Towson Multiple DUI Lawyer

Protecting Your Driving Privileges After a Repeat DUI Conviction

While being arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is serious regardless of the situation, you are likely to face more difficulty if you have previously been convicted of DUI or DWI. In Maryland, the state's courts and prosecutors take these cases very seriously, as repeat offenders are often seen as a higher risk to public safety. Multiple DUI convictions can lead to harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, steeper fines, and extended license suspensions. If you are facing a second, third, or subsequent DUI charge, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation. Our team is dedicated to helping clients in Towson and the surrounding areas defend against multiple DUI charges. We will work to protect your rights and help you determine the best steps you can take to resolve your case successfully.

The Seriousness of Second or Subsequent DUI Charges

Repeat DUI offenses are considered more serious than first-time DUI offenses because they suggest that a person has not taken the necessary steps to ensure that they will avoid intoxicated driving. People who continue to endanger themselves and others by driving while under the influence of substances that can inhibit their physical and mental faculties are likely to be treated more harshly by the justice system. Stricter penalties will apply for those who are convicted of multiple DUIs. A repeat offender is more likely to be seen as a habitual offender, and the courts may be less lenient, often prioritizing public safety over rehabilitation or leniency.

Increasing Penalties for Repeat DUI Convictions

Maryland law imposes progressively harsher penalties for each subsequent conviction for DUI or DWI. These penalties may include:

• Second Conviction:If you are convicted of a second offense of DUI (driving under the influence, which typically involves a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher), you may face a maximum prison sentence of up to two years and a minimum of five days, as well as a fine of up to $2,000 and a driver's license revocation of up to one year. For a second conviction for DWI (driving while impaired, which may apply if you had a blood alcohol content below .08 percent), you may face a maximum prison sentence of one year, a maximum fine of $500, and a driver's license suspension of between nine months and one year.
• Third DUI Conviction:If you have two previous convictions of DUI or DWI, a third offense will be charged as a misdemeanor, and if convicted, you could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to $5,000.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction:When you have three or more previous DUI or DWI convictions on your record, a subsequent DUI or DWI charge will be a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

In addition to these penalties, you may face other consequences, such as mandatory alcohol treatment programs, increased insurance premiums, and the social stigma associated with being a repeat offender. You could face the suspension or revocation of a professional license, which may limit your career opportunities. Two DUI convictions within five years will require you to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program even after you have completed a mandatory driver's license suspension or revocation.

How Kirk Seaman Can Help Defend Against Multiple DUI Charges

Given the seriousness of multiple DUI charges, it is critical to take immediate action to defend against a conviction. A strong defense can help you avoid or mitigate the long-lasting effects of a DUI charge on your life, your career, and your personal relationships. Our attorneys can provide the legal help you need in these situations. We can assist with:

• Protecting Your Driving Privileges: If your license has been suspended because you failed a DUI test after being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, we can help you challenge this suspension in an MVA hearing. We can also help you determine your options for regaining your license by participating in the Ignition Interlock Program.
• Challenging the Evidence: DUI cases often rely on evidence such as breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and police reports. Our lawyers will thoroughly review the evidence against you, challenging any inaccuracies, failure to follow procedures, or violations of your rights.
• Mitigating Consequences: Even if a conviction cannot be avoided, our attorneys can work to reduce the potential consequences you may face. We may be able to negotiate an agreement that will allow for probation instead of jail time, and we can determine whether participating in treatment programs will allow for other penalties to be reduced.

Contact Our Towson Second or Third DUI Defense Attorneys

The consequences of a DUI arrest and conviction can be serious, especially if you have been arrested for intoxicated driving in the past. Our firm can help you take steps to defend against DUI charges and resolve your case successfully. Contact us today at 410-837-6077 to set up a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you following an arrest for DUI.