How To Deal With Your Second DUI Offense
Second DUI; Due to the fact that official statistical data demonstrates a significant raise in the DUI accidents, it is completely understandable that the law enforcement authorities are prepared to do their best in order to apprehend and punish the responsible criminals. The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances are very serious for the first time offense, but in case you or your loved ones have managed to break the law for the second time, you should be prepared for even harsher consequences. A second DUI offense implies driver’s license revocation as well as mandatory jail time.
Hence, the very first thing that you will have to deal with will be the loss of your driver’s license. The law enforcement officer is going to take your license away and if you will want to get it back, you will have to be dealing with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). You will have the right to initiate an official administrative DMV hearing, but only within 10 days after the arrest.
The second DUI offense also implies expensive fines – depending on the circumstances, you will be obliged by the court to pay a huge amount in fines or perform community service. Furthermore, you may be obligated to pay restitution to any victims of the crime. Also, there is a special kind of insurance for the high risk drivers, including the DUI offenders – the SR22. This insurance does not cover much and it will cost you three times as the standard one. An ignition interlock device is going to be installed in your vehicle.
More complications From Second DUI
Every time you will get behind the wheel, you will need to submit yourself to a short alcohol test. If the device will catch you with the smell of an alcohol in your breath, it will block the car’s ignition. Community service is a very common part of the sentence – hundreds of hours of unpaid labor may be include into the final verdict.
However, the most frightening penalty is jail without a doubt. Depending on the circumstances, you may be facing time in county jail or state prison. In case you injured or even killed and individual or perhaps a group of people, you will probably be sentenced to several years in prison.
Even if it is your second DUI offense, do not underestimate the power of an experienced legal representative. Indeed, a good lawyer has a number of defense strategies that will allow you to avoid all the most severe legal penalties and consequences. Therefore, if you or your loved ones are charged with a second DUI, do not hesitate to contact us today at the earliest opportunity. People make mistakes and a great lawyer can help you get another chance in life and will reduce the charges.