Punishment for Second Offense MIP

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

Hello, I received an mip for alcohol when i was 18. The charges were lowered to an infraction and I paid about $300, had to attend one MADD class, and did not get my license suspended. I did this without the assistance of a lawyer. Now, over two years later, I am 20 and received another ticket for mip of alcohol.

I want to know if the first offense will make the court harder on me. I don't mind the fines, but I have to have my license to work. Im a fire/paramedic student. I have only received one ticket before, and have a clean record otherwise. What can I do to prevent a license suspension, and a charge that could possibly affect my professional career goal as a firefighter?

Yes, the court will look at this as a second offense.

In many states, yes, there is a high chance of having your license suspended. They don't care if you are a fire/paramedic student - which means you should know better....

You should retain a local lawyer to see what kind of help he/she can provide.

I would guess you will be ordered into Alcohol Ed classes.