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June 01, 2022
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How Past DUI Convictions Can Impact Your Case
DUI offenses are serious charges that can attract hefty fines and, in a worst-case scenario, a prison sentence and a mark on your criminal record. That can make your life more difficult.
If you have multiple DUI convictions, the penalties become more severe. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in the past, you may need a lawyer’s help to get your charges reduced or dismissed. They have the tools you need to avoid harsher penalties caused by past convictions.
What Do You Do If You’re Arrested for a DUI Offense?
The first thing that the police will do when they pull you over is to conduct a sobriety test. The police are only required to perform this test if they believe that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you refuse to take this test, you may face penalties for failure to take the test.
If you fail a field sobriety test, the police will take you to jail and book you, which means they’ll put your information and information about your arrest into their system. From there, you’ll be given a court date, where you’ll need to defend your case to avoid the penalties.
Before we come to your rescue, do not give the police any information or try to explain your innocence. You have a right not to incriminate yourself until we come to defend you. We will advise you on which question to answer and whether the investigator is abusing his powers when we are present.
Key Penalties Associated With a Second DUI Charge
But what if this isn’t your first DUI? For repeat offenses, the penalties you may face can become more severe if you don’t avoid a conviction. Your future may be negatively impacted, leading to penalties to your license, your criminal record, and your financial health.
Concerned about the penalties you may face? Here are a few key penalties those with multiple DUI convictions may need to worry about.
Criminal Penalties
If you are convicted of a DUI offense, you may face jail time of up to one year and can be fined up to $2,500. But what if this isn’t your first DUI conviction?
A second DUI offense can be a Class A misdemeanor if there are no aggravating factors that make the charges more severe. But you may face harsher penalties, including longer minimum jail sentences.
A third and fourth DUI offense is classified as a Class 2 felony, which means you may face years in prison. Your fines may also be higher, leaving you in financial trouble for years.
Driver’s License Penalties
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may have your license suspended for some time before you’re allowed to drive again. But future convictions can lead to harsh penalties.
For example, if this isn’t your first DUI, you may be facing revocation of your license for a minimum of five years. It can be expensive to reinstate your license. Worse, more DUIs may lead to having your license revoked for life.
Get In Touch With a Chicago DUI Attorney
If you have multiple DUI convictions on your criminal record, you need to know what happens if you don’t fight back. Luckily, you don’t have to face the courtroom alone—the team at Chicago Trusted Attorneys® is here to help.
Talk to your lawyer about your past DUI convictions and what you can do to protect your future. Reach out to us by calling 312-519-3171. You can also get in touch through the online contact form below.