In Minnesota, a conviction for a second-offense DUI can result in a jail sentence from 30 days up to seven years behind bars. This is why anyone who has a conviction for DUI on their record should be very concerned if they are facing a second or subsequent drunk driving offense.
A former professional baseball player, who had up until recently been the color commentator for an MLB team, is now in this position.
Mark Grace was convicted for a first-offense DUI 15 months ago. Under the terms of the sentence he received for that conviction, Grace’s driver’s license was suspended. Once his license is reinstated, then he was to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle he drives.
Despite these mandates, Grace allegedly got behind the wheel of a vehicle even though his license was still suspended, and despite the fact that the vehicle was not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
He was pulled over by police because the registration on his vehicle was expired. The officer says that after questioning Grace and administering a field sobriety test, the officer determined that Grace had been drinking and driving.
Now Grace is facing a second-offense DUI conviction which can carry with it very serious consequences. In the meantime, Grace has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his broadcasting job.
Job loss is not inevitable, but it can become a reality if the drunk driving charges, especially second offense charges, are not taken seriously. There are many possible ways to help defend against DUI charges which will be necessary so that Grace can move on with his life and get back to work.
Source: Yahoo!, “Diamondbacks’ broadcaster Mark Grace takes leave of absence after DUI arrest,” Mark Townsend, Aug. 24, 2012