What is the difference between a first and second DUI offense?

In Hawaii, the penalties for a first DUI offense are significantly lighter than those for a second DUI offense. A first DUI offense is usually considered a misdemeanor; a second offense, however, is considered a felony. This means that if convicted of a second DUI, the offender will have a permanent criminal record, as felonies are not eligibile for expungement. The fines and jail times for a first DUI offense in Hawaii are much lighter than those for a second offense. For a first offense, the offender may face fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum jail time of five days. For a second offense, the fines can be as much as $2,500 and the jail time can be up to one year. In terms of license suspension, a first DUI offense can result in a one-year license suspension. For a second DUI offense, the license suspension can be as much as five years. In addition, a second DUI offense may lead to an ignition interlock device being installed on the offender’s vehicle. This device prevents the car from being started until the driver has provided a breath sample that is free of alcohol. To summarize, a second DUI offense is much more serious than a first offense, as it carries harsher penalties, longer license suspensions, and greater fines. It is imperative that people who are charged with a DUI take the crime seriously, as the consequences of a second offense are much more severe and long-lasting than those of a first offense.

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What is the difference between a first and second DUI offense?

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