Irvine Multiple DUI Attorney

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUIs in California?

In California, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) penalties become increasingly severe with each subsequent offense. Here's a breakdown of the penalties for a second, third, and fourth DUI offense:

Second DUI Offense

• Jail time: A second DUI offense typically results in a minimum of 96 hours to a maximum of 1 year in county jail.
• Fines: Fines range from $390 to $1,000, but when penalty assessments and related costs are added, the total can be significantly higher.
• License suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 2 years. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license after serving part of the suspension.
• DUI school: You will be required to attend a DUI education program, lasting 18 to 30 months depending on the court’s orders.
• Probation: Typically, you’ll be placed on probation for 3 to 5 years, during which you must comply with strict conditions. In Orange County, no driving with alcohol in your system means zero tolerance for repeat offenders.
• Ignition interlock device (IID): Installation of an IID is mandatory for a period of 1 year.

Third DUI Offense

• Jail time: A third DUI can result in a minimum of 120 days to a maximum of 1 year in county jail.
• Fines: Fines range from $390 to $1,000, plus significant penalty assessments.
• License suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 3 years. A restricted license may become available after a specified period.
• DUI school: You will be required to complete a 30-month DUI education program.
• Probation: You’ll likely face 3 to 5 years of probation with similar conditions to those for a second DUI offense.
• Ignition interlock device (IID): Installation of an IID is required for 2 years.

Fourth DUI Offense

A fourth DUI offense in a 10-year period is typically charged as a felony in California. 

• Jail time: A fourth DUI can lead to 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in California state prison.
• Fines: Fines range from $390 to $1,000, with additional penalty assessments.
• License revocation: Your driver’s license will be revoked for 4 years, with a possibility of reinstatement after serving part of the revocation period if you meet certain requirements.
• DUI school: You will need to complete a DUI education program, frequently the 30-month course.
• Probation: If probation is granted, it comes with stringent conditions, similar to those for prior offenses but with even more severe restrictions.
• Ignition interlock device (IID): Installation of an IID may be required for 3 years.

Additional Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses

• Increased insurance costs: Multiple DUI convictions will result in significantly higher auto insurance premiums.
• Possible vehicle confiscation: The court may order your vehicle to be confiscated after multiple DUI convictions.
• Permanently on your criminal record: A felony DUI conviction, such as a fourth offense, results in a lifelong criminal record visible to employers, insurance companies, and state agencies.

Defending Against DUI Charges with Prior Convictions

Just because you have been charged with a second, third, or subsequent DUI does not mean you will be convicted. With the help of a skilled Irvine multiple DUI lawyer, you may be able to avoid the harsh penalties of a conviction.

Possible defenses in a multiple DUI case include:

• Challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test administered by law enforcement
• Proving the traffic stop was illegal or lacked probable cause
• Demonstrating that the field sobriety test was not performed correctly
• Proving necessity or an emergency that led to driving
• Identifying any constitutional violations that can exclude evidence

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, our Irvine multiple DUI lawyers will closely review all aspects of your case. We draw on decades of combined experience with DUI Defense throughout Orange County courts and possess distinctive insight into the practices of Irvine prosecutors and law enforcement. We strive to deliver a comprehensive strategy that protects your rights and seeks the best possible outcome in every case.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today at (949) 752-1550 to learn more about our payment plans and get started on your case with our multiple DUI lawyers in Irvine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I refuse a chemical test during a multiple DUI stop?

Refusing a breath or blood test during a multiple DUI stop in Irvine brings additional consequences under California’s implied consent law. By driving in California, you have agreed to submit to a chemical test if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal can trigger an immediate driver’s license suspension by the California DMV, often for a more extended period than if you submitted, particularly for those with prior convictions. For example, a second or third DUI with test refusal may add years to your license suspension, and judges in Orange County may view your refusal as an aggravating factor, resulting in stricter penalties. You may also be disqualified from obtaining a restricted license during this period. Local police officers in Irvine document refusals in detail, and judges rarely grant leniency for repeat offenders who refuse tests. If you refused a chemical test, it is vital to consult an Irvine multiple DUI attorney quickly to discuss options for contesting the DMV action and responding to aggravating factors in your pending criminal case.

Can multiple DUIs affect my professional license in California?

Multiple DUI convictions impact professional licensing in California, and the consequences often extend to your career and livelihood. State agencies—including the California Board of Registered Nursing, the Department of Real Estate, and other licensing boards—require disclosure of DUI convictions during renewal or application. If you live or work in Irvine, a center for technology and healthcare, a repeat DUI conviction may prompt targeted board investigations, hearings, or disciplinary actions. Penalties may include formal reprimand, suspension, or even revocation of your professional license, particularly if your job requires public trust, operating vehicles, or working with vulnerable populations. Our team at The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor helps you meet reporting obligations and can assist you with responding to Board inquiries or navigating hearings, all as part of our holistic defense strategy for repeat offenders.

Should I attend DMV hearings after a multiple DUI charge?

Absolutely. If you have been arrested for a multiple DUI offense in Irvine, attending your DMV hearing is critical to preserving your driving privileges. The administrative hearing is entirely separate from your criminal court proceedings, and unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license, regardless of the outcome in court. Administrative hearings in Orange County are conducted at the local Driver Safety Office, where unique procedures apply to repeat offenders. A seasoned DUI Defense lawyer in Irvine can review the evidence, prepare your defense, and ensure all legal arguments are adequately presented. Our team at The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor regularly represents clients before the DMV, giving you a much better chance at maintaining your driving privileges or qualifying for a restricted license while your case is pending or after sentencing.

Contact Our Multiple DUI Attorney in Irvine Today

Facing multiple DUI charges in California could have serious, life-altering consequences, including jail time, license suspension, and steep fines. Don’t face the legal system alone. An experienced Irvine multiple DUI attorney can fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and pursue the best possible result for your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your defense.

Contact us today to get started with our Irvine multiple DUI lawyer.