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Charged With DUI Again - What To Expect

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 12Nov2011
Word count: 1896
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If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) more than once, you cannot overlook the necessity of hiring a competent and well-versed DUI lawyer. If you have already had a DUI or if you have multiple convictions for DUI on your driving record and you are charged with another DUI, you are considered to be a repeat DUI offender or a multiple DUI offender. With each consecutive DUI conviction, the legal penalties that you face become harsher and stiffer. In other words, getting a second or more DUI can be an extremely serious offense. By committing the act of driving under the influence for a second or more time, you are demonstrating a total disregard for the safety and well-being of others and yourself. Simply put, when the court sees that you didn't learn your "lesson" the first time, it tends to be harsh and unyielding.

Penalties for second or more DUIs can include imprisonment, fines, and suspension of your license. You may also be required to attend DUI School or an alcohol treatment program, and you may be asked to perform community service. You will likely be on probation and have to report to a probation officer on a regular schedule. Further, the court may order you to install a device on your vehicle that administers a breathalyzer to you before you can start your vehicle's engine. If you are mandated to use such a device, you will be required to pay the cost for this service out of your own pocket.

Since the penalties for DUI are greater with each subsequent DUI charge, it is crucial that you retain the services of a competent and experienced DUI lawyer who can negotiate and litigate on your behalf to minimize the damage of the charge. If this DUI is your second, third, or fourth offense, you are facing:

• Second DUI within a period of ten years means you can go to jail for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of one year. You can pay from $390 up to $1,000 in monetary fines and face possible penalty assessment as well. You can have your right to drive a vehicle suspended for up to two years. You may be ordered to attend an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program for as long as 30 months or 2 ½ years.

• Third DUI within a period of ten years. You can be jailed for a minimum of 120 days up to a maximum of one year. You can be fined as much as $1,000, and possibly face penalty assessments. Your license can be suspended for up to three years. You can be forced into an alcohol or drug treatment program for up to 2 ½ years.

• Fourth DUI within a period of ten years. You can be jailed for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 16 months. You can be assessed a monetary fine of up to $1,000. Your license can be suspended for up to four years. You can be required to attend a lengthy alcohol and drug treatment program.

As you can see, the escalating penalties for subsequent DUIs can be harsh. Contact your DUI attorney as soon as possible following your DUI charge to begin preparing your defense.

If you are in need of a great Sacramento DUI lawyer then check out the Law Offices of Brianne Doyle or call her at 916-806-6400. She's a top notch Sacramento DUI lawyer and can help you get through your DUI arrest.

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