Sonoma DUI Lawyer for Second and Third DUI Offenses

Sonoma County Attorney for Second, Third or More Prior Drunk Driving Convictions

Absent a willingness to get treatment, repeat drunk driving offenders are given no leniency in Sonoma County Superior Court. If you have one or more prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years or a prior felony conviction for DUI, the penalties are far more severe than for a first-time offense. You may be facing heavy fines, extended jail time, driver's license suspension, community service, DUI school, and other legal consequences. You may also find it difficult to obtain housing, loans, employment, and college admission. With so much at stake, you need an experienced DUI lawyer who not only understands the Sonoma County DUI process, but is skilled and caring about helping offenders who suffer from the disease of alcoholism.

For over 30 years, attorney Paul Burglin has successfully represented motorists charged with multiple DUI offenses in Sonoma County. Paul is one of only five lawyers in California who is Board-Certified by the National College of DUI Defense as approved by the American Bar Association. Since 2004, he has co-authored California Drunk Driving Law, a two-volume legal guide with hundreds of authoritative case interpretations, decision-based legal defenses, and answers to most questions that come up regarding DUI defense. This book is commonly referred to as "the Bible of DUI Defense" and is frequently referenced by other lawyers in the state when they are preparing to defend DUI clients.

Consequences for Multiple DUI Offenses in Sonoma

Repeat drunk driving offenders convicted in Sonoma County Superior Court face harsh punishment. Here is a general idea of what you can expect:

Second DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of drunk driving for the second time in 10 years, you are looking at a statutory minimum of 96 hours in Sonoma County jail (with a much longer jail sentence being imposed), approximately $1000 in fines plus hefty penalties and assessments, driver's license suspension for up to two years, at least 18 months of multiple offender drinking driver school, and installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Third DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of a third DUI in 10 years, the minimum statutory jail time is extended to 120 days along with fines of approximately $1000 plus penalty hefty assessments, driver's license revocation for up to three years, at least 18 months of multiple offender drinking driver school, a habitual traffic violator designation, and installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Fourth DUI Conviction

A fourth drunk driving offense within 10 years can result in six months to one year in county jail or a three-year prison sentence depending on whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. You are also looking at up to $10,000 in fines and penalty assessments, a four-year driver's license revocation, and other consequences.

Enhanced DUI Penalties

Aggravated circumstances may result in harsher penalties for multiple DUI convictions. Examples include:

• Refusal to submit to the mandatory chemical test;
• Child endangerment;
• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or above;
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license;
• Reckless driving;
• DUI with bodily injury; or
• DUI vehicular manslaughter.

Speak with a Board-Certified DUI Sonoma County Attorney

Multiple DUI offenses are prosecuted aggressively at the Hall of Justice in Santa Rosa, and the Court does not look favorably upon repeat offenders. Attorney Paul Burglin has represented clients before the Sonoma County Superior Court for over 30 years. Attorney Burglin thoroughly analyzes the case and determines the most effective legal defense to mitigate the negative consequences as much as possible. His experience, depth of knowledge, and proven track record make him the "go to" attorney for prosecutors, judges, and DMV hearing officers when someone close to them is facing a second or multiple drunk driving charge.

For a discreet and confidential consultation with attorney Paul Burglin, contact our office today at 707-320-4007. We serve clients arrested in Santa Rosa, as well as the cities, towns and unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.