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Helping You Avoid Serious Criminal Penalties

All DUI offenses are serious, but a third DUI offense within a certain time period can put you at risk for severe consequences. Extended jail time, hefty fines, and a license suspension or revocation are all possible when you are charged with or convicted of a third DUI. Courts are typically less lenient with repeat offenders, so you may need an updated defense strategy to keep yourself from spending a long time in jail or prison.

Fortunately, with a legal defense team like the DUI Defense Group on your side, you can rest assured that you have experienced, knowledgeable attorneys working hard for your rights. Our team only focuses on cases involving DUIs and other traffic offenses, so we are confident that we are right for you. If you would like to learn more information about our team and receive a free consultation, contact our law office by calling 866-927-3295.

What is a Third DUI Offense?

A third DUI refers to a third DUI conviction within the past ten years. A DUI can include driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both substances. Every time a person is arrested and convicted of a DUI, it adds to their criminal record. To be charged with a third DUI, you must have been previously convicted of a DUI two other times.

A third DUI often carries harsher criminal and DMV penalties. Courts will often seek more severe penalties for every subsequent DUI conviction a person has in an effort to dissuade them from driving under the influence again. While the specific penalties depend on the jurisdiction you are in and the nature of your offense, you can expect that your penalties will be more severe than your two prior DUI convictions.

What Are the Potential Penalties of a Third DUI Offense?

If you are convicted of a third DUI offense, the legal implications are severe. Unfortunately, a third DUI offense comes with many of the same penalties you have already faced but with longer timelines and more expensive fines.

Below are the main penalties you could face for a third DUI conviction:

  • License suspension. It is very likely that your license will be suspended after a third DUI. Your suspension will range from several months to several years.
  • Incarceration. A third DUI often leads to a mandatory jail sentence. The length of your jail sentence depends on your previous convictions and your specific charges, but it is generally longer than any prior DUI convictions.
  • Fines. A third DUI conviction carries hefty fines that can add up to thousands of dollars.
  • Probation. After a third DUI conviction, you may be put on probation. Probation involves check-ins with a probation officer, random drug and alcohol testing, and mandatory attendance of a DUI education program.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID). An ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle and measures your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) before it allows the vehicle to start.
  • Alcohol education program. You will likely be required to participate in an alcohol or substance abuse program. These programs aim to address any underlying issues that relate to alcohol or drug abuse and misuse.
  • Criminal record. A third DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or apply to educational institutions.

What Aggravating Factors Impact the Penalties of a Third DUI?

Penalties for a third DUI are never certain. However, there are some aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the penalties you are facing.

Below are the aggravating factors that could impact your penalties:

BAC Levels

The legal limit for driving is 0.08%. Drivers with a higher BAC often face harsher consequences for driving under the influence.

Accidents or Injuries

If your DUI involves a car accident or injuries to others, it is likely you will face more severe penalties. Similarly, if your DUI resulted in property damage or other harmful consequences, you could face extended jail time and more expensive fines.

Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test

Individuals on the road are required to submit to a chemical test, like a blood or breathalyzer test, to measure BAC. If you refuse these tests, it can have severe consequences, even if you are not convicted.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against a Third DUI Offense?

Third DUI charges can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our legal team can create a legal defense strategy to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing. Your specific defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges and your prior convictions. However, there are some common strategies our team tends to rely on.

Below are the most common DUI defense strategies:

  • Illegal or improper traffic stop
  • Inaccurate field sobriety test results
  • Inaccurate breathalyzer or blood test results
  • Procedural errors during the arrest or detainment
  • Miranda Rights violation

How Can a DUI Attorney Help Me?

All DUI charges are serious, but a third DUI conviction has the potential to impact your life in a very negative way. Penalties like fines, jail time, and a suspended license are almost guaranteed to be harsher than your previous convictions. To protect your future and your ability to drive, you need to reach out to a DUI defense attorney today.

Our team at the DUI Defense Group only takes on cases related to DUIs and traffic infractions. We are confident that we can create a legal strategy to defend you from these severe penalties. To receive a free consultation and talk to a knowledgeable member of our team, call us today at 866-927-3295.