The penalties for DUI in Idaho escalate for subsequent offenses. If you were able to avoid jail time for the first offense, that might not be possible the second time around.

Now, there is a direct threat to your freedom. This is why you need an attorney by your side. While a second offense is a misdemeanor, it is still treated seriously. A second DUI offense is one that occurs within ten years of your first.

Penalties for 2nd offense DUI in Idaho

Whatever penalties you faced for the first conviction, they will be steeper for a second one. This applies to every part of the punishment. For example, jail time is a possibility but not a requirement for the first offense. There is a mandatory jail sentence of at least ten days, and this is just the minimum. Jail time can range up to one year.

If your BAC is over .20 for a second offense, it is a felony, and the jail sentence will be between 30 days and five years. In addition, you can be fined up to $5,000 and will need an ignition interlock for one year when you are able to regain your driver’s license.

In addition, the license suspension is also longer for a second offense, costing you driving privileges for at least one year. Finally, you will also need to pay a $1,000 fine.

Will I Lose My License?

The short answer to this is yes, and it will be for a long time. Idaho law requires a minimum driver’s license suspension of one year for a second offense. In reality, the penalty can be even longer.

Unlike a first offense, where you can apply for limited driving privileges, this option does not exist for a second offense. This is why a second conviction will have an ever far greater impact than the first. When you do regain your license, you may still have restrictions with far higher auto insurance rates.

Will I Have a Permanent Criminal Record?

While you may be able to have some convictions removed from your record, a DUI conviction is close to impossible to expunge.

If you are convicted, this will stay on your record permanently unless your conviction is somehow overturned (which almost never happens). For starters, law enforcement is able to see previous convictions for purposes of knowing how to charge those arrested. Then, your conviction would show up on a background check.

A DUI could render you ineligible for certain jobs, especially those that require driving as part of the job. You may also have trouble with things like security clearances and professional licenses. This is not something that you want to have on your record.

Contact Idaho Legal Justice for Further Assistance

If you have been charged with a second offense DUI, you are not without hope.

There may be an opening for you to fight the charges. At Idaho Legal Justice, we provide our clients with comprehensive and compassionate representation. We promise to be accessible because we understand that those going through this process will often need to speak to their lawyer.

Contact us online or call us today at (208) 351-5636 to find out how we can help you. We are upfront about costs, and we offer payment plans.