny the privilege.
The conditions of probation are different for drivers with a second DUI conviction. The first time DUI conviction requires a driver to enroll and complete DUI school for at least 30 hours. A second DUI conviction still requires a driver to enroll and complete in DUI driving school. The length of time changes from 30 hours to an 18-month DUI education course.
If a driver already has a DUI conviction, it’s important to avoid a second one. No one wants to spend more time in jail or on probation. One way to avoid a second DUI conviction is to fight the charge. Fighting the charge, with the help of a DUI attorney, may result in dropped charges or a reduced sentence.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin for Help
You’ve been accused of driving under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol for the second time. Now what? It’s time to start fighting your second DUI charge by contacting the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin. Jonathan Franklin is a Los Angeles DUI attorney who fights for his clients’ rights in an effort to obtain a not guilty verdict, dropped charges or a reduced sentence.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin as soon as possible. It is essential that your team of lawyers begin working on the case immediately to avoid losing valuable time and evidence. Jonathan Franklin will fight to successfully resolve your second second DUI charge so that you put this behind you and move on with your life.
