Being arrested a second time for DUI can come with severe consequences. These are felony charges, meaning that a conviction could lead to jail time, a loss of voting rights, and difficulties securing housing and loans.

Those who face second-offense DUI charges in Shelton should contact legal counsel as soon as possible to protect their rights and future prospects. At Ruane Attorneys, our lawyers are prepared to build a strong defense strategy for your circumstances.

Does the Amount of Time Between DUIs Matter?

If a person is arrested for a first-time DUI, they may enter the alcohol education program to get their case dismissed. After ten years have passed between completing the program and the date of a second DUI arrest, they are still eligible to use the program and get their case dismissed again upon completion.

If ten years have not passed, they may face felony charges for a second-time DUI. In this case, the law requires the defendant to serve 120 days in jail if convicted. Additionally, the maximum jail time rises from six months for a first offense to two years for a second offense.

Driver’s License Suspension for a Second DUI in Shelton

For a second DUI conviction, a person’s driver’s license is first suspended for 45 days. Driving with a suspended license due to DUI can lead to a 30-day mandatory minimum jail sentence. After 45 days, the person is still suspended for a total of two years and can only drive with an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

It may be possible to challenge the suspension within 30 days of the original arrest. Those facing license suspension for second-time DUI charges should contact our local attorneys as soon as possible to discuss their options.

Defenses for Repeat Drunk Driving Charges

If the conviction on the first offense occurred in Connecticut, then there are clear records in the state judicial system that determine whether the defendant has a 10-year defense. However, if the conviction happened out of state, an attorneycould investigate whether it qualifies as a prior DUI offense. A Shelton lawyer could reach out to the court clerk in the state where the DUI occurred, get the documents or paperwork regarding the conviction, and see whether it qualifies as a similar enough conviction under Connecticut statutes.

There are usually many defenses in these circumstances. For instance, the state may need to bring in witnesses from out of state to certify their documents. Working with a Shelton lawyer with experience handling second-time DUI offenses in Connecticut is crucial to taking advantage of every available defense strategy.

Call a Shelton Second-Time DUI Attorney Today

A second conviction for intoxicated driving can come with harsher penalties and a greater impact on your future. If you face second-offense DUI charges in Shelton, do not take any chances. Let an attorney handle your case and advise on pursuing the best outcome under the circumstances.

At Ruane Attorneys, our team is prepared to investigate the facts of your arrest, assess your prior criminal record, and build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Call us today to discuss your situation.