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Criminal defense attorney

Multiple DUI Attorney in Torrance

Focused Defense For Second & Repeat DUIs

If you were recently arrested for a second or multiple DUIs in Torrance, you are facing much more than a repeat of your first case. Jail time, a long license suspension, and a lasting criminal record are all on the line, especially when there is already a prior on your record. If you're facing this situation, our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance are prepared to help you.

At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, our lawyers focus exclusively on criminal defense and have spent decades defending people accused of driving under the influence. Our team brings more than 60 years of combined experience to every case, and our practice is led by Robert Ernenwein, a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with 38 years in criminal law. We know how prosecutors in this part of the county approach repeat DUI cases, and we work to protect our clients at every stage.

If you are concerned about jail, your driver’s license, or your job, you do not need to sort this out alone. Our goal is to help you understand what you are facing and to build a defense that fits your circumstances.

To speak confidentially with our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance, call (310) 361-3068 or contact us online today.

Why Second DUIs Are So Serious

Many people are surprised by how quickly the stakes rise after a first DUI. California uses a 10-year lookback period, which means a prior DUI conviction within that window can turn a new arrest into a second or multiple offense with sharply increased penalties. Judges and prosecutors in the Torrance courthouse generally treat these cases as a pattern, not a single mistake.

On a second DUI, the law often calls for mandatory minimum jail time, higher fines, and longer DUI education programs than for a first offense. Probation can be stricter and may include conditions such as community labor, alcohol monitoring, or an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive. For a third or subsequent DUI, the potential jail exposure and program length usually increase again, and in certain situations, a case can be filed as a felony.

These consequences reach far beyond the courtroom. A second or multiple DUIs can threaten a professional license, affect background checks, and create real problems for jobs that require driving. Our multiple DUI lawyers in Torrance draw on decades of criminal defense work in Los Angeles County to explain how the law applies to your prior record and to help you avoid decisions that might hurt you later.

Penalties For Second & Multiple DUIs Explained By Our Multiple DUI Attorneys in Torrance

Understanding the possible penalties is an important first step. California DUI law is complex, and each case is different, but second and multiple offenses typically involve both criminal court consequences and separate DMV action on your driver’s license. We help clients make sense of these overlapping systems so they know what is at stake.

On a second DUI within 10 years, courts commonly consider a range of county jail time, higher fine amounts, and a multi-month or multi-year DUI education program. Probation usually lasts several years and may include strict terms about alcohol use, travel, and new law violations. Judges may also order an ignition interlock device and community labor or community service, especially when they are concerned about repeat conduct.

With three or more DUI convictions in that 10-year window, the penalties often become even more severe. The risk of longer jail sentences can increase, and prosecutors may look to file some cases as felonies, particularly when there are prior felony DUIs or injuries involved. A felony conviction can affect voting rights, firearm rights, and employment in a very different way than a misdemeanor.

The DMV process adds another layer. A second DUI can bring a significantly longer license suspension or revocation period than a first offense. There may be options for a restricted license or ignition interlock device, but these depend on factors such as prior history, test results, and how quickly a DMV hearing is requested. Our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance explain these rules in clear terms and work to protect driving privileges whenever the law allows.

How Our Team Defends Repeat DUI Cases

When you already have a prior DUI, it can feel like the system is stacked against you. Our attorneys approach second and multiple DUI cases with the understanding that your past does not automatically decide your future. We treat each case as its own set of facts and legal issues, and we analyze those details carefully.

We start by examining the basis for the traffic stop, the officer’s observations, and the field sobriety tests. Breath and blood testing procedures are reviewed for accuracy, proper calibration, and compliance with California regulations. Our partnership with a former LAPD private investigator allows us to look closely at what happened, identify potential witnesses, and evaluate whether law enforcement followed required procedures.

Robert Ernenwein’s years as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney give our firm insight into how the prosecution may view your case, particularly when there is a prior DUI in your history. That background helps us evaluate charges, identify weaknesses, and communicate effectively with the prosecutor about possible resolutions. We also draw on his certification as a criminal law professional by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization when assessing complex sentencing rules that apply to multiple offenses.

Our goal is to build a defense strategy that fits your specific situation. That can include challenging the validity of prior convictions where appropriate, addressing potential issues with the stop or testing, presenting evidence of treatment or rehabilitation efforts, and advocating for alternatives to straight jail time where the law and facts support them. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and prepared for each appearance in the Torrance courthouse or other South Bay courts where your case may be heard.

Steps To Take After A Second DUI Arrest

The hours and days after a second DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. Taking certain steps early can protect important rights and give your attorneys more options to work with. We encourage clients to contact our firm as soon as possible so we can start guiding them through both the court and DMV processes.

Key steps to protect yourself after a repeat DUI arrest:

  • Request information about your DMV hearing deadline and pay close attention to the temporary license you receive.
  • Avoid discussing details of the incident with friends, coworkers, or on social media, and do not talk to law enforcement without legal advice.
  • Keep all paperwork together, including your citation, booking documents, temporary license, and any court date notice for the Torrance courthouse.
  • Follow any existing probation terms carefully and comply with new release conditions to avoid additional violations that can make the situation worse.
  • Contact our office promptly so our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance can review your prior record, look at the new arrest, and begin planning a defense that addresses both.

Taking these actions can help us step in quickly, protect important deadlines, and start building a clear picture of what you are facing and how we can respond.

We work to protect your record, your license, and your future, and we strive to keep you informed at every stage of the process. Call us at (310) 361-3068 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go to Jail for a Second DUI?

