Raleigh First, Second, and Third Offense

What are the Punishments for DUI?

In Raleigh, North Carolina, DUI is usually a misdemeanor charge, a serious criminal matter that may result in a hefty fine, temporary revocation of your driver’s license and possibly even jail time.

The severity of punishment for a Raleigh DUI offender depends on a combination of mitigating and aggravating factors, with the former working in your favor and the latter working against you. If this is your first DUI offense, your punishment will probably be lighter than if it were your third or fourth offense.

The law does prescribe a certain standard punishment for a first, second and third offenses (see below). However, how the negative and positive factors of your case match up will determine the severity of your punishment or, in some cases, whether you will be punished at all.

Presenting and weighing the factors of your case is very important, and this can only be done by a skillful attorney experienced in trying DUI cases, like Robert J. Willis.

Punishments for DUI is More Severe for Repeat Offenders

The penalties for a Raleigh DUI first offense include:

• $200 fine
• 24 hours to 120 days in jail
• 60 days driver’s license suspension
• Substance abuse assessment and treatment

For a Raleigh DUI second offense (within seven years), penalties may include:

• Up to $4,000 fine
• 7 days to 24 months in jail
• 60 to 90 day driver’s license suspension
• Possibility of continuous monitoring costing up to $1,000
• Substance abuse assessment and treatment
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device is required for restoration of license

If you are convicted of a Raleigh DUI third offense or more (within ten years), you are said to be habitually driving impaired and the penalties are severe:

• A fine
• Minimum of 12 months imprisonment
• Permanent revocation of driver’s license
• Possible forfeiture of vehicle
• Substance abuse assessment and treatment
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, if restoration is allowed

Raleigh DUI Offender Help is Available

What you need to keep in mind is that DUI, unlike traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light, is considered a criminal offense.  The penalties for a DUI offender in Raleigh, as throughout all of North Carolina, are among the harshest in the country. So you want to give yourself the best chance you can get in court by contacting a lawyer who will seek a fair and equitable judgment for you. Contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Willis today.