Multiple DUI Attorney St. Augustine

Serious Charges Need Serious Local Defense

If you have been arrested for a second or later DUI, you already know this feels different from the first time. Florida law increases penalties quickly for repeat DUI, and a conviction can affect your license, your job, and your future. You need to understand what you are facing and who can help you navigate it.

At Canan Law, our criminal defense attorney team represents individuals in and around St. Augustine who are dealing with second and multiple DUI charges. We have spent decades in Florida courtrooms and have handled more than 250 jury trials. That experience allows us to carefully evaluate the state’s case and build strategies that reflect the seriousness of repeat DUI allegations.

Our goal is to give you clear information, thoughtful advice, and a plan that fits your life. We know this is a stressful and often embarrassing time. We focus on respectful, straightforward communication so you can make informed choices about how to move forward.

If you were recently arrested for a second or multiple DUI in St. Augustine, you can contact our defense team to schedule a confidential consultation and begin discussing your legal options. Call (904) 849-2266

Why People Choose Our DUI Defense

When your record already includes a DUI conviction, the stakes are higher. Clients facing repeat DUI charges look for attorneys who understand how enhanced penalties work under Florida law and how these cases are handled locally. Our team focuses on DUI defense in St. Augustine and brings more than 85 years of combined legal experience to every case.

That depth of trial work matters in a repeat DUI case. Prosecutors often take a tougher approach when someone has prior convictions, and judges may have less patience. Knowing how cases are charged, negotiated, and tried in this part of Northeast Florida helps us shape realistic strategies. We are widely known in the region, and we are familiar with how matters typically proceed at the St. Johns County courthouse.

Our attorneys do not work in isolation. We take a team based approach, which means your case benefits from the insight of several experienced lawyers who review the facts, test legal arguments, and think through potential outcomes together. This deliberate, collaborative process is especially valuable when dealing with complex issues such as prior convictions, high breath test results, or accidents connected to the arrest.

Founding attorney Patrick Canan has received recognitions that reflect his standing in the legal community, including AV Preeminent and 5.0 out of 5 ratings from Martindale Hubbell and multiple Best of St. Augustine awards. These honors come from peers and the community, and they support what we aim to show in every case, that we take our responsibility to our clients seriously.

Consequences Of A Second Or Multiple DUI

Florida treats a second or subsequent DUI very differently from a first offense. Even if the facts of your new arrest seem similar, the potential penalties can be much more severe. Judges have to follow Florida’s sentencing laws, and those laws increase punishment when someone has prior DUI convictions on their record.

For a second DUI, you may be looking at higher mandatory fines, longer periods of probation, and a greater risk of actual jail time, especially if your prior offense was recent or if there were aggravating factors such as a high breath test result or a crash. License suspension periods can increase as well, sometimes resulting in long periods when driving is sharply limited or not allowed at all. If you are facing a third or later DUI, the situation can become even more serious, and some charges may be treated as felonies depending on timing and circumstances.

These criminal penalties are only part of the picture. A conviction for a second or multiple DUI can affect your employment, especially if you drive for work or hold a professional license. It may raise insurance costs significantly and appear on background checks that employers, landlords, or licensing boards review. Some people also face court ordered treatment or ignition interlock device requirements that add more expense and daily disruption.

The specifics depend on factors such as how long it has been since your last DUI, the level of your breath or blood alcohol test, whether anyone was hurt, and how your prior cases were resolved. Our role is to help you understand how those details may affect your risk and to look for ways to limit the harm. We take the time to explain how Florida’s repeat DUI structure is likely to apply so you are not guessing about what could happen.

How We Defend Second & Multiple DUI

A repeat DUI charge is not simple, and your defense should not be either. When you work with our criminal defense team, we start by examining what happened before, during, and after the traffic stop. We review whether law enforcement had a lawful basis to pull you over, how any field sobriety exercises were conducted, and whether the officer followed required procedures.

Testing is a critical part of many DUI cases. We analyze breath or blood test records, looking for potential issues such as maintenance problems, improper observation periods, or gaps in documentation. In some situations, these details can give us grounds to challenge parts of the state’s evidence. We also consider how your prior DUI history interacts with the new charge, because timing and the way earlier cases were handled can change both the charge level and the potential sentencing range.

