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    Greenwich Second Offense DUI Lawyer

    Anyone arrested for a repeat offender DUI offense understands the gravity of drinking and driving and the potentially devastating outcomes it can produce. As a Greenwich second offense DUI lawyer knows, repeat offender arrests are widely known for the stringent penalties likely to follow conviction.

    When a driver has a prior guilty plea or conviction for DUI is charged with the same type of conduct within ten years, an experienced drunk driving criminal lawyer can help provide invaluable and aggressive defense strategies.

    Common Second Offense DUI Defenses

    The aftermath of an arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol tends to be a time fraught with worry, uncertainty and confusion about what to do next. When such a circumstance unfolds, it is important for defendants to remember that defense tactics may well exist which can improve their prospects significantly.

    Possible Penalties for a Second Offense DUI

    The punishments imposed for a second DUI conviction are more severe than those that are typical for a first offense. In Connecticut, a second-time offender can expect to be sentenced to a term of incarceration ranging from 120 of mandatory minimum jail time to up to two years, anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 in fines, mandatory ignition interlock device installation to last for three years, license suspension and a term of probationary supervision.

    It is quite common for courts to outline a series of conditions which must be satisfied as part of a drunk driving conviction probation, and these can include:

    • Substantial community service requirements
    • Drug and alcohol abuse evaluation
    • Victim impact panel attendance
    • Participation in alcohol education programming

    What Are the Consequences of Convictions?

    Though never a pleasant experience, those found guilty of a second drunk driving offense may erroneously believe that their ordeal is essentially over once they serve the terms of their formal sentence.

    A second time DUI conviction is considered a felony in Connecticut. The mere existence of a felony record that includes a DUI conviction can lead to the loss of existing employment as well as difficulty in obtaining new positions going forward. The financial impact from the conviction alone can challenge families, both financially and emotionally.

    Professional licenses can also jeopardized due to an OUI conviction, as can community standing, immigration status and even custodial arrangements. It is no exaggeration to say that the harm done by a guilty finding on charges of this type can last for years after the fact.

    Understanding the Role of an Attorney

    Because the prosecution is required to prove each element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt, it is often possible for a Greenwich second offense DUI lawyer to:

    Call into question the constitutionality of the traffic stop leading to the arrest and any related searches
    Questioning the accuracy of blood/breath/urine testing performed and the methods used to report the results
    Cast doubt on how field sobriety tests were administered and/or interpreted
    Raise concerns about the chain of custody of collected evidence
    Though techniques such as those listed above can succeed in securing reductions and even dismissals of criminal charges.

    Speaking with an Attorney

    The penalties imposed for even a first-time drunk driving conviction are significant, and charges of a second offense can prove even more onerous and life-changing. For this reason, if you are facing repeat allegations of driving under the influence, it is critical to secure the assistance of a Greenwich second offense DUI lawyer.