The penalties associated with a first-time DUI in Georgia are bad enough, but if you get arrested for a second DUI, then you should know there are additional restrictions and penalties that can really make it hard for you to get back to your normal life. If you did not consider hiring a DUI lawyer after your first arrest, make sure you really consider it this time. In the long run, hiring a lawyer can save you money over the fines, fees, jail time, lost work hours, and insurance cost. And once you get convicted for a second DUI, you'll also have to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car before you will even be able to drive anywhere.
What are Ignition Interlock Devices?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a device that gets attached to your vehicle. It is a handheld device attached to the car, near the steering column. Before you can start the car, you will have to blow a breath into the machine, much like a breathalyzer. If your breath shows an alcohol reading the car will not start, and the IID will register a failed breath. If your breath is clean, the car will start. Then, while driving, the device will signal rolling tests, so that every 5 to 30 minutes the driver will have to blow another breath, or the device will register a failed test.
If you are convicted of a second DUI, in order to be able to drive again, you will first have to wait 120 days, with no driving privileges. Then, you will be able to apply for a limited driving permit with an IID, for one year. This will allow you limited driving privileges, so that you can drive to work, school, substance abuse counseling, court appearances, and for medical appointments. After a year of driving with an IID, and without any probation violations, then you will be able to pay the fee and reapply for you license.
While using an IID, any violations of your probationary terms may mean you'll lose your limited driving privileges, or worse, you may end up back in jail. Even if you're not drunk, traceable amounts of alcohol on your breath will show up on the IID and be recorded as a violation. Your probation officer will see the results of you IID tests during regular, required maintenance, and a violation may land you back in court for probation violations.
Some people are tempted to tamper with the IID. This can be a bad idea, and may lead to additional penalties. Some people try and get someone else to blow a clean breath for them, but some IIDs have cameras to record who is giving the breath. Someone who helps to bypass the machine may also be cited. Other people will use devices from the internet to try and bypass the test, but these may also fail, and a failed breath test will be reported.
Atlanta DUI Defense Lawyer
Not only are the penalties more severe, but a second DUI is even more expensive than a first DUI. Contact an experienced Atlanta DUI defense lawyer with experience representing people charged with second DUIs, who understands what is at stake. If you or a loved one have been charged with driving under the influence, please give me a call so you can put this unfortunate event behind you, and keep your license.