Are penalties more severe for a second conviction?

Generally, yes. Penalties for a first-time offense tend to be less harsh than those for a second or third (or more) offense. However, this does depend on the nature of the offense itself. But as one example, a first-time DUI conviction might result in the loss of a license, fines up to $1,000, and up to 6 months in jail, whereas a second conviction could mean an increase in all of these penalties. As such, it is always best to have a skilled attorney who can help you fight against a conviction.