Multiple DUI Attorney Fort Myers
Facing A Second Or Multiple DUI? We Can Help
Being arrested again for driving under the influence feels very different from a first offense. You know the stakes are higher, you may be facing tougher judges and prosecutors, and you might be worried about your job, your family, and your license. If you are looking for a multiple DUI attorney in Fort Myers and do not know where to turn, you are not alone.
At Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law, we represent people charged with second, third, and subsequent DUI offenses across Lee County. We understand the fear, embarrassment, and confusion that come with a repeat arrest, and we work to bring calm and clarity to a very stressful time. Our attorneys include former prosecutors with more than 40 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we use that insight to protect our clients from the very beginning.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a repeat DUI, you do not need to guess about your options. We can explain what you are facing in court, what may happen with your driver’s license, and how a focused defense can make a difference in your future.
We’ll help you take the next step. Contact us online to call today.
Why Repeat DUI Charges Are Different
Florida law treats a second or multiple DUIs more harshly than a first offense. Penalties typically increase with every prior conviction, especially when those convictions are within a certain number of years. A second DUI can bring mandatory time in jail, longer license suspensions, and higher fines than you saw the first time around.
Beyond the court penalties, repeat DUI charges often create serious real-world problems. You may be worried about passing background checks, keeping a professional license, or maintaining a job that requires driving. Some parents fear how a conviction might affect a custody arrangement or their standing in family court. Others are concerned about immigration consequences or travel restrictions.
Prior convictions from other Florida counties or from another state can still matter. The way those priors are counted, and how long ago they occurred, can affect whether the State Attorney treats your case as a second, third, or subsequent DUI. This is one of the reasons why it is important to have a lawyer who understands repeat DUI laws and who regularly appears in Lee County court in downtown Fort Myers.
Understanding how much more serious a second or multiple DUI can be is only the first step. The next step is working with a defense team that knows how these cases are prosecuted here and what can be done to protect your record and your future.
Our Approach To 2nd & Multiple DUIs
When you come to us after a repeat DUI arrest, we start by listening. We want to understand what happened during the stop, how the officer treated you, what tests were given, and what happened in your prior case or cases. From there, we review the evidence, including video, police reports, breath or blood test records, and your prior court documents when available.
Because our attorneys are former prosecutors, we know how the State Attorney’s Office often approaches a second or multiple DUI in this area. We are familiar with the strategies they use to try to prove impairment, the way they argue about prior convictions, and the types of plea offers they commonly consider. We use that insight to anticipate problems, challenge assumptions, and look for weaknesses in the case against you.
Our co-founder, Katheryn Calvo, is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar. This is a credential held by a small percentage of criminal defense lawyers statewide, and she is the only female attorney in Lee County with this certification. For clients facing serious DUI charges, this level of trial training can be especially important because some repeat DUI cases cannot be resolved without contested hearings or a trial.
We treat every client as an individual, not a case number. Our firm is intentionally small, which allows us to give each person a specific plan that reflects their history, work situation, and family responsibilities. For some clients, that plan may focus heavily on attacking the legality of the traffic stop or the reliability of the breath test. For others, we may also develop mitigation that shows steps toward treatment or counseling, when that is appropriate and helpful in discussions with the State and the court.
Communication is central to our approach. We explain the process in clear terms, outline likely timelines in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, and answer questions as quickly as we can. If you are more comfortable speaking Spanish, you can communicate directly with an attorney who is fluent. Our goal is to make sure you always know what is happening in your case and why.
What To Do After A 2nd DUI Arrest
The hours and days after a second or multiple DUI arrests can feel chaotic. You may be trying to arrange release from the Lee County Jail, get your car back, and figure out whether you can go to work. Taking a few key steps early can help protect your rights and give your 2nd DUI attorney the best chance to help you.
Here are practical steps to take as soon as possible:
- Protect your license. In many cases, you have a limited time to challenge an administrative driver’s license suspension with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Missing this window can affect your ability to drive, even before your court case is resolved.
- Gather your paperwork. Keep copies of your citation, the arrest paperwork from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or the Fort Myers Police Department, any property receipts, and any documents you still have from your prior DUI case.
- Be careful what you say. Avoid discussing the details of the incident on social media or with friends and co-workers. Conversations and posts can be misunderstood and may later be reviewed by law enforcement or the prosecutor.
- Write down what happened. As soon as you are able, make notes about the traffic stop, what the officer said, how field sobriety tests were given, and any medical conditions or injuries that might have affected those tests.
- Contact a lawyer quickly. The sooner a 2nd DUI attorney can review your situation, the sooner they can begin taking steps to protect your license, preserve evidence, and represent you at first appearances or arraignments in Fort Myers.
When you contact Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law, we can review your paperwork, explain what will likely happen at your next court date, and discuss goals for your case. Early action can make a meaningful difference, especially in repeat DUI cases where the law allows little room for error.
How We Help Protect Your Future
Most people charged with a second or multiple DUIs are worried about the next few days or weeks. Those concerns are real, but there is also a longer-term future to think about. Our role as your 2nd DUI lawyer is to look at both and to work to limit the impact this case has on the rest of your life.
