So… You just got your second DUI and you are thinking HOLY COW!
Well… The penalties vary a lot from state to state and there are several factors to consider.
- How long has it been since your first DUI? If it has been less than 7-10 years then, yes, they will probably stack up and it will be much worse than last time.
- How old were you when you got your first DUI. Were you a minor?
- What state were you in at the time?
- Did you kill anyone? “Man Slaughter” is a real bitch for a drunk driver.
- Was there child in your car at the time?
There is obviously an increase in penalties. The fees go up. The loss of license goes up but the big one is jail time. For example:
In California your first DUI gives you 48 hours jail time. Your second offence gives you 4 to 40 days of jail time. Your third offence will give you between 4 months and a year of jail time.
Every single county handles DUI cases differently. It is essential that you get an attorney who is an expert in DUI law.
Prisons are full of people who have DUIs. This is because people driving intoxicated cause a huge number of deaths so the courts are very strict on drunk driving. And the judge has no way of knowing if you were safe or not or if you are safe in the future. From his point of view he is doing you a favor by slamming you hard.
So… You really need an attorney. Often times they can do things like legally getting the evidence against you thrown out. Without an attorney, especially with your second dui you will be just like that last 99 DUI cases and the judge will be thinking he is doing you a favor by throwing the book at you.