Helena 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer

Top-Rated 2nd Offense DUI Attorney in Helena, MT

It’s a weekend night in Helena, and maybe you are out with friends at a bar on North Last Chance Gulch Street or are driving home along North Davis Street after a dinner party. If you are driving under the influence of alcohol and are pulled over by the police, you can face criminal charges. If this is your second time being arrested for a DUI, the penalties only rise in severity. It is imperative, therefore, that you hire a Helena 2nd offense DUI lawyer today.

Trust the Defense Team at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC

More often than not, the Montana legal system can be challenging and overwhelming to navigate on your own. With over 40 years of combined experience and resolutions reached in over 1,000 criminal cases, the defense team at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC is here to protect you. We take your case seriously and listen to your needs and story above anyone else’s. Let us work with you from start to finish and help you achieve the most favorable outcome available.

What Are the Penalties for 2nd Offense DUI in Montana?

Every day across the United States, 37 people are killed due to drunk driving. While it has been proven that the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices, or IIDs, has reduced repeat offenses by 70%, many still occur.

In Montana, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are pulled over and found to have a BAC, or a blood alcohol content level, of 0.08% or higher, then you can be charged with a DUI. If you are under the legal drinking age of 21, then you can be arrested for a DUI if your BAC is 0.02% or higher, and if you are a commercial driver, your legal BAC limit is 0.04%.

Helena has strict 2nd offense DUI penalties. If you are convicted of a second DUI offense in Helena, you can face the following penalties:

• Seven days to six months of jail time
• Fines totaling between $600 and $1,000
• A one-year suspension of your driver’s license
• Mandatory participation in a chemical dependency treatment program

You may also receive community service orders, parole, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device into your vehicle. Additionally, these penalties can increase if there are aggravating factors present in your second DUI offense. These factors include:

• High BAC: If you have a BAC of 0.16% or higher, this can result in more severe penalties.
• Accident Or Injury: If you have caused an accident while drinking and driving that has resulted in injury or death of a victim, felony charges may be brought.
• Child Present: If you are caught while driving under the influence for the second time with a minor inside your vehicle, you can face charges related to child endangerment.

The Impacts of a 2nd Offense DUI Charge

It is important to note that a second DUI offense doesn’t just come with hefty legal penalties. You may also find yourself facing a series of consequences outside of the legal realm if convicted. These include:

• Social stigmatization and loss of your personal reputation
• Losing your job because you are unable to work or get to work due to the loss of your license
• Facing damage to your professional reputation and finding it difficult to maintain and gain certain opportunities in your field
• Dealing with higher insurance rates or being dropped by your current insurance company

For these reasons, hiring a DUI defense lawyer as soon as you have been arrested for a second offense is crucial. The team at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC is here to help.

FAQs

What Defenses Can Be Used in a 2nd DUI Offense Case?

There are a number of defenses that can be used in a 2nd DUI offense case. These defense strategies include proving an improper stop by law enforcement, demonstrating that the field sobriety tests administered were done so in a faulty manner, calling into question the accuracy of a BAC reading, and the improper handling of blood or chemical tests. The team at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC can discuss these options at your first meeting.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me in a Second DUI Offense Case?

In a second DUI offense case, a lawyer can prove to be your greatest ally. Navigating the legal system is overwhelming, and your lawyer is there to offer you the support and representation you need. An attorney is there to protect your rights, negotiate for a dismissal or reduced charge, and can represent you should your case move to trial. We can also assist you in communication with the other parties involved to take the burden off you.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Second DUI Defense Lawyer?

To hire a second DUI defense lawyer, the costs may be decided on a case-by-case and lawyer-to-lawyer basis. There are a few common factors that can play a role in all final costs in a DUI case. These factors include the duration and complexity of your case and the experience and skill level of your lawyer.

Will My DUI Case Go to Trial?

There is always a chance that if a plea deal cannot be reached in your case, or you have chosen to contest the charges against you, that yes, your case could proceed to a courtroom trial. At this trial, both sides of the case can present their evidence, question witnesses, and make their arguments to either prove or challenge the dui charges.

Hire a 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer

When the time comes to hire a 2nd offense DUI lawyer in Helena, look no further than the experienced defense team at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC. We know this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones. We can partner with you to offer the legal support and guidance you deserve. Contact our offices today to learn more about our legal services and schedule a consultation.