Every DUI case is different, and we cannot promise specific results. However, there are common areas we carefully examine in repeat DUI cases. We review whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop your vehicle, whether field sobriety tests were conducted according to accepted procedures, and whether the breath testing machine was maintained and operated properly. Problems in these areas can sometimes lead to evidence being limited or excluded.
We also look closely at your prior DUI record. The timing and location of each prior conviction can affect how the State charges your case and what minimum penalties may apply. A careful review can sometimes reveal issues with how the priors are being counted or whether they qualify as convictions for enhancement purposes under Florida law.
In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction in charges or to seek sentencing options that focus on treatment, monitoring, or other conditions rather than lengthy incarceration. In other situations, a trial may be the best way to challenge the accusations. Our attorneys prepare for both possibilities and keep you informed so that any decision is made with a full understanding of the risks and potential benefits.
We also think about collateral consequences. A repeat DUI can affect employment, professional licenses, security clearances, and even housing applications. We take time to understand what matters most to you and factor those concerns into our strategy whenever we can. Our firm has a history of helping clients improve the outcome of serious criminal charges and, when the law allows in other matters, later pursue expungement or sealing to protect their records.
If you are looking for a multiple DUI lawyer in Fort Myers who will focus on both your case and your life beyond it, our team is ready to talk with you. We will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you decide on the best way forward for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for a second DUI?
Jail is a real possibility for a second DUI, but the exact outcome depends on factors like your prior record, the timing between offenses, and the specific facts of this arrest. We review everything carefully and work to present evidence and arguments that can help reduce your risk.
How will a 2nd DUI affect my license?
A second DUI can lead to longer driver’s license suspensions and ignition interlock requirements. Administrative and court-related suspensions are separate. We help you understand deadlines to request hearings, explore eligibility for hardship licenses, and plan for how these rules may affect your ability to work and care for your family.
Do you handle 2nd DUI cases in Lee County courts?
Yes. We regularly represent clients charged with DUI in Lee County court in Fort Myers. Our attorneys know local judges and prosecutors and are familiar with how repeat DUI cases are usually handled in this circuit. That local knowledge helps us give you realistic advice and prepare effectively for each hearing.
Can you help if my first DUI was in another state?
We can review out-of-state prior DUIs and assess how they may be treated under Florida law. Prosecutors often try to use those convictions to enhance charges or penalties. Our team examines the records and timing, then advises you on how those priors might affect your current case.
How will your firm communicate with me about my case?
We work to keep you informed at every stage. Our firm prioritizes prompt responses, clear explanations, and regular updates before and after court dates. You can speak directly with an attorney, and if you prefer Spanish, we can communicate with you in that language as well.
Talk With Our Team About Your Next Step
If you are facing a second, third, or subsequent DUI in or around Fort Myers, you do not have to navigate this alone. Meeting with a 2nd DUI attorney can give you a clearer picture of your risks, your options, and the practical steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
At Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law, we bring together former prosecutors, over 40 years of combined criminal trial experience, and a deep familiarity with Lee County courts. We strive to offer steady guidance, thorough preparation, and personal attention, so you always know where your case stands and what we are doing on your behalf.
To discuss your situation in a confidential consultation, contact us today at (800) 614-5138.
5-Star Reviews From Our Clients
Success Stories
At Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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“Jose made me feel confident from our first conversation and throughout the legal process that everything would be OK. He is a calming presence and walks the walk of what you will discuss and work on with him. Very highly recommended.”- Anonymous
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“Mr. Calvo was very knowledgeable and professional. He directed me through a very complicated situation with ease and confidence. I would definitely recommend him to any of my friends.”- Ron K.
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“Mr. Calvo was a huge help with a situation I got into while I was on vacation a couple years ago. He fought tooth and nail for me and made sure everything was ok, all while we were thousands of miles apart. I can't thank him enough!”- Kerri
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“Calvo and Calvo have represented me on several occasions and I have found them, Jose Calvo in particular, to be supportive, professional and thorough. I would not hesitate to seek Calvo and Calvo's representation in the future.”- Marty B.
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“In our struggle to secure my son's future. Mr. Calvo proved to be just the man I needed. Our outcome was excellent. Thank you, Mr. Calvo, for your assistance.”- Franklin W.
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“I would highly recommend the services of Jose Calvo Esq. his experience and knowledge of bankruptcy law make a challenging and stressful situation into a painless process. ”- Rene
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“Mr. Calvo not only worked tenaciously for eight months before getting a favorable outcome for our son, but he was also extremely patient with him, explaining everything and answering the same questions over and over again to make sure he understood everyth”- Wendy C.
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I am very grateful to Jose Calvo and his staff for their superb services. I was in a very difficult case in which I thought there was no way out. But thankfully I was led to Calvo & Calvo. Not only did he help me drop my felony charge to a misdemeanor; he also helped me get my records expunged or sealed. Whenever I had any questions, I simply emailed or called him and I had my questions answered very promptly. Thanks to him I can happily move on with my life. My family and I thank you very much!!! I would recommend him to everyone!!!!- Anonymous