DUI Second Offense

Were you recently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)? If so, you may be facing severe legal penalties, including license suspension, fines, and jail time—and that’s if this is your first DUI offense. What’s more, if you have been convicted of DUI in the past, these consequences may be even more severe. Indeed, most states have mandatory sentencing guidelines for a DUI second offense and, depending on the jurisdiction, repeat DUI offenders not only risk losing their driving privileges and spending time in jail, but may also face numerous additional punishments. 

Although each state has its own laws regarding how DUI offenders are sentenced, individuals who have one or more prior DUI convictions on their record are often required to complete an alcohol education program. With many of these so-called “DUI school” programs lasting a year or longer, these classes are not only time-consuming, but they can also be quite costly due to their enrollment fees—which you are responsible for paying. 

In addition to attending an alcohol education program, the court may also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Designed to prevent future drunk driving incidents, this mechanism requires drivers to perform a breath test each time they attempt to operate the vehicle. If the test reveals you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08%, you will be unable to start the ignition, your test results will be reported to the court, and you may be subject to additional penalties for failing the test.

Like DUI school, ignition interlock devices can be rather expensive, and you are responsible for all of the required expenses—which typically includes an initial installation charge of $50 to $200, as well as a monthly service fee ranging between $50 and $100. 

You should also know that, along with these penalties, repeat DUI offenders face standard DUI penalties, including license suspension (often ranging from six months to a year), fines of $1,000 or more, and a mandatory jail sentence. And the consequences don’t end there—after you have completed your sentence, you can expect to have difficulties finding affordable auto insurance, and you may even find you’re ineligible for certain employment, educational, and housing opportunities due to your criminal record.

Fortunately, with help from an experienced DUI defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the ramifications of a second DUI conviction. In many cases, the charges against you may be unwarranted, and a skilled attorney may be able to get them reduced or dropped entirely.

If you were recently arrested for DUI, and have one or more prior alcohol convictions on your record, it is important for you to obtain legal representation immediately. Fill in a free online DUI case form to find a DUI attorney in your area today.