Multiple DUI Attorney in Victorville
Facing a 2nd DUI or Multiple Offenses? Work with a Local Legal Team Who Cares
With each subsequent DUI charge, your situation becomes more complicated—and the need for an experienced multiple DUI attorney in Victorville becomes even more urgent.
Navigating the local court system for a repeat DUI offense often involves unique challenges. Superior courts in the region, such as the Victorville District Court, strictly enforce California’s DUI laws and procedural requirements. Having a multiple DUI lawyer in Victorville who understands these local practices, typical prosecution strategies, and judge preferences is crucial to a strong defense.
At the Law Offices of Brian E. Skibby, we bring over 25 years of trial-proven criminal defense and long-standing relationships with San Bernardino County courts to every case. Our hands-on approach delivers steady guidance, open communication, and practical solutions at every stage.
Our firm offers free consultations, and we are available 24/7. Don't let a multiple DUI charge ruin your life. Contact a skilled multiple DUI attorney in Victorville today at (909) 695-0095 or contact us online to get the legal representation you need.
Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in California
California DUI law operates on a "lookback" period of 10 years. This means any prior DUI conviction, including "wet reckless" pleas, within the last decade can be used to enhance the penalties for a new DUI offense. A savvy Victorville multiple DUI lawyer must be well-versed in these laws to build a strong defense.
The penalties for a subsequent conviction are not just an increase in fines and jail time; they are a fundamental shift in how the courts and the DMV treat your case:
- Second DUI (within 10 years): A second DUI conviction, even if it is a misdemeanor, carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence and a two-year license suspension. The court will also require a longer DUI education program and may order the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
- Third DUI (within 10 years): A third offense brings a minimum jail sentence of 120 days, a three-year license suspension, and a mandatory 30-month DUI education program. This offense is still typically a misdemeanor, but the penalties are severe and can include a designation as a "habitual traffic offender."
- Fourth or Subsequent DUI (within 10 years): This is where the law becomes most severe. A fourth DUI is often, though not always, charged as a felony. A conviction can result in a state prison sentence of 16 months, two years, or three years. It also carries a four-year license revocation and a mandatory IID requirement for three years. The collateral consequences of a felony conviction are permanent and life-altering.
Our firm is experienced in distinguishing between these charges and challenging the prosecution's ability to prove the prior convictions. We will work to uncover any errors in the past records that could be used to reduce the current charge. A strategic multiple DUI attorney in Victorville will attack the prosecution's case from every possible angle.
Penalties of Multiple DUI Convictions in California
The penalties for a multiple DUI conviction are designed to be punitive and can have a devastating impact on your life. Beyond the immediate fines and jail time, a conviction can create a cascade of long-term consequences that are often overlooked.
Direct Penalties:
- Jail or Prison Time: As noted above, with each successive DUI, the minimum and maximum sentences increase significantly, with a fourth offense carrying the potential for state prison.
- Massive Fines and Fees: Fines can run into the thousands of dollars, and additional fees, assessments, and surcharges can push the total cost of a DUI conviction into the tens of thousands.
- Extended License Suspension: A second offense results in a two-year suspension, a third offense results in a three-year suspension, and a fourth or subsequent offense results in a four-year revocation.
- Mandatory IID Installation: California law requires repeat DUI offenders to install and maintain an IID on their vehicle for a specified period, a requirement that can be both costly and inconvenient.
- DUI School: The length of DUI school increases with each offense, with third and subsequent offenses requiring a 30-month program.
Collateral Consequences:
- Permanent Criminal Record: A felony DUI conviction will remain on your record permanently, affecting your ability to find work, secure housing, and apply for professional licenses.
- Employment: Many employers are unwilling to hire individuals with multiple DUI convictions, especially if the job requires driving or a clean background check.
- Skyrocketing Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance premiums will increase dramatically, and you may find it difficult to get coverage at all.
- Immigration Issues: A DUI conviction, especially a felony, can have serious consequences for non-U.S. citizens, including deportation.
- Reputation: The social stigma of multiple DUI convictions can impact your personal relationships and standing in the community.
These consequences are why you need a tenacious multiple DUI attorney in Victorville who will fight for a reduction in charges or a complete dismissal.
The California Criminal Defense Process for Multiple DUI Charges
The legal process for a multiple DUI in Victorville is complex and involves both a criminal court case and a separate administrative hearing with the California DMV. We will handle both for you to ensure your rights are protected.
- Arrest and DMV Hearing: The process begins with your arrest. The officer will confiscate your license and give you a temporary one. You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to fight the administrative license suspension. Our firm will make this request for you immediately and represent you at this hearing. This is a critical step that a seasoned Victorville multiple DUI lawyer will not overlook.
- Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. We will appear on your behalf, enter a not-guilty plea, and receive the formal charges and the prosecution's initial evidence.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: We will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing the police reports, body camera footage, and all scientific evidence. We will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or to dismiss the case if there were constitutional violations.
- Plea Negotiations: We will enter into negotiations with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office. Our goal is to secure a favorable plea deal, such as a reduction in the charges or an alternative sentence that does not involve jail time.
- Trial: If a plea deal is not in your best interest, we will proceed to trial. We are experienced trial lawyers who will present a compelling defense to a jury or judge.
- Sentencing: If you are convicted, we will present mitigating factors to the court to argue for the most lenient sentence possible.
Our firm is committed to guiding you through this process and ensuring you are informed and involved every step of the way.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Multiple DUI Defense
Our approach to defending clients against multiple DUI charges is aggressive, thorough, and tailored to the unique facts of your case. We understand that every detail matters, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for a favorable outcome. As a proficient multiple DUI attorney in Victorville, we are prepared to challenge the prosecution on every front.
Our defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: We will investigate whether the police had a legal reason to pull you over in the first place. If they didn't, the entire case could be dismissed.
- Scrutinizing the Field Sobriety Tests: We will argue that these tests are unreliable and can be affected by factors like medical conditions, weather, or fatigue.
- Attacking the Chemical Test Results: We will question the accuracy of the breathalyzer machine, the blood sample's chain of custody, and the qualifications of the person who administered the test.
- Verifying Prior Convictions: We will conduct a comprehensive review of your criminal record to ensure that the prosecution's prior convictions are valid and can be used to enhance your current charge. If there are any errors, we will fight to have the charge reduced to a first-time offense.
- Negotiating Alternative Sentences: We will work to get you an alternative sentence, such as house arrest, a work furlough program, or a residential treatment program, that can keep you out of a county jail.
Our firm is committed to a vigorous and determined defense. We are not afraid to stand up to prosecutors and fight for your rights.
Why Choose Our Multiple DUI Lawyer in Victorville?
Dealing with multiple DUIs can feel overwhelming, but partnering with a defense team that prioritizes your well-being can make all the difference. Every case and every client we represent is unique. We invest time in understanding your circumstances, priorities, and long-term goals before suggesting any legal avenues.
This approach enables our firm to seek alternative sentencing, access to treatment programs, or solutions that match both your reality and Victorville’s legal environment. By combining personalized service and deep knowledge of the area’s criminal justice system, we can pursue negotiation opportunities others may overlook and clearly explain your best legal options at every step.
Here’s what sets us apart as a leading 2nd DUI attorney in Victorville:
- More Than 25 Years of Local Criminal Defense Experience: Our sustained presence means we understand how Victorville judges, prosecutors, and DMV offices handle multiple DUI cases.
- Direct Attorney Involvement at Every Step: You work directly with our attorneys from consultation through conclusion, benefiting from our knowledge of challenging DUI cases and creative defense strategies.
- 24/7 Emergency Support: Multiple DUI arrests often require urgent action. We’re always available so you get answers and help—day or night.
- Accessible Rates & Payment Plans: We believe strong defense should be available to everyone, so we offer reasonable fees and flexible payment plans to fit your needs.
- Free Consultations: Discuss your options risk-free before moving forward—gain clarity and peace of mind from the beginning.
Take the Next Step & Defend Your Future with Confidence
Encountering a 2nd or multiple DUI arrest in Victorville can be extremely stressful, but swift action is the best way to maintain your rights—including fighting for your license and exploring alternatives to incarceration as early as possible. By contacting a 2nd DUI attorney in Victorville as soon as possible, you ensure every legal deadline is met and receive advice that reflects the details of your case and the nuances of Victorville procedures. Prompt guidance can help you avoid common mistakes—like missing crucial DMV deadlines or failing to submit required paperwork correctly—which could significantly worsen your outcome.
Call (909) 695-0095 or reach out online today to begin building your defense and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Is it possible to avoid jail for a multiple offense DUI?
You may qualify for alternatives to jail such as SCRAM monitoring, sober living arrangements, or residential treatment programs. Eligibility often depends on the case’s details and negotiation with the Victorville courts and prosecutors.
How soon should I request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest?
You have just 10 days from your arrest date in Victorville to request a DMV hearing and attempt to preserve your driving privileges. Delaying can result in an automatic suspension.
Can out-of-county priors be used against me in Victorville?
Yes, any prior DUI convictions from other counties in California within the past 10 years can be used to increase penalties for your new DUI charge in Victorville.
What makes the process different in Victorville versus other areas?
Victorville courts follow specific local guidelines for sentencing, use unique documentation, and set particular eligibility rules for alternative sentencing. Local relationships and knowledge can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled.