DUI / DWI Repeat Offender Lawyers

DUI/DWI Penalties for Repeat Offenders

In a DUI/DWI charge, the higher the amount of intoxication found, the more severe the penalty.  The same is true for repeat offenders, who are people with two or more convictions for DUI/DWI­ within a set number of years.  Many states escalate the punishment for repeat offenders, changing the offense to a felony.  A repeat offender often will incur harsher fines, mandatory education and preventive programs, and will certainly be sentenced to a number of days in jail.

Additional Criminal Law Penalties for Repeat Offenders

• license suspension or revocation
• vehicle confiscation (which require payment of fines and significant administrative costs)
• ignition interlock (breath-testing device that can prevent operation of a vehicle)

State law varies as to the severity of punishment for repeat DUI/DWI offenders.  The following are some examples of how states deal may with multiple drunk driving offenses:

• 1^st drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 4 months
• 2^nd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Ignition interlock if convicted of driving on a DUI-suspended driver license or by judge's discretion
• 3^rd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Vehicle Confiscation.  Ignition interlock

• 1^st drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 6 months
• 2^nd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Ignition interlock
• 3^rd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 2 years.  Ignition interlock

• 1^st drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 3 months
• 2^nd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Ignition interlock
• 3^rd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for varied amount of time.  Vehicle Confiscation.  Ignition interlock

• 1^st drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 6 months
• 2^nd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Vehicle Confiscation.  Ignition interlock per the judge's discretion
• 3^rd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 1 year.  Ignition interlock per the judge's discretion

• 1^st drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 3 months
• 2^nd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 6 months
• 3^rd drunk driving offense - License suspension or revocation for 6 months.  Vehicle Confiscation.  Ignition interlock (in limited circumstances) 

Should I Consult a Lawyer if I'm Being Charged With Another DUI/DWI?

A repeat drunk driving offense is a serious charge that could lead to severe penalties. Contacting a criminal lawyer in your area is a wise decision since an attorney can advise you of your rights and represent you in any criminal proceedings.