Lakewood Second Offense DUI Lawyer
Lakewood Second Offense DUI Attorney
The penalties associated with a second DUI offense in Lakewood are severe. A conviction can not only come with legal consequences like heavy fines, longer license suspensions, and jail time, but it can also harm your personal life and future opportunities. If you’re facing these charges, you need a Lakewood second offense DUI lawyer who can defend your rights and protect your future. The team at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, can help.
Lakewood Second Offense DUI Laws
A second offense DUI occurs when you’re arrested for another DUI within 10 years of your first DUI conviction. California saw almost 96,000 DUI arrests in 2020 alone, which was the highest number in the nation that year. Unfortunately, driving while intoxicated is common across the country and hurts the lives of thousands of people every year. According to a study performed by UC Berkeley, someone dies every 39 minutes because of a DUI-related incident.
Second offense DUI charges are generally still misdemeanors in most cases. However, they come with more severe penalties than a first-time DUI. Additionally, if there are aggravating factors involved with your arrest in Lakewood, such as a high blood alcohol level, an accident with injuries, or a child in the car during the time of arrest, the prosecution may pursue enhanced charges.
You should hire a second offense DUI lawyer in Lakewood who can review your case and explain how California’s look-back period might impact your charges.
Penalties for Second DUI Offenses in California
Second offense DUI convictions in Lakewood carry mandatory minimum sentences. However, a skilled Lakewood second offense DUI lawyer can help minimize penalties or argue for alternatives, such as house arrest or alternative treatment programs.
Standard penalties include:
- Jail time
- Heavy fines
- Probation
- Drug or alcohol educational courses
- License suspension
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- SR-223 insurance
Additional consequences can include a permanent criminal record, employment and professional licensing issues, and increased insurance premiums.
Defending Second Offense DUI Cases in Lakewood
A second DUI doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted. The right legal strategy can help get your charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that avoids jail time.
Some common DUI defense strategies our firm employs include:
- Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the arresting officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the evidence they collected may be inadmissible.
- Faulty Breath or Blood Tests: Breathalyzers must be calibrated correctly and administered according to strict procedures. Errors or contamination can make BAC results unreliable.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues can mimic intoxication symptoms or result in falsely elevated BAC readings.
- Lack of Probable Cause: Even after a legal traffic stop in Lakewood, an officer needs specific indicators of impairment to arrest you legally.
- Violation of Your Rights: If you weren’t read your Miranda rights or were subjected to coercive questioning, your statements may be admissible.
The experienced Lakewood second offense DUI lawyers at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, investigate every aspect of your case to determine the strongest defense strategies.
What to Do After a Second DUI Arrest in Lakewood
If you’re arrested for DUI in Lakewood, remain silent. Don’t answer any police questions without the presence of your lawyer. It’s essential to take prompt action after a second DUI offense in Lakewood. In California, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension. Because evidence, such as surveillance video, blood test samples, and witness memories, can fade or get lost quickly, you and your lawyer must act fast.
Choose the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC
Having an experienced second offense DUI attorney can mean the difference between jail time and your freedom. At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, we know how to interpret California DUI laws to protect our clients’ rights. Our team holds a proven track record with DUI cases, many of which have resulted in reduced charges and minimized penalties.
Our team leverages our shared experience of California criminal law and familiarity with local courts to provide powerful defense services for residents throughout Lakewood and beyond. We can fight for a case dismissal, reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or DUI diversion programs. We can listen to you, strategize with you, and guide you through every step of your Lakewood DUI case.
FAQs About Lakewood, CA Second Offense DUI Laws
Q: How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI Services in California?
A: DUI lawyers in California base their fees on the complexity of a case, the amount of time spent on a case, the amount of experience their firm has, and their location. First-time DUI offenders may see smaller fees than individuals with multiple convictions or complex cases involving aggravating factors. Additional costs can include court fines, DUI education programs, and license reinstatement fees.
Q: Can a Lakewood DUI Defense Lawyer Get You Out of Jail for DUI?
A: A Lakewood DUI defense lawyer may be able to get you out of jail after a DUI by arranging for bail, arguing for release on your own recognizance, or presenting evidence at a bail hearing to reduce detention. While a lawyer can’t guarantee immediate release, they can advocate for your freedom. Their understanding of local court practices and relationships with judges and prosecutors can be beneficial when working to secure favorable outcomes.
Q: What Is the Optimal Defense for a DUI in Lakewood?
A: The strongest defense for a DUI in Lakewood depends on the circumstances of your arrest. Common strategies may include challenging the legality of a traffic stop, disputing the accuracy of breathalyzer results, and questioning arresting procedures. They may also argue that the signs of intoxication were caused by medical conditions or fatigue. Some defenses focus on proving the defendant wasn’t driving or finding flaws in the field sobriety test performed.
Q: What Are the Penalties of a Second DUI Conviction in Lakewood, California?
A: Because California’s laws aim to reduce repeat offenses, the severity of your consequences will increase with every DUI conviction you receive. If you are convicted of a second DUI in Lakewood, you can expect to face mandatory time in jail, larger fines, longer license suspension, and more. It’s crucial that you hire a Lakewood second DUI offense DUI lawyer who can help you understand your legal options after being arrested for a subsequent DUI in California.
Hire a Second Offense DUI Lawyer You Can Trust
If you’re facing a second DUI offense in Lakewood, turn to a legal team that you can trust. The Lakewood second offense DUI lawyers at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, stand ready to offer you powerful, unbiased criminal representation that protects your rights and your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your
Free Consultation
Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required
Contact us
© Copyright 2025 Law Offices Of Christopher J. McCann, APC. All rights reserved.
Digital Marketing By 