Multiple DUI Convictions: Second and Third Offenses
Multiple DUI Convictions: Second and Third Offenses
A single driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can have negative consequences for a defendant and result in harsh penalties. In some cases, defendants can be arrested, charged, and convicted with a second, third, or even further DUI offenses. These additional DUI offenses are not mutually exclusive – DUI convictions are considered priorable offenses, thereby allowing the prosecution to increase the penalties for each subsequent DUI violation. As such, it is incredibly important that you are represented by experienced criminal attorneys when facing additional DUI charges.
The Second DUI Conviction and its Penalties
If a person is found guilty of having committed a second DUI violation, they face harsher penalties than their first DUI. However, given that DUIs can occur in different contexts and each defendant has their own unique criminal history, the increased penalties can differ as necessary. The following is the average baseline of penalties for second-time offenders: utmost of one year in county jail, between 3 to 5 years of probation, completion of DUI school, the payment of fines, license suspension for 2 years, and the use of an ignition interlock device.
The Third (or further) DUI Conviction and its Penalties
Following a second conviction, a person is immediately considered a third-time offender if found guilty of a third DUI offense. As mentioned previously, the penalties do increase, but the exact penalty is different for each offender. The usual penalty includes potential state prison time, up to 5 years of probation, DUI school, a drastically increased fine penalty, license suspension for 3 years, and the use of an ignition interlock device. If a person is charged with additional DUI charges (on top of the previous three), they face the possibility of prison time, a felony conviction, and permanent license revocation.
