If you’ve been convicted of a prior DUI, additional convictions carry much harsher penalties and consequences. Even if you handled your earlier case by yourself, you should get help from an attorney experienced with DUI defense to try to prevent the worst from happening.
The situation makes it more imperative that you can achieve one of the following:
- Find a valid defense that will result in the judge dismissing the charge or the prosecution dropping it
- Agree to a plea bargain resolution that doesn’t include a guilty plea to DUI or that reduces the sentence imposed
- Take the case to trial to tell your side of the story and try to get a not-guilty verdict from the jury
Accomplishing any of these three will probably be extremely difficult without legal representation.
What are the Consequences of a Second DUI Conviction?
Your sentence for a second DUI conviction can include:
- Mandatory jail time of 10 days, though it could go up to a year
- A fine of up to $1,500
- The loss of your driver’s license for a year
- Serving from 48 to 120 hours of community service
- Probation of up to four years
- Alcohol education classes
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and use of it for at least two years
Vehicle insurance is required in Colorado. If your driver’s license is revoked, you’ll need coverage when it becomes valid again. Insurers may not want to cover you if you have two DUI convictions on your record, or you may pay potentially hundreds of dollars more per year. You’ll need an SR-22, a type of vehicle insurance for high-risk drivers that you must carry for up to three years.
Why Were You Arrested Again for DUI?
You may not have been impaired, and the police made a mistake. We’ve defended many of those cases. However, being arrested twice for DUI could signify that you are regularly driving while impaired. If this is your situation, you’re genuinely endangering your safety and the safety of others. If this continues and you haven’t caused an accident yet, chances are good you will. To deter this behavior in the future, one component of the penalties for a second DUI is a requirement for alcohol treatment to encourage no longer driving while intoxicated. Furthermore, you will be sentenced to up to four years of probation, during which time you will not be able to use alcohol or drugs, and this will include sobriety monitoring.
Second DUI Penalties Are Severe – Contact Churchill Criminal Defense
Churchill Criminal Defense can help you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Attorney Kevin Churchill has helped clients facing DUI charges for over 22 years. If you’re facing any DUI charge, contact Churchill Criminal Defense. We are always here to assist. Contact us today at (303) 832-9000 or use our easy online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
