If you are facing charges for a second-offense DUI in Greenville, you need strong legal counsel to guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options.
Christopher L. Jones is an experienced DUI attorney who has helped protect the legal rights of many others going through similar situations. He can help you understand what a second DUI offense involves and how DUI evidence can be challenged.
Second-Offense DUI Facts
A second-offense DUI is a DUI charge that occurs within ten years of a prior DUI conviction. This is a serious offense with potentially severe consequences. Fines for a second DUI in Greenville range between $2,100 and $5,100, with the possibility of being even higher if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was .16% or higher.
Your BAC may also affect the amount of jail time you face. A BAC less than .10% could result in five days to one year in jail. A BAC between .10% and .16% could mean 30 days to two years of jail time. A BAC higher than .16% could lead to three years in jail.
Other requirements include a one-year license suspension and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for two years.
What a DUI Lawyer Can Do
Facing a second-offense DUI charge in Greenville can be terrifying, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. An experienced DUI lawyer could be your legal advocate, giving you confidence throughout legal proceedings. Talking to an attorney who understands the laws surrounding DUIs could help you understand how to best approach your charge.
It is possible to challenge a second-offense DUI charge. A lawyer could closely examine your situation and determine whether challenging the charge is a good option. Defense strategies could include contesting the accuracy of the field sobriety test, challenging the legality of the traffic stop that led to the charge, or proving that your faculties were not impaired despite the recorded level of BAC. Your lawyer could also obtain expert witnesses to help in your defense. A DUI attorney may also advise you to accept a plea bargain, meaning you could plead guilty in exchange for reduced or dropped charges.
Mitigating Factors that Could Impact Second-Offense DUI Sentencing
Mitigating factors are circumstances that could reduce the severity of the punishment when convicted of a crime. For second-offense DUI convictions in Greenville, mitigating factors may include voluntary enrollment in rehab or completion of community service. These types of actions show the judge that you are serious about rehabilitation and you desire to avoid making the same mistakes again. Your lawyer could talk to you about these types of programs and help you get started if you are interested.
Consult with a Greenville Lawyer Who Understands Second-Offense DUI Charges
Being convicted of a second-offense DUI in Greenville could have long-lasting ramifications. Getting help from an experienced lawyer is the smartest thing you can do to protect yourself. A lawyer could guide you through the legal process, explain the consequences, advise you about next steps, and be an advocate in court.
Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, has successfully challenged many DUI charges. He works hard to protect your rights and help you avoid severe penalties. Start right now by reaching out and scheduling your free consultation.
