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2nd DUI
Second DUI Charges Defense, Best DUI Attorney
The moment you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror, a moment of dread passes through you and thoughts of “if only…” begin going through your mind. At that point in time, the best thing you can do is pull over, follow the cops’ directions, and limit your talking, because everything you say will be used against you. Then, call an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney to help you.
Keep in mind that the arresting officers have to follow proper procedures and can make mistakes from which you will benefit. They may believe you were driving under the influence because of glassy eyes, slurred speech, or irregular driving. These symptoms may be attributed to a medical condition or simple exhaustion, and by hiring the best Pittsburgh DUI attorney in your price range, you can prove that in court.
Additionally, the police may not have properly calibrated the device used to measure the alcohol content on your breath, or they may not have performed the test correctly. Or, the DUI checkpoint at which you were stopped may not have met the expected standards. All of these are things your attorney can use to fight your DUI charges. After your arrest, you’ll receive a copy of the criminal complaint against you; make sure to provide a copy of it to your attorney so that they can see the exact charges against you.
With a prior charge on your record, an excellent second DUI charges defense is even more important. A second DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content between .08 percent and .099 percent carries fines from $300 to $2,500, 1-year license suspension, and possible jail time—from 5 days to 6 months. With a BAC between .1 and .159 you may be facing 30 days to 6 months in jail, fines from $750 to $5,000 and a 1-year license suspension. A BAC of .16 or higher can result in 90 days to 5 years in jail, a minimum $1,500 fine, and a license suspension for 18 months. Just like first time offenders, second DUI’s result in the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device at a cost to you and you may have to attend alcohol highway safety school.
If this is your second DUI arrest within a ten-year period, you’re facing even harsher punishments. The penalties will likely double, as the court will assume that you either deliberately disobeyed the law or just didn’t get a bad enough consequence the first time.
Additional negative repercussions from a second DUI are: a further increase in insurance premiums, mandatory attendance in a treatment program, criminal record and enhanced penalties if the drunk driving resulted in injury or death or there were minors in the car.
Other consequences will come socially. Your employment may be affected, especially if you are a professional driver. Even if you are not a CDL holder, you may still find yourself without transportation and therefore without a job. This will lead to losing your home or apartment. And, your reputation will suffer. By hiring the best Pittsburg DUI attorney, you are giving yourself a fighting chance at resuming a normal life.
In most DUI cases the skills and expertise of your Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer would come to your rescue. Your attorney would explore all defense options to protect your rights and interests.
It’s important to the success of your case that you give your attorney all the details surrounding your arrest. Some things may seem minor, but have a big impact on your defense. Your attorney can only work with what you give him, so make it easier on both of you and share everything.
Logue Criminal Defense team serves Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas including Eastern Ohio and West Virginia. To get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer from Logue Law Group, call us today at (844) PITT-DUI or (412) 389-0805. Or, you can contact us online.