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DUI Second Offense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
Facing a second DUI charge in Southern Illinois is a serious situation with higher stakes and far more severe penalties than a first offense. You’re not just looking at potential jail time—you’re facing a longer license suspension, steeper fines, and a permanent impact on your record. A second DUI conviction can hit you a lot harder than the first one, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options in Southern Illinois.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to defend repeat DUI cases effectively. Our team brings aggressive strategies, detailed investigation, and a reputation for results to every case. We don’t judge—we defend. And we fight to protect your freedom, your future, and your license.
Call our Southern Illinois DUI second offense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation.
Penalties for a Second DUI in Illinois
While a first DUI may be treated as a wake-up call, a second DUI is treated much more harshly under Illinois law. A second DUI conviction is still a Class A misdemeanor—but mandatory minimum penalties apply, and the consequences can disrupt your life significantly:
- Mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service
- Up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines
- Driver’s license revocation for 5 years if within 20 years of the first offense
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
- Required installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)
- Possible vehicle impoundment or forfeiture
These penalties are even more severe if there are aggravating factors, such as a BAC of 0.16 or higher, a child passenger, or a crash involving injury. With so much at stake, you need a defense team that knows the law and the Southern Illinois courts inside and out.
How We Defend Second DUI Offenses in Southern Illinois
At Combs Waterkotte, our goal is to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and minimize the penalties. We prepare every DUI defense like it’s going to trial—because that’s what it takes to get results. Our strategies include:
- Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop
- Identifying errors in field sobriety test administration
- Investigating whether breath or blood tests were performed and processed correctly
- Using video and expert witnesses to dispute signs of impairment
- Negotiating reduced charges or sentencing alternatives where appropriate
Whether your first DUI was recent or over a decade ago, we bring an experienced, strategic approach to every step of your defense.
Second DUI and Commercial Drivers
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a second DUI offense—even while driving your personal vehicle—can result in a lifetime disqualification of your CDL. This is a catastrophic outcome for truck drivers, delivery professionals, and anyone who relies on a CDL to earn a living. We understand the urgency of protecting your ability to work, and we work aggressively to contest DUI charges for CDL holders across Southern Illinois.
How to Get Your License Back after Second DUI in Illinois
If you’re driver’s license has been revoked, you must do the following to have driving privileges reinstated:
- Have a clear driving record. (No other tickets/infractions.)
- Undergo an evaluation. If a problem is indicated by the counselor, proof of treatment must be submitted.
- Complete a remedial education program. Even if your evaluation doesn’t recommend treatment, you are still required to complete this program for reinstatement.
- Appear before a Secretary of State hearing officer in Mt. Vernon or Springfield. You also must pay a nonrefundable $50 filing fee.
- Demonstrate during the hearing that public safety will not be endangered if your driving privileges are restored.
- File proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) prior to reinstatement, pay $500 reinstatement fee, pass the driver’s license exam (written, vision, and driving), and pay application fee.
The Combs Waterkotte DUI second offense lawyers can help get your license back. Call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case with an expert DUI defense attorney in Southern Illinois.
