Potential Penalties Repeat DUI Offenders May Face In Arizona

What Should I Expect If I Get a Second DUI?

Being convicted of driving under the influence comes with severe penalties in Arizona. You can spend time in jail, have to pay a big fine, get your license suspended, and more. Plus, you’ll have a DUI conviction on your record, which will make it harder for you to get a job, to rent an apartment, and more. It’s important that you work with an East Valley DUI defense attorney to fight these charges and keep them off your record.

If you are convicted of a repeat DUI, the penalties get worse, making it even more important for you to fight each and every charge. Judges in Arizona have the discretion to assign these additional penalties if you are charged with a repeat DUI:

Installation Of An Ignition Interlock Device

An ignition interlock device prevents you from starting your vehicle until you have breathed into it to have your blood-alcohol content measured to show that you’re not under the influence. You can be ordered to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle starting with the first DUI conviction. However, it is a certainty you will have it ordered if you have a repeat violation, and you will have to have it on your vehicle for longer.

You will have to have the ignition interlock device installed at your own expense, which can be substantial. You will also have to live with the embarrassment of having the device on your vehicle every time someone rides with you. This could become a serious problem if you use your vehicle for business.

Vehicle Impoundment

Depending on the severity of your case and the number of DUI convictions you have had, a judge may order your vehicle to be impounded. That means your vehicle will be taken and possibly even crushed. Either way, you will not get your vehicle back.

Impoundment means serious financial loss. You’ll have to buy a new vehicle (if you can even afford it at the time). If you aren’t able to buy a new vehicle, you’ll have a hard time getting to work and other important places, which can impact you financially and affect your quality of life.

Probation & Treatment

Instead of serving time in jail, you may be placed under probation. You’ll be required to check in with a supervisor regularly, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Your activities may also be limited, such as your ability to travel. If you are charged with any crime, even a minor misdemeanor, you could face serious consequences, including jail time.

In addition to your probation, you may be ordered to undergo alcohol treatment, education, or counseling.

House Arrest

The judge may decide to sentence you to house arrest rather than jail. If you’re sentenced to house arrest, you won’t be there on your own word. You will be ordered to wear an ankle bracelet that monitors your movements. You will not be able to take off the bracelet, and it will be noticeable to others. Not only will your movements be limited, but you will have to face the social embarrassment of wearing the bracelet.

Being convicted of a repeat DUI can have serious and long-lasting consequences. You must fight these charges each time so you can protect your criminal record and your future. To do so, you must work with the best Gilbert DUI defense attorney you can find. Your attorney will explore all your legal strategies to determine the best path forward for the highest chances of success. Even if you can’t beat the charge, getting it reduced can go a long way to mitigate your penalties.

Contact a DUI Defense Attorney In Gilbert

The DUI defense attorneys at VS Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready to help you fight your DUI charges, whether you are facing your first charge or a repeat charge. Our experienced attorneys will explore all your options and will develop an aggressive defense to help you avoid conviction or get the smallest penalty. We offer a free consultation, and appointments are available around the clock. We also offer flexible financing options. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a DUI defense lawyer in our Gilbert or Mesa office.