Delaware prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or more. If a person drives impaired multiple times and gets arrested, this is a repeat DUI offense.
A repeat DUI offense can include a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth offense, and beyond.
The more DUI offenses, the harsher the penalties, including a lengthier jail sentence, loss of driving privileges, probation, and mandatory alcohol treatment or rehabilitation for more severe substance abuse cases.
With repeat DUI offenses, it’s likely in your best interest to consult an experienced DUI attorney to review your charges and see if alternative solutions are possible for your case.
Can I Get Out of a Subsequent DUI?
Repeat DUI offenders are more likely to face jail time and severe fines than first-time offenders. Not every DUI charge, however, has enough circumstantial evidence to convict a person of a DUI charge, even with subsequent offenses. For example, a breathalyzer test might not be accurate, a person may decline a field sobriety test, or the prosecution might have left some important information out.
From errors and omissions to not having enough information to pull a person over—only a DUI attorney will be able to pinpoint any good gaps and leverage different strategies to get your case dismissed or sentence reduced.
What Privileges Do I Lose After Repeat Offenses?
When you are convicted of a DUI, a judge decides the fines and sentence based on your offense. For example, if it’s your first offense, you might receive six to 12 months of jail time compared with 18 months for a second offense. With the help of an attorney, you could plead for community service or probation, in addition to no jail time or lesser jail time.
Other influencers that dictate a person’s sentence in a repeat DUI case include blood alcohol content (BAC) level, whether underage drinking and driving were involved, prior convictions, a minor passenger, or any injury or property damage.
Before you lose any privileges, consult our law firm to see what’s possible for your case.
How Can a DUI Attorney Help Me?
The law is indeed tougher on individuals with multiple DUI offenses. This also means more is at stake with your freedom and future, and a DUI attorney is best suited to protecting your rights and reaching the most favorable outcome in your case.
Depending on the circumstances, an attorney can help you challenge the evidence in the case against you and plead for reduced charges or possibly get your charges reduced altogether.
Consult our law firm if you have been convicted of a subsequent DUI offense, whether a second or fourth. We will review your case at no charge. Call: (302) 678-8700.