Drivers face increasing penalties for a DUI conviction if it’s not their first DUI offense. All of these penalties may increase if they refuse to take a drug or alcohol test.
- First Conviction - Misdemeanor
- Second Conviction - Misdemeanor
- Third Conviction - Misdemeanor
- Fourth Conviction - Misdemeanor or Felony
Even if it’s the first time you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s important to fight it with the best defense you can. Contact Margolin and Lawrence for assistance today.
The penalties and costs for a first conviction include:
- Immediate license suspension unless you act quickly to deal with a DMV hearing.
- License suspension for at least four months and up to one year.
- Up to 6 months in jail.
- Up to $1,000 in fines, not including penalties and court costs that may be significantly more than the fines.
- $125 to reissue a license.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device. These alcohol monitoring devices attach to your car and force you to blow into them before driving.
- DUI program. These programs may last from a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of nine months.
- SR-22 insurance filing.
A second DUI misdemeanor conviction in 10 years may result in additional penalties, including:
- A driver’s license suspension for up to two years.
- At least four to 10 days in jail with a maximum of six months.
- Even higher fines and fees.
- Formal probation, which may mean you’d need to regularly check in with a probation officer, or informal probation, which comes with its own strict requirements.
- A longer DUI program.
A third DUI misdemeanor conviction in 10 years could result in even higher penalties, including:
- A suspended driver’s license for three years.
- At least 120 days in jail and up to a full year.
- Even higher fines still.
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device during probation.
- DUI school lasting at least 18 months and up to 30 months.
A fourth DUI in 10 years could lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction. The penalties include all the above and:
- A suspended license for four years.
- At least 180 days in county jail for a misdemeanor and up to 3 years in prison for a felony conviction.
- Even higher fines again
For more help understanding the risks you face and the right you have to fight them, contact us immediately.