When You Face A Repeat Offense
Nobody sets out with the intention of getting a first-time DUI let alone a second drunk driving offense, but many people find themselves in this situation. Perhaps you were arrested after you intended to take a cab or get a ride from a friend but events made that impossible. Maybe you felt you were okay to drive at the time of a DUI stop and believe an inaccurate BAC has led to your wrongful arrest.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, facing a second DUI is serious and best undertaken with the help of an experienced lawyer. An attorney will be knowledgeable about DUI laws and will be aware of the best legal strategies that may apply in your case.
Penalties For A Second DUI Offense
When it comes to penalties for a repeat intoxicated driving offense, there is much that goes into determining punishments. Jurisdiction, the length of time since your last conviction and a recorded BAC level can all factor in the process. Judges do not look favorably on repeat offenders, but they also know that even very good people make mistakes more than once.
Penalties may include:
- Fines and fees. Fines associated with driving under the influence may total up to $2,500, plus court costs and other fees.
- Incarceration. A conviction for a second DUI offense can result in a minimum of five days and a maximum period of up to one year.
- Community service. You may be sentenced to up to 240 hours of community service.
- Loss of driving privileges. You may lose your driver’s license for up to one year, or for up to five years if a second conviction is within 20 years of a first offense.
- License reinstatement costs. You will likely have to pay fees associated for getting your license and vehicle registration reinstated after a period of suspension.
In Illinois, a second DUI offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Which charge is pursued by the prosecution will be an important factor in the determination of intoxicated driving penalties.
Find Legal Representation For Your Case
If you find yourself in the position of facing a second DUI conviction, obtaining the services of a lawyer should be your first step in an effort to contest the charges. An attorney will fully understand Illinois drunk driving laws and how they are likely to impact on your case. In addition to legal perspective, experience in courts can enable a lawyer to provide practical knowledge about procedures and insight into likely case outcomes.
An attorney can also bring a working knowledge of defense strategies that are commonly employed in Illinois courts to help those accused of drunk driving avoid conviction or have the charges against them reduced to a lesser charge. Access to all of these benefits can considerably improve the likelihood of you seeing a favorable outcome in your case.
