Want to know if prior convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) (California Vehicle Code (VEH) § 23152) can be used against you in court? All DUIs are priorable offenses in the state of California. This means that a past DUI charge could count against you if you are arrested for a subsequent offense.
DUI charges do eventually come off of your record. However, this may take 10 years. Learn more about how prior DUI charges impact you and consider your options to handle DUI charges in Los Angeles right now.
Priorable Offenses and DUIs in Los Angeles
Every DUI charge in California is priorable. These charges remain on both your criminal and your driving record. DUI convictions stay on your driving record for 10 years. During this 10-year period, they could count against you if you face subsequent DUI charges. Note that the 10-year period starts at the time of your arrest, not the time of your conviction.
You may face priorable charges if you are convicted of driving under the influence of:
- Alcohol
- Drug
- Drugs and alcohol
Additionally, some charges associated with DUI plea bargains are priorable. This includes “wet” reckless charges. A wet reckless plea bargain counts as a DUI conviction on your record. This means it may be used against you in court if you are arrested for another DUI.
Effects of Prior Convictions on DUI Charges
So, we’ve established that prior convictions may count against you in DUI cases in Los Angeles. Let’s focus on how these past convictions might affect you. You will face harsher penalties for a DUI if you have past convictions. For example, the basic penalties for a first DUI could include fines and:
- Up to six months of jail time.
- Up to six months of usage of an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Up to nine months in DUI school.
A second conviction within 10 years of your first DUI increases these potential penalties to:
- Up to one year of jail time.
- Up to one-year usage of an IID.
- Up to 30 months in DUI school.
As you can see, the penalties are much harsher for a second DUI in Los Angeles. The penalties for DUIs continue to increase each time you are convicted. You could even face felony charges if you get enough DUIs on your record.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer could help you handle a first or subsequent DUI charge. Find out how we can assist you by calling (310) 896-2724. We’re ready to discuss the facts of your case today.
Handling Prior DUI Convictions in Los Angeles
Many drivers wonder if there is any way to get rid of a past DUI conviction in Los Angeles. You can work with a DUI lawyer to get a DUI charge expunged. Expungement removes a DUI charge from your criminal record in California.
However, expungement does not affect your driving record. This means that DUI charges still count against you, even after you get an expungement. For this reason, you may want to focus on preventing a conviction instead.
Defenses for DUI Charges in Los Angeles
You don’t have to just accept a DUI conviction in Los Angeles. Instead, you should take steps to handle DUI charges before you are convicted. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can step in to build a defense for you right now. Allow us to focus on disputing the evidence used by the prosecution.
We may work to show that you were stopped by a law enforcement officer without due cause. Our team might also argue the results of any blood alcohol content (BAC) tests you were asked to take. Blocking or debating BAC test results could weaken the prosecution’s case.
You can trust our team to listen to your side of the story after a DUI arrest. We might work to bring you a plea bargain to resolve your DUI charges. We know which plea bargains are in your best interest. We are also ready to defend you in court if you are facing a first or subsequent DUI charge. Contact us now.
Ask a Lawyer if Prior Convictions can be Used in Court
Prior DUI conviction can be used against you in court in California. Fortunately, you can get help handling your current charges by reaching out to a member of our team. Start working with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles right now. Just call us at (310) 896-2724. You may also complete our online contact form to get help on your side.
We’re ready to help you right now. Find out how with a free consultation.
