In addition, a skilled criminal lawyer will also obtain all documents from the prior DUI case so that they can verify whether or not the defendant received a valid conviction. In these cases, the prosecution must prove the validity of both DUI convictions in order to have the individual receive the penalties specifically associated with a second offense. If an attorney is able to prove that the previous conviction was not true or to plead the previous case down to reckless driving or obstruction of a roadway, the penalties for an individual’s DUI case will not be nearly as severe.