In California, a 10 year “look-back period” for DUIs can lead to increased penalties. An experienced Los Angeles County DUI attorney can help if you’ve been charged with a second, third or fourth DUI.
California law provides stiff penalties for any DUI conviction, but if you’ve racked up multiple DUIs, the potential penalties are much higher. California has strict laws regarding multiple DUIs, and imposes severe penalties on any driver with more than one DUI conviction within a certain time frame. Known as the “look-back period,” this time period is incredibly important as it can significantly increase your exposure to high fees and expenses, prison time, ignition interlock device installation, a longer license suspension, court-ordered alcohol classes and more.
What is the Look-back Period?
Under California law, a second, third or fourth DUI is incredibly serious. If you are charged with a DUI, your criminal record will be reviewed to see if you have any prior arrests for DUIs in California or another state. A DUI conviction within 10 years of the current charge can be used against you. This effectively enhances the current charge, turning it into a second or third offense (or whichever number is appropriate depending on your situation). In fact, if you have a prior DUI conviction within 10 years of the current charge, a judge is required to use this conviction in sentencing for your current charge. For a second DUI offense, this could result in mandatory jail time, fees and fines. It will likely result in longer alcohol classes; instead of a minimum of 3 months of classes for a first-time DUI, the minimum for a second DUI is 18 months of classes. In Los Angeles County, it could also include the installation of an ignition interlock device, which is mandatory for a minimum of one year for a second DUI conviction. Probation will likely be increased as well. Because the potential penalties for a second, third or fourth DUI offense are so high, it is critical that you contact a Los Angeles County DUI attorney as soon as possible after you are charged with a DUI.
Can DUIs Outside of the Look-back Period Be Used Against You?
Although the look-back period for DUIs is 10 years, a judge may still be able to consider DUIs from outside of that time frame. For older DUIs, a sentencing enhancement is not mandatory — but it could still be used against you. A prosecutor could consider the offense when deciding whether or not to offer a deal, or a judge could use the older conviction in sentencing. A seasoned Los Angeles County DUI attorney can work to minimize the impact of a DUI conviction outside of the 10 year look-back period.
If you are facing multiple DUI charges — even if the prior DUI conviction was more than 10 years ago — you will need a highly-skilled Los Angeles County DUI attorney. At the Chambers Law Firm, we are experienced in handling multiple DUI conviction cases. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to set up a consultation!
