Imprisonment Sentence Diminished for Second-Time DUI Offender
Repeat offenses usually bring along severe consequences for the accused, especially if it is a repeat DUI offense. The penalties start getting harsher with extended jail time, increased fines, and extended license suspensions as well.
Now, just for a minute, think about the total costs that you, as a repeat DUI offender, have to bear! Other than the fines and court costs, you also have to incur a daily expenditure on public transportation, as you won’t be able to drive your car anymore! This means you won’t just be drained emotionally, but financially also!
Recently, our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys at the Logue Law Group handled a repeat DUI offense case, where we successfully extracted a reduced prison sentence for our client! So, let’s explore this blog and learn how the intervention of experienced legal professionals is necessary for a favorable outcome.
Penalties for Second-Time DUI Offense (General Impairment)
The penalties for repeat DUI offenses vary depending on the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels. Here are the penalties that you may face if you are charged with general impairment DUI as a second offense-
- Imprisonment from 5 days to a minimum of 6 months.
- Fines up to $2,500.
- Suspension of the driver’s license for 1 year.
- Mandatory ignition interlock installation for 1 year, payable at your own expense.
- Attendance at an alcohol highway safety school.
Penalties for Second-Time DUI Offense (High BAC)
If you are charged with a high BAC DUI as a second offense, you are likely to face penalties like-
- Mandatory imprisonment from 1 month to 6 months.
- Fines ranging from $750 to $5,000.
- Suspension of the driver’s license for 1 year.
- Attendance at an alcohol highway safety school.
- Mandatory ignition interlocking for 1 year at your own expense.
Penalties for Second-Time DUI Offense (Highest BAC)
If you are charged with the highest BAC level impairment DUI as a second offense, the penalties are-
- Charges of first-degree misdemeanor.
- A 3- 6 month imprisonment.
- Fines ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Suspension of the driver’s license for 18 months.
- Attendance at an alcohol highway safety school.
- Mandatory 1-year ignition interlocking at your own expense.
Unfortunately, our client had a BAC level of 0.14%, and this was his second DUI offense! He was on the verge of getting his license suspended for a year, and was facing a 3-month imprisonment. Luckily, he exercised his rights to call the Logue Law Group, and our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys took the case over.
What Happened at the Trial?
Our client, a 20-year-old man, was regretful of his act and wanted to take responsibility for what he had done.
So, our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys came up with a master plan. We advised our client to plead guilty in front of the prosecution. Along with that, we also arranged for our client’s admission to an inpatient rehab facility for 3 months.
After his release, our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys negotiated with the prosecution about considering the man’s time in treatment instead of a prison sentence. This wasn’t as easy as it sounded. The judge directly asked the client about his treatment progress, and since our client accepted his mistake and was ready to take on the responsibilities, the judge announced a three-day imprisonment, along with a three-year probation period.
Based on the offense for which our client was held, he could have suffered an extended prison sentence. But our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys understood the situation upon taking the case up, and successfully extracted a minimal sentence, which was a huge win for our client.Have you, or a friend of yours, been accused of a repeat DUI offense? Don’t sit back and blame your fortune! Call us up at 844.PITT.DUI and book a free consultation today!