Does a prior DUI DWI affect me?
A prior DWI/DUI conviction, or license revocation, will have an effect on any new DWI/DUI charges. It can also have an effect on future employment, depending on what type of field you are in.
DWI convictions are called enhanceable offenses. That means that the more DWI/DUI’s that you have during a 10 year period, the worse each subsequent DWI/DUI will be. If you get two DWI/DUI’s in a 10 year period, the second one has a mandatory minimum 30 day jail sentence, and your license will be revoked for a minimum of 1 year, along with your license plates being impounded. Depending on what your bBAC is, your vehicle could also be forfeited.
If you have 3 DWI/DUI’s in a 10 year period, the third one has a mandatory minimum 90 day jail, your license will be cancelled for 3 years and will have more requirements for reinstatement. You will be required to have whiskey plates, and your vehicle will be forfeited.
For a 4th DWI/DUI in a 10 year period, you will be charged with a felony. There is a potential that you could go to prison, but at a minimum there would be a 180 day jail sentence. Your license would be cancelled for 6 years, you would need to have whiskey plates and your vehicle would be forfeited. Additionally, and DWI you got after that would be a felony, regardless of when it happens.
For example, let’s say you are convicted of a felony DWI/DUI. Then you go 20 years with no new DWI/DUI convictions, but you get another DWI/DUI 21 years later. That new DWI/DUI will be charged as a felony because you have a prior DWI/DUI felony conviction.
These cases can be very confusing and can have some long-term consequences. The state is not there to help you when you go to court. Their goal is to obtain a conviction. If you find yourself charged with any type of DWI/DUI, you need an attorney right away. Call Gerald Miller P.A. and set up a free consultation with one our experienced attorneys today.
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