A Greensboro Criminal Defense Law Firm Helping Clients Facing Repeat DWI Offenses
DWI charges are always serious, even for a first offense. However, it is important to understand that the consequences become more severe with each subsequent offense. If you find yourself facing a second, third or fourth DWI charge in Guilford County, contact our repeat DWI defense lawyers at Aberle & Connolly, PLLC.
Increasingly Severe DWI Charges And Penalties
An overview of potential penalties for repeat DWI offenses is provided below:
Second DWI offense: If you are convicted of a second DWI within 7 years of your first offense, you are looking at harsher penalties. These can include a minimum jail time of seven days, with the possibility of up to one year. Additionally, your driver’s license could be revoked for up to four years. Fines can reach up to $2,000, and you may be required to complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program.
Third DWI offense: A third DWI conviction within 10 years of the previous offenses can lead to a minimum of 30 days in jail, with potential sentences extending up to two years. Your driver’s license may be permanently revoked, although there might be a possibility for limited driving privileges after a period of time. Fines can also be substantial, potentially reaching $2,000. Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment will likely be required.
Fourth DWI offense: Being convicted of a fourth DWI within 10 years of prior offenses will likely result in classification as a habitual DWI offender. If convicted, this means a minimum of one year in prison (which cannot be suspended), with the possibility of longer sentences based on the circumstances.
Your driver’s license can be permanently revoked, and fines can be significant. As with previous offenses, you will also need to undergo a substance abuse assessment and comply with recommended treatment.
Other Factors That Influence DWI Charges And Sentencing
Prior convictions for DWI are a major consideration for both prosecutors and judges in charging and sentencing decisions. However, defendants also face the possibility of increased penalties if their case allegedly involves aggravating factors or grossly advocating factors. These include but are not limited to:
- Driving with a high blood alcohol content (at or above .15%)
- Reckless driving
- Negligent driving that leads to an accident (even worse if someone is injured in that crash)
- Driving on a revoked license (even worse if the license revocation was due to a previous DWI)
- Speeding in excess of 30 mph above the posted limit
- Driving drunk with a minor passenger in the vehicle
- Attempting to elude law enforcement
- Passing a stopped school bus while driving impaired
The details matter when it comes to contesting any drunk driving charges, but even more so for a defendant considered to be a repeat offender. Our DWI defense attorneys will examine every aspect of your case, from the initial stop to field sobriety tests to chemical testing, in order to determine all of your defense options.
Discuss Your Case With Our Repeat DWI Defense Lawyers For Free
To schedule your free initial consultation, call our Greensboro, North Carolina, office at 336-900-5452 or reach out online. We serve clients throughout Guilford County.