I got caught a second time for DUI. Now what?

Here’s what you need to know!

As you can well imagine, if it’s not your first offense, then the penalties grow exponentially. It’s mandatory that jail time is increased if you have, and the State proves that you have, a DUI prior within 84 months (7 years) of the current charge.

For example,

Regular DUI = For a second offense, if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reading is less than .15, then the minimum amount of jail is 30 days.

Extreme DUI = A second offense with a BAC reading between .15 and .20, then the minimum is 120 days in jail.

Super Extreme DUI = If your reading is above .20, then the minimum jail time is 180 days with no chance for work release.

In addition to the jail time, there are mandatory fines in Arizona which also depend on alcohol concentration and prior DUI history. Alcohol classes will be ordered. You will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Let’s not forget that your auto insurance bill will not be the same.

Given all of the potentially broad penalties listed above, you can’t afford not to consult with a skilled Glendale DUI lawyer.

Again, with a second DUI, you are facing mandatory jail time and hefty fines if convicted. The degree to which the penalties are assessed is based specifically on the person’s blood alcohol concentration at the time and any prior DUI history.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect if convicted for a second DUI in the city of Glendale, Arizona.

Second Regular DUI (BAC above .08)

• 90 days in jail. The Court may suspend 60 of the 90 days if you agree to get an alcohol and/or drug evaluation, and submit to treatment.
• Two mandatory assessment fines that are $1,250 each and are set by statute, one assessment of $1250 is for the prison and operations fund and the other $1250 is to be deposited in the public safety and equipment fund. In addition there is a $500 fine which is then subjected to a surcharge of 87 percent. The total fines and fees runs in the range of $3,400 not including jail costs and other miscellaneous expenses.
• Your driver’s license will be revoked for one year. You may be eligible for a Special Ignition Interlock Device Restricted Driver’s License (SIIRDL) after the initial 45 days of the suspension. The SIIRDL will allow you to travel to and from work, school, and/or treatment, but you must have the Ignition Interlock Device in any vehicle that you operate.
• You will be sentenced to counseling. The number of hours required as a part of your sentence will be determined by the alcohol screening agency. If the treatment program is completed, as ordered, then if the jail term of 90 days that is initially ordered, if 60 of those days had been deferred up front then this jail term will not have to be served and will be deleted.
• A minimum of 30 hours of community service. Examples of community service approved by courts are non- profit agencies like the salvation army, humane society and generally any organization that is approved by the court as non- profit in nature.
• You may be placed on probation for up to five years.
• You will also be required to have the ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for a minimum of 12 months. Some jurisdictions offer the incentive of suspending a portion of the jail sentence upon successful completion (no missed blow, no fails, etc.) of the ignition interlock device.
Second Extreme DUI (BAC .150 or more)

Second Extreme DUI(BAC above .150)

• Mandatory 120 days in jail. The judge will tell you he has no discretion on this.
• $500 fine plus a surcharge of 87 percent (total $935). In addition, two assessments both of which are $1,250, one to the prison construction and operations fund and the other to the public safety equipment fund. Lastly, there is an additional assessment of $250 dollars. The total is approximately $3700 dollars and does not include jail fees.
• Your driver’s license will be revoked for one year. You may be eligible for a Special Ignition Interlock Device Restricted Driver’s License (SIIRDL) after the initial 45 days of the revocation. This applies for dates of offense after Jan. 2012. The SIIRDL will allow you to travel to and from work, school, and/or treatment, but you must have the Ignition Interlock Device in any vehicle that you operate.
• Counseling is required.
• Minimum of 30 hours of community service.
• You may be placed on probation for up to five years.
• You will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle.
Second Super Extreme DUI (BAC .200 or more)

Second Super Extreme DUI(BAC above .200)

• Mandatory 180 days in jail.
• $1000 dollar fine plus an 87 percent surcharge, plus an additional $250.00 assessment to the Arizona DUI abatement fund. Two $1,250.00 assessments. Jail costs could be upwards of $13,000 if they are not modified or waived in whole or in part by the judge.
• Your drivers’ license will be revoked for one year with the ability to obtain the SIIRDL (special interlock ignition driver’s license) after 45 days for offenses with a date of violation after Jan. 1, 2012.
• You will be required to undergo counseling.
• Minimum of 30 hours of community restitution.
• You may be placed on probation for up to five years.
• You will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle for 24 months.

Based on the above facts on what you would be facing with a second DUI conviction in Glendale on your record, having a skilled and aggressive Glendale DUI lawyer in your corner who could potentially keep you from suffering through ANY of that makes sense.
The good news is that, yes, there ARE ways to beat a second DUI in Glendale. The DUI lawyers at Alcock and Associates have the proven tactics, experience and guts to do just that!
Taking quick action for a second DUI in Glendale is critically important. By having your arrest details examined free of charge and no other obligation, a skilled DUI lawyer from Alcock and Associates can review the strength of the prosecution’s case against you and advise you on the merits of you fighting to beat your case. There are numerous defense and mitigation strategies that can possibly be made to assist in fighting a second DUI charge. Our DUI attorneys will carefully analyze the specific details of your arrest and thoroughly go over all of your options to fight the charge.

Just as with fighting to beat a first-time DUI case in Glendale, there are very specific DUI defenses for defendants accused of a second where samples of blood or urine and other evidence were taken by the police.

Knowing your case strengths and any possible mistakes made that can be used to your advantage at your court date is the best course of action.