Multiple DUI Attorney in Costa Mesa

Serious Help For 2nd, 3rd & Multiple DUI Charges In Orange County

If you are facing a second DUI or charges tied to more than one DUI involving Costa Mesa, you are in a very different legal situation than you were the first time. California law increases penalties sharply for repeat DUI offenses, and Orange County courts treat these cases seriously. In this moment, you need clear information and a calm, capable multiple DUI attorney in Costa Mesa who can guide you through what comes next.

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we focus exclusively on criminal defense and bring more than 100 years of combined experience to every case. Our attorneys have handled many DUI matters, including repeat offenses, in courts throughout Orange County. We know how overwhelming this feels, and we are here to provide steady guidance, not judgment.

Our team is based in Newport Beach and regularly represents people whose DUI cases arise out of Costa Mesa and nearby communities. We are available 24/7 to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you start protecting your future as quickly as possible.

Don't wait until your court date to find a multiple DUI attorney in Costa Mesa. Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online today. Let us show you how our former prosecutors can navigate the complexities of your case. Your free consultation is just a phone call away.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in California

California Vehicle Code 23152 governs most DUI offenses, but the penalties are dictated by the "priorability" of the crime. California uses a 10-year lookback period, often called the "washout period." This means any DUI conviction or "wet reckless" (VC 23103.5) that occurred within 10 years of your current arrest date will be used to enhance your sentence.

A multiple DUI attorney in Costa Mesa must navigate several different tiers of charges:

• Second DUI Offense: Charged as a misdemeanor if there are no injuries. It carries mandatory jail time and a much longer alcohol program than a first offense.
• Third DUI Offense: Still typically a misdemeanor, but the court views this as a sign of habitual behavior. The mandatory minimum jail time increases significantly.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI: Under Vehicle Code 23550, a fourth DUI within 10 years can be charged as a felony. This carries the potential for a state prison sentence and a permanent "felon" status on your record.
• DUI with a Prior Felony: If you have even one prior felony DUI conviction on your record from the last 10 years, any new DUI—even a simple one with no injuries—can be automatically filed as a felony.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Multiple DUI Convictions in Costa Mesa

The consequences of a repeat conviction are designed to be restrictive and expensive. Our role as your multiple DUI attorney in Costa Mesa is to mitigate these outcomes through aggressive litigation.

Direct Penalties

• Mandatory Incarceration: Unlike a first-time DUI where jail is often avoided, a second DUI carries a mandatory minimum of 96 hours to one year in jail. A third DUI jumps to a minimum of 120 days.
• License Revocation: A second conviction triggers a two-year suspension. A third conviction results in a three-year revocation. For a fourth (felony) offense, you may lose your license for four years or permanently.
• The 18-30 Month Program: Repeat offenders are required to attend the SB38 multi-offender program, which lasts between 18 and 30 months and involves rigorous group and individual counseling.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will be required to install a breathalyzer in your vehicle for up to three years to regain even limited driving privileges.

Collateral Consequences

• Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Status: A third DUI conviction may lead the court to designate you as an HTO, which significantly increases penalties for any future driving-related infractions.
• Professional Licensing: If you hold a medical, legal, or real estate license, multiple convictions are often seen as "crimes of moral turpitude" or evidence of unfitness, leading to license revocation.
• Travel Restrictions: Countries like Canada often deny entry to individuals with even one DUI; with multiple convictions, international travel becomes exponentially more difficult.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Multiple DUI Defense

Every repeat DUI case has its own facts, history, and personal impact, so we do not treat these matters as one size fits all. When you contact us, we start by listening carefully to what happened and how this new arrest fits into your life and your prior record. We then review the evidence with a critical eye and begin identifying where legal or factual issues may exist.

We don't accept the prosecution’s narrative at face value. A Costa Mesa multiple DUI lawyer from our firm uses a multi-layered strategy:

• Attacking the "Priors": We look for "striking" a prior conviction. If your previous lawyer failed to advise you of certain rights, or if the court records are incomplete, we may be able to have that prior removed from the current case, effectively turning a "Second DUI" back into a "First."
• Scientific Disruption: We work with forensic toxicologists to challenge the accuracy of the blood or breath results. We investigate "rising blood alcohol" and "GERD" defenses that are especially effective when the BAC is near the legal limit.
• Alternative Sentencing: We are former prosecutors who know how to present a "mitigation package" to the DA. We often negotiate for house arrest (electronic monitoring), sober living, or private jail (City Jail) instead of the Orange County Men’s or Women’s Central Jail.
• Constitutional Challenges: We analyze the Fourth Amendment basis for your stop. If the police didn't have a valid reason to pull you over, the entire case—priors and all—could be dismissed.

Why Trust Our Firm When Facing A 2nd Or Multiple DUI Charges

Facing a second or multiple DUI charges requires specialized knowledge beyond a routine first-offense defense. Enhanced penalties, probation issues, and mandatory sentencing make these cases complex. Our firm provides attorneys experienced in repeat DUI matters who understand both the law and how local Orange County prosecutors and judges handle such cases, giving clients a focused and informed defense strategy.

We take a collaborative team approach, ensuring your case is reviewed from multiple perspectives. Our attorneys examine the facts, traffic stop, testing, and prior record together, identifying potential issues and opportunities that a single attorney might overlook. This team-based strategy maximizes the chances of favorable outcomes and ensures every aspect of your case is carefully evaluated.

Our attorneys bring decades of recognized experience and local credibility. From AV-rated attorneys and former prosecutors to lawyers honored by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, our team combines trial expertise with deep knowledge of DUI defense. These credentials reflect years of handling serious cases successfully and demonstrate our commitment to protecting clients in Orange County’s courts.

After A 2nd DUI Arrest In Costa Mesa: What You Should Do Now

The hours and days after a second or multiple DUI arrest are often a blur. You may be worried about your job, your license, and how to tell your family. Taking a few specific steps can help you protect yourself and give your 2nd DUI attorney in Costa Mesa the best chance to assess your situation.

Focus on time-sensitive deadlines:

• In many cases, you have a limited window to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles to challenge an administrative suspension. The exact timeline depends on the paperwork you received, so it is important to act quickly. Keep all documents given to you at the time of arrest, including any temporary license, citation, or release paperwork from the Costa Mesa area.

Be careful about what you say and where you say it:

• Avoid discussing the details of the arrest with friends, co-workers, or on social media. Statements you make can be misunderstood or used against you later. If law enforcement or anyone else wants to ask you questions about the incident, you have the right to consult with a 2nd DUI attorney before deciding whether to speak.

Gather information while it is fresh:

• Write down what you remember about the stop, the field sobriety tests, and any breath or blood testing. Details that seem minor now may become important later. Collect information about your prior DUI case, such as the date, court, and any probation terms that might still be in effect.

Speak with a defense attorney promptly:

• A seasoned 2nd DUI defense attorney can review your paperwork, talk with you about what happened, and help you decide on next steps. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we offer free consultations and are available 24/7, so you can reach out when questions arise, not just during business hours.

Talk With Our Team About Your 2nd DUI

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to talk with our team about your case. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and learn how our team approaches repeat DUI charges in Orange County, all without upfront cost. If you decide to move forward with us, we will work to provide steady, knowledgeable representation that reflects the seriousness of what you are going through.

Speaking with a 2nd DUI lawyer in Costa Mesa early can give you a clearer picture of the road ahead and help you start making informed choices.

To talk with our team about a second or multiple DUI case, call (949) 251-0330 today.