Multiple DUI Offenses
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Time DUI Charges
People who have been charged with second or third DUI offenses are considered multiple offenders. This means that, unlike first time offenders, they will face enhanced legal penalties if they are convicted. The reason for this is that despite being charged with driving under the influence once or twice before, multiple offenders still chose to break the law. The legal system frowns upon people who have been charged with multiple DUI offenses and it aims to teach them a lesson by subjecting them to tougher DUI penalties if they are convicted. Below, the standard DUI penalties for second and third DUI offenses are outlined. In situations such as this, it is particularly crucial to involve an experienced Fairfax, Virginia DUI attorney as soon as possible. A competent legal professional can work to mitigate potential penalties that you may face and can strive toward a dismissal of charges altogether.
Second DUI Conviction Penalties
People that are convicted for driving under the influence for the second time in Virginia may be sentenced with:
- Jail Time: up to a year (minimum of 10 days)
- Fines: up to $2,500
- Driver’s License Suspension: up to 3 years
- Interlock Device: mandatory
Second Offense within 5 years
- Up to 1 year in jail (minimum 20 days)
- Fines of up to $2,500 (minimum $500)
- Driver's License Suspension: Up to 3 years
- Mandatory jail time increases to 30 days if BAC > 0.15
- Mandatory jail time increases to 40 days if BAC > 0.20
- Mandatory minimum fine increases to $1,000.00 if BAC > 0.15
Second Offense with 5-10 years
- Up to 1 year in Jail (minimum 10 days)
- Fines of up to $2,500.00 (minimum $500)
- Drivers License Suspension up to 3 years
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Mandatory jail time increases to 20 days if BAC > 0.15
- Mandatory jail time increases to 30 days if BAC > 0.20
- Mandatory minimum fine increases to $1,000.00 if BAC > 0.15
Third DUI Conviction Penalties
People that are charged with driving under the influence for the third time in Virginia will automatically be charged with a felony offense. If convicted, they may be sentenced with:
- Jail Time: up to 5 years (minimum of 90 days)
- Fines: up to $2,500
- Driver’s License Suspension: may be indefinite
- Interlock Device: mandatory
Third Offense within 5 years (Felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 6 months)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
Third Offense within 10 years (Felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 90 days)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
Fourth DUI Conviction Penalties
People that are charged with driving under the influence for the fourth time in Virginia will automatically be charged with a felony offense. If convicted, they may be sentenced with:
Fourth or subsequent offense within 10 years (Felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 1 year)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Probation mandatory for period of license suspension, up to three years.
DUI Defense for Those Arrested for Multiple DUI Convictions
If you or someone you know has been arrested or is facing criminal charges for multiple DUI offenses in Fairfax, Virginia, it is important that you involve a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced Virginia DUI lawyer can review your case and determine the best course of action to assist you in avoiding a conviction and serious penalties.
Contact the Law Offices of Scott C. Nolan today for a free case evaluation regarding your multiple DUI offenses. |