Our attorneys regularly appear in St. Johns County criminal court and in courts throughout Northeast federal. That local experience matters when we weigh options such as filing motions, discussing possible resolutions with prosecutors, or preparing for trial. We understand how cases tend to move through the docket, and we know that different judges may handle repeat DUI issues in different ways. This knowledge helps us anticipate concerns and choose strategies that fit the reality of this area.

We also approach each case as a team. More than one attorney may review your file, talk through legal questions, and help prepare for hearings. We work to understand your goals, whether that is limiting jail exposure, protecting your ability to work, or addressing underlying alcohol use issues. Although many DUI cases resolve without a full trial, we prepare each one as if it might be presented to a jury, so that we are ready to move forward if negotiations do not make sense for you.

Steps To Take After A 2nd DUI Arrest

After a second or multiple DUI arrest, it is easy to feel frozen and unsure of what to do. Taking certain steps early can make a real difference in how your case unfolds. Florida law and administrative rules create deadlines that can affect your license and your court appearances, and these often arrive sooner than people expect.

Here are practical steps many people find helpful after a repeat DUI arrest:

• Write down everything you remember about the stop, the officer’s statements, and any tests or exercises you were asked to perform.
• Avoid discussing details of your case with anyone other than your attorney, especially on social media or in text messages.
• Gather documents you already have, such as the citation, any paperwork from the jail, and information about prior DUI cases.
• Pay close attention to your court date and any information about license issues so that you do not miss required appearances.
• Contact a criminal defense team that handles second and multiple DUI cases so you can get advice tailored to your situation.

You may also find helpful general information by reviewing our DUI FAQs, which address common concerns about Florida DUI procedures.

Our attorneys can explain which deadlines apply to you, including court dates at the St. Johns County courthouse and possible opportunities to address license related actions. We know it can be difficult to reach out after a repeat arrest, and we focus on respectful, confidential conversations so you feel comfortable sharing what happened.

Working With Our St. Augustine Defense Team

People who come to us after a second or multiple DUI charge are often worried that they will be judged for past mistakes. At Canan Law, we work to create a different experience. We approach every case with the understanding that your legal issue does not define you, and we make it a priority to treat you with respect throughout the process.

When you become our client, you work with attorneys and support staff who have handled serious cases in this community for many years. We explain what is happening at each step, from arraignment through motions, possible plea discussions, and trial settings. Our team strives to return calls, answer questions, and update you as your case moves through the St. Johns County criminal docket so you are not left in the dark.

Our firm has served St. Augustine and surrounding areas for more than three decades, and we remain actively involved in local organizations and causes. Many clients come back to us for other legal needs or refer friends and family, which we view as an important sign of trust. When you work with us on a second or multiple DUI matter, you are working with a team that intends to be part of this community for the long term.

If you are looking for a multiple dui lawyer St. Augustine who combines local knowledge, extensive trial experience, and a team approach, we invite you to speak with us. We can review your situation, explain how Florida repeat DUI laws may apply to you, and discuss possible paths forward. To talk with our defense team, call (904) 849-2266.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a second DUI?

Jail is a real possibility for a second DUI in Florida, but it is not automatic in every case. The risk depends on factors such as your prior record, timing between offenses, and the facts of the new arrest. We can review these details and explain your specific exposure.

Can you help me keep my driver license?

We work to protect driving privileges whenever the law allows. Options depend on your prior DUI history, any refusals or high test results, and how the current case is charged. Our attorneys can review your situation, explain available paths, and help you pursue the best option for you.

How is a 2nd DUI different from my first?

A second DUI usually carries higher fines, greater risk of jail, and longer license consequences than a first offense. Florida law also increases penalties when prior convictions are recent. We help you understand how these rules apply to your case and why early, careful planning is so important.

How will your attorneys handle my case?

We start by gathering all available records and learning your goals. Our attorneys then review the stop, tests, and prior DUI history, discuss legal and factual issues as a team, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. We keep you informed and prepared for each step in court.

What should I do right after a multiple DUI arrest?

Do your best to stay calm, follow release instructions, and do not discuss your case publicly. Keep your paperwork, note important dates, and write down what you remember. Then contact a multiple dui attorney St. Augustine so you can receive advice before making decisions that could affect your future.

To discuss your second or multiple DUI charge, contact our office or call (904) 849-2266 today for a confidential consultation.