Santa Ana Multiple DUI Defense Lawyer
Defending Drivers Facing a Second or Subsequent DUI Charge
If you are facing a second, third, or even fourth DUI charge, the consequences can be life-altering. In California, each subsequent DUI conviction within ten years carries increasingly severe penalties. At Braden & Tucci, our experienced Santa Ana multiple DUI defense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
With years of dedicated experience defending DUI cases in Santa Ana and Orange County, our legal team provides aggressive representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you are facing a second DUI offense or a felony DUI, you need a proven legal advocate by your side.
Call (949) 996-0170 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule an initial consultation.
Second DUI
A second DUI offense in California is treated much more seriously than a first. If you are arrested for a second DUI within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction, you can expect mandatory penalties including:
- Jail time: Minimum 96 hours up to 1 year in county jail
- License suspension: 2 years by the DMV (with possible restricted license eligibility after a period)
- Fines and penalties: Up to $2,000 or more
- DUI School: 18 or 30-month alcohol education program
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation on your vehicle
A second DUI can also damage your employment opportunities and professional reputation. At Braden & Tucci, our Santa Ana multiple DUI defense lawyers investigate every aspect of your arrest, from the traffic stop to the chemical test, to identify defenses and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Third DUI
A third DUI offense within 10 years significantly increases both the penalties and the long-term consequences:
- Jail time: 120 days to 1 year in county jail
- License revocation: 3-year revocation by the DMV
- DUI School: 30 months of alcohol education
- IID requirement: Mandatory for at least 2 years
- Probation and fines: Hefty court fines and supervised probation
A third DUI also places you on the brink of felony charges should another arrest occur. Our defense strategies may include challenging the validity of prior DUI convictions, analyzing procedural errors, and negotiating alternatives to jail such as residential treatment or house arrest.
Fourth or Subsequent DUI
A fourth DUI offense within 10 years is a felony in California. Felony DUI convictions carry some of the harshest penalties in the state, including:
- Prison time: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Permanent license revocation
- Felony probation
- Designation as a habitual traffic offender (HTO)
- Substantial fines and fees
- Mandatory alcohol education and rehabilitation programs
A felony DUI can follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your ability to secure housing, employment, and more. Our skilled Santa Ana multiple DUI defense attorneys fight tirelessly to keep our clients out of prison, mitigate penalties, and explore every possible legal defense.
FAQs About Multiple DUI in Santa Ana, CA
Q: Can I avoid jail time for a second or third DUI in Santa Ana?
A: While jail time is mandatory under California law, in many cases, alternatives like work release, house arrest, or alcohol treatment programs can be negotiated. Our experienced attorneys work with judges and prosecutors to seek favorable sentencing options.
Q: How long does a DUI stay on my record in California?
A: A DUI remains on your criminal record permanently unless expunged. However, for purposes of repeat offense penalties, prior DUIs are counted for 10 years from the date of the offense.
Q: Can a DUI be reduced to a lesser charge?
A: In some cases, yes. Depending on the facts of your case, a skilled DUI lawyer may be able to have the charge reduced to "wet reckless" or "dry reckless" which carry fewer penalties and no license suspension.
Q: Will I lose my driver’s license?
A: License suspension or revocation is a likely outcome for multiple DUIs. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license or reinstatement with an ignition interlock device. We can represent you at the DMV hearing and fight for your driving privileges.
Q: How can a lawyer help with my multiple DUI charge?
A: A DUI defense lawyer investigates the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, and any constitutional rights violations. Your lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors, represent you at trial, and explore sentencing alternatives.
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“The outcome far exceeded the expectations that were initially set.”
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“Mr. Tucci is an aggressive bulldog attorney that you want representing you!”
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“Thank you again, Mr. Tucci, through your efforts you have altered the course of my life. Truly the greatest to have ever done it.”
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What sets us apart:
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Zealous, Individualized Representation for Your Case
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Proven Successes in Trial, in Court & with the DMV
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Certified in Alcohol Screening & Field Sobriety Testing
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Southern California’s Most Respected DUI Attorney
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Former President of the CA DUI Lawyers Association
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Southern California’s Most Aggressive and Successful DUI Attorney
Why Choose Braden & Tucci for Multiple DUI Defense?
At Braden & Tucci, we understand that good people can make mistakes—or be wrongly accused. We’ve helped countless clients in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas successfully fight multiple DUI charges and avoid the harshest penalties. When you work with our firm, you get:
- Experienced local attorneys with a deep understanding of Santa Ana courts and DUI laws
- Thorough case investigations and evidence review
- Aggressive defense strategies to challenge every element of the prosecution’s case
- Compassionate support throughout the legal process
Your freedom and future are too important to trust to just anyone. Let us fight for you.
Contact us today at (949) 996-0170 to get started on your defense.
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We Know What You're Facing. We Know How To Win.