Drunk driving significantly increases accident risks, and lawmakers hope that harsher penalties will further discourage this behavior. First-time DWI offenders already face stiff sanctions, and when convicted for a second time within ten years, the penalties are even more severe. Although a qualified DWI defense attorney can help minimize the impact of a second DWI offense, here are three sanctions offenders may receive.

What to Expect in a Second-Offense DWI

1. Heavier Fines and Longer Jail Time

For a second misdemeanor DWI offense within ten years, you can spend up to a year in jail, pay $500-1,000 in fines, and have your driver's license suspended for a year. But for a second-offense felony DWI, be prepared to spend up to four years in jail, pay $1,000-4,000 in fines, and have your driver's license revoked. 

If you’re convicted of DWI involving drugs for a second time within a decade, you may be charged with a Class E felony. A felony conviction can significantly impact your life, but an experienced DWI defense attorney may be able to help reduce your charges to a misdemeanor.

2. Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs)

New York and other states require judges to order IID installation on vehicles of second-time DWI offenders. This device is connected to a car's ignition system and can measure the alcohol content in a driver's breath. Once the IID measures a blood alcohol concentration above 0.025%, it will keep the engine from starting. Individuals who defy a court order to drive with an IID may be charged with Class A misdemeanor and face jail time of up to a year.

3. Additional Penalties

If your second DWI conviction happens within five years of your first DWI, DWAI, or DUI of drugs conviction, it will be treated as a felony. This applies even if your first offense was only a misdemeanor. As such, you may be sentenced either to 30 days of community service or five days of jail time in addition to penalties for felony DWI.

Moreover, the court will order a mandatory IID installation and an alcohol abuse assessment. Your DWI defense attorney will discuss your legal options with you, along with possible DWI charge defenses.

Even when things seem hopeless with your second DWI offense, a dedicated DWI defense attorney from the Larry R. Koss Law Firm in Brockport, NY, will aggressively defend you to get the best outcome for your case. For over 40 years, this top-notch criminal law firm has provided clients in Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties with strategic and effective representation. Call them today at (585) 637-3961 or (525) 431-2677 to schedule your free consultation, or visit their website to learn more about their practice areas.