A second DUI can involve mandatory minimum jail time, but the actual time often depends on the facts, your prior record, and how the case is resolved. Our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance review your situation, explain realistic ranges, and work to limit custody time or pursue alternatives when the law allows.

Can You Help Me Keep My Driver’s License?

We can represent you in the criminal case and at a California DMV hearing, which is where license decisions are handled. Outcomes depend on factors such as test results and prior history, but we work to protect or restore driving privileges whenever possible and to explain all available options clearly.

How is a Second DUI Different from My First?

A second DUI within 10 years usually brings harsher penalties, including longer license consequences, more serious sentencing ranges, and stricter probation terms. Courts in this area typically view repeat DUIs as a pattern. We help you understand how your prior affects the new case and what we can do in response.

How Will Your Attorneys Handle My Multiple DUI Case?

Our multiple DUI attorneys in Torrance start by reviewing the stop, testing, and your prior DUIs in detail. We use investigator resources, former prosecutor insight, and our knowledge of local courts to look for defenses, negotiate with the prosecution, and prepare you for each step, always focusing on your long-term interests.

Will You Judge Me for Having More Than One DUI?

No. Our firm is devoted to criminal defense, and we see our role as guiding and defending clients, not judging them. We understand that people can struggle with alcohol or make repeated mistakes. You can expect respectful treatment, honest advice, and steady support throughout your second or multiple DUI cases.

When you contact us, you speak directly with attorneys who take the time to understand your history, explain your options, and answer your questions

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  • I cannot thank Robert enough for his efforts, knowledge, and execution in my case. He gave me a second chance.
    - Kevin Q.
  • Michelle has had a profound impact on my life. She not only has a firm grasp of legal matters, but also of human emotions. This dynamic duo worked all hours of the day and night on my case. They exerted effort way beyond the amount that I had paid them.
    - Khadijeh K.
  • If you are in need of a great attorney with an abundance of experience as well as a very professional office staff who constantly will keep you updated, call Ernenwein & Mathes!
    - Jake L.
  • They are the gold standard for defense attorneys. A+
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    Our FAQ

    Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 310-361-3068 today!

    • Should I Hire A Torrance Juvenile Attorney For My Child?

      Absolutely.

      The right counsel can help you avoid pitfalls that may arise in the case, such as the juvenile court’s determination that the case is serious enough (i.e., felony) to justify your child being charged and tried as an adult. If your child is tried as an adult, his or her case is moved to adult criminal court, and if convicted, may go to prison with adult offenders.

      The defense lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, have handled over 1,000 juvenile cases over the course of their combined 60 years of experience. We will make every possible effort to allow your child to remain in juvenile court. We can attend your child’s fitness hearing, where the court makes the decision regarding whether to try your child as an adult or a juvenile. Psychiatric reports, probation reports and legal arguments can be arranged to help convince the juvenile court to retain its jurisdiction over the minor.

      As Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney, the lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, know the criminal process inside out, giving them a distinct edge when they represent you in court. They are well-respected and well-known by Los Angeles prosecutors and judges.

      If your child has been charged in a criminal case, contact Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense lawyers today at (310) 361-3068 for a free case review.

    • What Kind Of Punishment Will My Child Received If She Or He Is Convicted?

      Generally, punishments fall into four different categories. First, your child may be sent home on probation. Second, the juvenile may be sent to a placement facility within the community, such as a boys’ or girls’ home. Third, the juvenile may be sent to a camp facility. The camp may be a short-term camp and last as little as four months or as long as 12 months. Finally, your child may be sent to DJJ, which is a juvenile version of an adult state penitentiary.

    • If My Child Is Convicted, Will The Conviction Remain On His Criminal Record?

      If you hire us, we will try to get your child’s case deviated out of the criminal justice system through deferred entry of judgement or to seek informal probation with dismissal or a dismissal after formal probation. If we can secure these as conviction/sentencing options, the offense will not go on his or her criminal record. If a plea of no contest or conviction occurs in a case, the record can be sealed after the juvenile’s 18th or 21st birthday.

    • My Child Has Been Taken Into Custody. What Can He/She Be Charged With?

      Depending on the seriousness of the charged offense, the prosecutor can file either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a minor is convicted of a misdemeanor, he will be placed on probation, detained in a juvenile facility, such as a boot camp or a ranch, ordered to pay a fine or a combination of these punishments. If the minor is convicted of an infraction, such as a motor vehicle violation, he or she will usually be punished with a fine.

      However, the minor will face much more severe consequences if he is convicted of a felony. The court may sentence to incarceration in a state institution, such as the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which is the equivalent to a state prison sentence for adults. In addition to or in the alternative, the court may order house arrest (electronic monitoring), commitment in a youth center, probation, parole or undergoing treatment programs.

      There are rules and procedures that are unique to the California Juvenile Court and, therefore, make it very different from adult criminal court. For instance, juveniles are not entitled to jury trials (the theory being that, since juveniles are being rehabilitated rather than punished, they are not entitled to all protections otherwise afforded adult criminals). Juveniles also have no right to bail.

    • If You Were Not Drunk When The Fatal Crash Occurred
      Even if you were not drunk when the accident took place, you could still be charged with vehicular manslaughter. The prosecution will need to show that you committed an unlawful act while driving and were grossly negligent. For example, if you were speeding or driving recklessly, it could be considered an unlawful act. Gross negligence could come into play, too, which basically means you disregarded the safety of others.
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