San Diego Multiple DUI Defense Lawyer

Strong Criminal Defense for Repeat DUI Charges in San Diego County

A DUI conviction is always serious, but the consequences become significantly more severe with each subsequent offense. California law treats repeat DUI offenders harshly, and if you’re facing your second, third, or even fourth DUI charge, you could be looking at mandatory jail time, long license suspensions, hefty fines, and even felony charges in some cases.

At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we understand the pressure and fear that come with facing multiple DUI charges. Anthony Vargas is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer and former Public Defender who represents clients throughout San Diego County. He provides calm, focused guidance and aggressive defense strategies designed to protect your rights, your record, and your future. If you need help from an experienced and successful San Diego multiple DUI defense lawyer, contact Anthony Vargas today.

California’s “Look-Back” Period and Prior Convictions

In California, DUI penalties are based on how many prior offenses you’ve had in the past 10 years—this is known as the “look-back” period. If you have prior DUI convictions, including “wet reckless” convictions, within that 10-year window, the prosecution can—and likely will—seek enhanced penalties on your current charge.

Even a DUI arrest that didn’t result in jail time or a conviction after a plea deal could come back to haunt you. That’s why it’s so important to fight every DUI charge with the help of an experienced defense lawyer who understands how much is at stake.

Penalties for Multiple DUI Convictions in California

The consequences of a DUI conviction increase with each offense. Here’s what you could be facing if you’re arrested for a second, third, or fourth DUI within 10 years:

Second DUI (Misdemeanor – Vehicle Code § 23540)

96 hours to one year in county jail
$390–$1,000 in fines (plus penalty assessments)
Two-year driver’s license suspension (convertible to a restricted license with an IID)
18-month DUI education program
Up to five years of probation
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

Third DUI (Misdemeanor – Vehicle Code § 23546)

120 days to one year in jail
$390–$1,000 in fines (plus assessments)
Three-year license revocation
30-month DUI school
Designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)
Mandatory IID installation
Significantly harsher probation conditions

Fourth DUI (Usually Felony – Vehicle Code § 23550)

A fourth DUI in 10 years is generally charged as a felony, even if no injury or accident occurred.

16 months, two years, or three years in state prison
Up to $10,000 in fines
Four-year license revocation
30-month DUI school
HTO designation
Felony criminal record

Even if your fourth DUI is initially filed as a misdemeanor, prosecutors can elevate the charges, especially if there are aggravating circumstances such as excessive speed, refusal to submit to testing, or a minor in the vehicle.

The Impact of Multiple Convictions on Your Life

With each DUI conviction, the damage to your life grows. In addition to increasing jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions, you could face serious collateral consequences, including loss of job or professional license, barriers to finding employment, higher insurance premiums or policy cancellation, ineligibility for certain loans or housing, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and long-term damage to your personal and professional reputation.

You may also face the stigma of being labeled a habitual offender, which can influence future legal proceedings and limit your options for diversion or leniency.

Defending Against Repeat DUI Charges in San Diego

When facing multiple DUI charges, the stakes are high—but all is not lost. There are still viable defense strategies that may help reduce the charges, minimize the penalties, or even get the case dismissed. At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we explore every possible avenue to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Common defenses in multiple DUI cases include:

Unlawful traffic stop – If police lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible.
Faulty breath or blood testing – Breathalyzers and blood tests are prone to error, especially when not properly administered or maintained.
Medical conditions or prescription medications – Certain health issues or legal medications can mimic signs of intoxication or affect chemical test results.
Violation of your constitutional rights – Coerced statements, unlawful searches, and improper procedures may result in suppressed evidence.
Time gaps in look-back period – If prior DUIs occurred more than 10 years ago, they should not count toward sentencing enhancements.

We may also pursue plea negotiations to reduce a new DUI to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, especially if prior convictions were relatively minor or your current case involves no injuries or aggravating factors.

DUI Treatment Programs and Alternative Sentencing

In some cases, especially for second or third DUI charges, courts may allow defendants to enter treatment programs or alternative sentencing options instead of jail time. This could include, for example, residential rehabilitation, outpatient counseling, electronic home monitoring, work release programs, or sobriety monitoring and testing.

San Diego DUI defense attorney Anthony Vargas works with clients to present the strongest possible case for alternatives to incarceration, especially when there is evidence of substance abuse or addiction issues. Courts are increasingly willing to consider rehabilitation over punishment when appropriate.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for a Repeat DUI in San Diego

If you’ve been arrested for a second, third, or fourth DUI, the most important thing you can do is remain silent and call a lawyer right away. Do not attempt to talk your way out of it or explain yourself to law enforcement. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Invoking your right to counsel immediately allows your attorney to begin protecting your rights and shaping the direction of your defense from the outset. The earlier you bring in a qualified DUI defense attorney, the better your chances of avoiding the most severe consequences.

Your Advocate in San Diego for Multiple DUI Charges

Repeat DUI charges don’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can challenge the charges, protect your freedom, and begin moving forward. At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we offer smart, strategic defense for clients throughout San Diego County, including those with prior DUI convictions.

Anthony understands what you’re up against and knows how to navigate the legal system to your advantage. As a former San Diego Public Defender and experienced trial attorney, he brings calm and confidence to a stressful situation—and fights hard for the outcome you deserve.

If you’ve been charged with a second, third, or fourth DUI in San Diego County, contact our office today for a confidential consultation. Don’t leave your future to chance—get the defense you need from one of San Diego’s top DUI defense lawyers.