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Second OWI in Iowa

If you are charged with committing a second OWI offense, then a conviction results in a conviction for an aggravated misdemeanor. In order to enhance the classification to the more serious version for a second OWI, the prior conviction or related charge must have occurred within the last 12 years from the date of the new offense. Any OWI conviction or deferred judgment during that period counts. Even convictions that occurred outside of the State of Iowa count.

The penalties for a second OWI also vary slightly depending on whether the case involves a chemical test of the breath, blood, or urine, or a refusal to submit to the test. Other consequences of a second or subsequent OWI arrest in Iowa include the fact that an officer can immediately impound the driver’s vehicle. A second conviction for OWI can result in the seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle.

Second OWI Attorney in Iowa

If you were charged with OWI and you have a prior conviction for OWI, DUI, or DWI in any state, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. With offices in West Des Moines, Iowa, our OWI lawyers fight to protect our clients against these serious charges. Call us at (515) 279-9700 to discuss your case.


Second OWI Information Center


Penalties for a Second OWI in Iowa

The laws in Iowa provide for the following penalties and punishments for a second OWI:

  • Incarceration Time: The law provides for a minimum jail sentence of 7 days in county jail that must be served on consecutive days. The 7-day sentence is a minimum mandatory penalties meaning that the judge cannot suspended this requirement. The maximum jail sentence is up to 24 months in the county jail. Under limited circumstances, the court may order the person to serve the minimum sentence in 48-hour segments if the jail sentence creates an undue hardship or if there is not sufficient space in the jail.
  • Fines: The minimum fines are $1,875 and the maximum fines are $6,250, plus surcharges and fees.
  • Suspension: For a second OWI, the court must impose a driver’s license revocation of 1 year up to 2 years. The length is determined by if the driver submitted to chemical testing. If the defendant seeks a temporary restricted license, an ignition interlock must be installed in all vehicles owned or operated by the defendant.
  • Driver’s license revocation:
  •      Chemical Test: If the individual took the chemical test and had a BAC over .08 then the revocation is for one year.
  •      Refusal: If the individual refused the test, then the revocation is for two years.
  • Substance Abuse Treatment: After a conviction, the driver is required to complete a substance abuse evaluation and recommended follow-up treatment

What Counts as a Second OWI Conviction in Iowa

The degree or severity of a particular OWI offense is determined by the number of OWI convictions that occurred within the previous 12 years. Iowa Code § 321.12(4). The “look-back” provision for determining if this offense is a second OWI is by looking at the period from the date of the oldest conviction to the date of the most current arrest. State v. Raim, 381 N.W.2d 635, 637-638 (Iowa 1986). Convictions or the equivalent of deferred judgments for violations in other states under statutes substantially corresponding to the statute prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated in this state are counted as previous offenses. Iowa Code § 321J.2(4)(c).


Finding the Best Iowa Attorney for a Second OWI

If you are charged with a second offense for OWI then call an experienced drunk driving lawyer at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. Whether your case involves a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, or a refusal to submit to the test, we can help you fight the case.

We represent clients throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, and the surrounding areas throughout Polk County, Dallas County, Warren County, Madison County and Guthrie County, Iowa.