Defending Clients Facing Second & Subsequent DUI Charges
No one ever plans on getting a DUI, let alone two or more. While the consequences of your first DUI conviction in Florida may have been relatively minor, the penalties for a second, third, or subsequent DUI conviction are much more severe. That’s why you should only trust an experienced DUI defense lawyer who can help defend against more serious DUI charges.
The Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A. has the experience and skill you need to fight for a better outcome to your DUI charges. We understand you may feel it’s hopeless to secure reduced charges, reduced penalties, or even a case dismissal—but these relatively favorable outcomes are possible even if you were convicted of DUI before. Upon examining your legal situation and the evidence against you, we can build a defense strategy that can keep your future bright.
When you need a multiple offense DUI lawyer in Sarasota, call The Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A. at (941) 541-5335.
What Is Considered a Previous DUI?
It’s important to consider what counts as a previous DUI because Florida law might have a broader definition of this than you expected. While previous DUIs in the state count, so too do DUI and DWI convictions in other states also count. If you were convicted of driving with an unlawful blood or breath alcohol level or any other alcohol- or drug-related traffic offenses, these could also count as priors toward a second or subsequent DUI conviction.
What most people don’t expect, however, is that a boating under the influence (BUI) conviction counts as a prior for a new DUI charge. This means that driving or boating while under the influence can have steeper consequences than some people assume.
What Are the Penalties for a Second DUI?
If you are convicted of a second DUI, the penalties you face are more severe than the first time. You may also face harsher penalties if the second DUI occurred within five years of the first conviction.
Here’s a look at some of the potential penalties for a second DUI conviction:
Up to nine months in jail (mandatory minimum of 10 days if the second DUI occurred within five years of the first)
One-year license suspension (if the second DUI occurred within five years of the first)
Probation involving an ignition interlock device for 12 months if no jail time is ordered
Vehicle impounded for at least 30 days (if the second DUI occurred within five years of the first)
Fines of up to $2,000
If this is your second DUI arrest, you can mitigate these penalties with help from our multiple offense DUI lawyer in Sarasota. Reach out to The Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, P.A., at any time to request a free consultation.
Third-Offense DUI Penalties in Florida
As you might expect, the potential penalties for a third DUI conviction are even more severe than a second conviction.
If the third conviction occurred more than 10 years after the previous one, then the defendant may be sentenced to jail for up to one year, fined up to $2,500, and compelled to use an ignition interlock device for two years after restoring driving privileges.
Should the third conviction occur within 10 years of the previous one, this is a third-degree felony that requires a jail sentence of at least 30 days with the potential of up to five years in prison. A minimum 10-year license suspension occurs, and an ignition interlock device is required for two years after restoring driving privileges.
Finally, the defendant may be fined up to $5,000 and their vehicle impounded for 90 days.
Fourth DUI Conviction Penalties
If you are facing a new DUI charge with three or more prior DUI convictions, the potential penalties you face are the most severe. A fourth DUI, and any more following it, is a third-degree felony regardless of how much time has passed since the previous conviction.
The penalties for this offense could include a five-year prison sentence, mandatory DUI substance abuse education course, a license revocation for at least 10 years, and the potential for a permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
Get Legal Help for Your Next DUI Charge
If you were convicted of a DUI before, it’s essential that you secure experienced legal counsel. Our multiple DUI offense attorney in Sarasota has the experience and skill you need to fight potentially more complicated charges with harsher penalties at stake.
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Case Dismissed2018 CF 002675 AX–Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
When you hire the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA to defend you on a criminal charge, we will conduct a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest. As a former prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office, Attorney Reisinger has in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the state prepares and presents its cases.
