Unfortunate, a conviction for a third DUI will very certainly end in incarceration. It’s no secret that the state of California takes drunk driving (as well as driving under the influence of narcotics) quite seriously. If you are a repeat offender, you may expect to face exceptionally harsh consequences. That is why it is critical to retain the services of a skilled DUI defense attorney in Santa Ana CA.
Repeat offenses occur within ten years
Under California’s DUI rules, what constitutes a repeat offender? A ten-year “look back” period exists in California. That means the prosecution will check back 10 years to see if you’ve been convicted of DUI, drugged driving, or wet reckless driving before your present case. If this is the case, you may be charged with being a repeat offender.
When a third offense is charged
You will be charged with a third DUI crime if you have two prior drinking and driving related charges on your record. A prosecutor may charge your case differently depending on the circumstances and your criminal history, but a third DUI offense is usually treated as a misdemeanor.
You might face a term of 120 days to one year in county prison, three to five years of informal probation, $2,000 in fines and penalties, and thirty months of obligatory DUI school if you are convicted. You will also lose your driver’s license for a prolonged period of time.
If you lose your license as a result of a conviction, it will be suspended for three years. If the Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your license, it will be for a year, with the option of taking a chemical test after 180 days and installing an ignition interlock device for the next 24 months. The DMV will designate you a “habitual traffic offender” if you are caught for a third DUI in California.
A DUI defense attorney in Santa Ana CA can help you fight this charge
A prosecution must establish that you were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08 percent or greater at the time you were driving, to prove that you committed the offense of driving under the influence.
The prosecution usually achieves this by providing evidence of your driving habits, the findings of field sobriety tests, a police officer’s testimony that you displayed indications of drunkenness, or the results of a chemical test that shows your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A skilled DUI defense attorney in Santa Ana CA may be able to refute some of this evidence, as well as the officer’s assessment of your driving or the alleged indications of drunkenness.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we are committed to defending our clients’ rights. We will fight tirelessly to defend you against unfair DUI accusations, and we will be there for you every step of the way. To book a free first consultation with a DUI defense attorney in Santa Ana CA, call 714-760-4088.
