Any drunk driving charge can impact your life, your relationships and your freedom. However, with a prior conviction on your record, the penalties that you face are more severe. How might the consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction change with prior convictions?
For a second conviction, fines increase significantly.
Fines for a first-time DUI can range from $500 to $1000. Fines for a second conviction range from $1000 to $2000, meaning that the fines for a second drunk driving charge can be as much as double the cost of a first.
People will spend longer in jail after a second offense.
In Florida, people can spend up to 6 months in jail after their first DUI conviction. By contrast, a second conviction can lead to up to 9 months in jail with greater sentences possible depending on the details of the charge.
People convicted of a second DUI may face greater limitations.
A first-time DUI will lead to the loss of a driver’s license for between 180 days and one year. A second DUI conviction within 10 years will result in the loss of a driver’s license for the same duration, while a second conviction within 5 years will lead to a 5-year revocation of the driver’s license.
In addition to the challenges that these revocations can create, drivers convicted of a second DUI cannot apply for a hardship license for at least one year. A second conviction will also lead to the required installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least one year.
Whether or not you have prior DUI convictions on your record, it is essential to take steps to protect yourself from a drunk driving charge. With a well-crafted legal strategy, you can keep fines, jail time and other penalties from impacting your life.