The Penalties of a Second DUI Usually Aren't Worth the Risk
By Christopher Small
I often have clients that come to me for help because they have been charged with their second DUI. I am a Seattle DUI attorney, so I am there to do everything I can to help minimize the damage, including getting their DUI dismissed. But I often get the feeling that they don't truly understand the consequences of a second DUI conviction, and if they did, maybe they would think twice about getting behind the wheel, if there is even the smallest chance of getting popped for a DUI.
As always, before I begin I want to stress that this article is for informational purposes only. The information here is not intended to be legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you are pulled over for DUI or arrested for DUI, call your DUI lawyer immediately and do not talk to the cops at all. And, if you have any questions after reading this article, please contact a local criminal attorney and ask.
First, it is important to understand that if you get a second DUI (within 7 years in Seattle, Washington) your penalties are dramatically increased. Special interests groups out there hell bent on making DUI a death penalty case have been extremely successful in getting DUI penalties as harsh as possible. Not only is mandatory jail time in the cards, but so is a lengthy driver's license suspension. The punishment includes 30 days minimum of jail time (up to a year) and 60 days of electronic home monitoring and a minimum fine of $500. In addition, your driver's license will be suspended for two years.
But that isn't where the trouble begins. Often if you are charged with a second DUI, particularly if you recently received the first one, the prosecutor will ask for substantial conditions for you to be released from custody while your case is pending. And although the true goal of conditions of release is to protect the public and keep them safe, prosecutors argue that these conditions keep you sober, which keeps the public safe. These conditions include electronic home monitoring, alcohol monitoring, and other restrictive devices.
So, when considering whether or not to get behind the wheel and drive after having a couple of drinks, consider what the cost might be. And if you do get popped with that second DUI, don't wait to call a DUI attorney. They have the knowledge and experience to get you the best result possible for your DUI.
Christopher Small is a Seattle DUI attorney and Bellevue DUI lawyer with CMS Law Firm LLC in Seattle, Washington. If you are stopped for DUI or charged with DUI, don't wait to talk to a lawyer. Call us today for help.
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