About Prior DUI Convictions

Forsyth DUI Attorney

When individuals have a prior DUI offense on their record and are arrested a second, third, or fourth time, the stakes are much higher. State lawmakers have enhanced the penalties for those who are deemed to be “habitual offenders.” The likelihood of spending time in jail, a long driver’s license suspension or revocation, steep fines, treatment programs, and community service becomes a normal part of the punishment the court hands out. It becomes an urgent matter to contact a Forsyth County DUI defense lawyer if you are dealing with a prior DUI conviction and have been arrested again. At the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson the legal team will analyze your case and advise you what can be done in order to avoid the repercussions you will face if convicted.

DUI Lawyer Serving Dawson County

The laws are so harsh for those who are considered a habitual violator that you are in serious jeopardy with a subsequent DUI charge. The penalties increase dramatically for those who are considered to be “habitual violators.” A second DUI conviction within a 5 year period results in a 3 year driver’s license suspension. After one year you may become eligible for a limited license. You will have to put an ignition interlock device on your car to test your breath in order to start your car. If the second conviction is within a 10 year period of time, you can be sentenced up to 1 year in jail and likely will be required to spend a mandatory 72 Hours – 90 days in jail. An alcohol treatment program will be required. The fine will be up to $1,000. You will have to perform 240 hours of community service. You may even have to take part in a court-ordered DUI Court Program.

If you have been arrested for a third DUI in 5 years you will be declared a habitual violator. Your license will be suspended for 5 years with the ability to get a limited permit after 2 years as long as you install an ignition interlock device on your car. If your arrest is the third in 10 years, you will have to serve a minimum of 15 days in jail. In all likelihood you will serve closer to 90-180 days in jail. In most jurisdictions you face significantly more jail time. If you are caught driving while your license has been suspended as a habitual violator, you have committed a felony that will result in 1-5 years in prison.

If you commit a 4th lifetime DUI (Since July 1, 2008), you have committed a felony in Georgia. You are facing up to 5 years in prison. Being a convicted felon will have permanent repercussions on your life. As a convicted felon, you would be incarcerated in a State prison. Even after your release from prison, you will lose certain citizenship rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm. You will have trouble getting a job or getting a professional license. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI and have a prior conviction, it is critical that you get immediate legal representation before it is too late.

If you have a child under the age of 14 in your vehicle, you will be charged with child endangerment. Every charge of child endangerment is considered a separate DUI charge for the purpose of punishment and license suspension. As a result, you can suffer the consequences of multiple DUI arrests on your very first arrest. This can include being declared a habitual violator on your first arrest. You need the immediate attention of attorney Richard Lawson to insure that you are treated fairly in the court system. No person deserves to be treated as a multiple offender on the first arrest. You need an experienced and dedicated DUI attorney on your side to protect your rights.

Contact a Forsyth County DUI attorney from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson at once if you have been arrested for DUI and have a prior conviction.