The Penalties of a Second DUI Usually Aren't Worth the Risk

I often have clients that come to me for help becausemandatory jail time in the cards, but so is a lengthy
they have been charged with their second DUI. I am adriver's license suspension. The punishment includes 30
Seattle DUI attorney, so I am there to do everything Idays minimum of jail time (up to a year) and 60 days
can to help minimize the damage, including getting theirof electronic home monitoring and a minimum fine of
DUI dismissed. But I often get the feeling that they don't$500. In addition, your driver's license will be suspended
truly understand the consequences of a second DUIfor two years.
conviction, and if they did, maybe they would thinkBut that isn't where the trouble begins. Often if you are
twice about getting behind the wheel, if there is evencharged with a second DUI, particularly if you recently
the smallest chance of getting popped for a DUI.received the first one, the prosecutor will ask for
As always, before I begin I want to stress that thissubstantial conditions for you to be released from
article is for informational purposes only. Thecustody while your case is pending. And although the
information here is not intended to be legal advice andtrue goal of conditions of release is to protect the
should not be treated as such. If you are pulled overpublic and keep them safe, prosecutors argue that
for DUI or arrested for DUI, call your DUI lawyerthese conditions keep you sober, which keeps the
immediately and do not talk to the cops at all. And, ifpublic safe. These conditions include electronic home
you have any questions after reading this article,monitoring, alcohol monitoring, and other restrictive
please contact a local criminal attorney and ask.devices.
First, it is important to understand that if you get aSo, when considering whether or not to get behind the
second DUI (within 7 years in Seattle, Washington)wheel and drive after having a couple of drinks,
your penalties are dramatically increased. Specialconsider what the cost might be. And if you do get
interests groups out there hell bent on making DUI apopped with that second DUI, don't wait to call a DUI
death penalty case have been extremely successful inattorney. They have the knowledge and experience to
getting DUI penalties as harsh as possible. Not only isget you the best result possible for your DUI.