The first time a person is convicted of a DUI, they face significant penalties. If they are arrested and convicted of a second DUI at any point, they will be looking at more serious consequences and a higher cost to deal with the charges. Those who have already been convicted of a DUI and who are arrested for a second DUI will need to contact a Drunk Driving Law Attorney in Burlington, VT as quickly as possible.
Penalties for a Second DUI
The second DUI conviction can include penalties of up to two years in jail, $1,500 in fines, and an18-month license suspension. The judge does not have to require the person to use an IID (interlock ignition device) for their vehicle after the conviction but they may. These are the maximum sentences a judge can impose.
Prevent a Second Conviction
Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help the person avoid a conviction. This will not work for all cases, but the lawyer will look through the case carefully to determine if there is a way to avoid a conviction. If the person can avoid a conviction, they will no longer have to worry about the sentence, but they will still need to pay a fine to gain their license back again.
Deal With a Second Conviction
If the lawyer cannot have the charges dismissed, the person will want to work with their lawyer to try to minimize the penalties they’re facing. The judge has the ability to give them the maximum sentence, but they can offer them a lower one as well. The lawyer will work to convince the judge to be lenient and can help give the person suggestions on what they can do to help encourage the judge to offer a lower sentence.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI and you already have a DUI conviction on your record, you need to speak with a Drunk Driving Law Attorney in Burlington, VT as quickly as possible. Contact Jason J. Sawyer, Attorney & Counselor At Law now to learn more about how a lawyer help and get advice on how to handle your charge.