Repeat DUI offenses can lead to incredibly serious consequences.
In California, the crime of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated very harshly. This is particularly true for anyone convicted of a repeat DUI offense. Any drug or alcohol-related driving offense — including a wet reckless conviction — in the past ten years will be counted against you when it comes to charging and sentencing for the current DUI charge.
California courts consider repeat DUI offenders to be particularly dangerous because they likely have a problem with drugs or alcohol that is causing them to engage in behavior that could harm others. As a DUI lawyer in Tustin, CA can tell you, a third DUI offense can result in extremely grave consequences.
How Third DUIs Are Charged
In California, DUIs are generally charged as misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felony offenses. However, depending on the facts of the case, a DUI may be charged as a felony. This is true when a driver causes injury while driving under the influence, for a fourth DUI, or if any prior DUI offenses were felonies.
As such, a third DUI could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of how it is charged, it is vitally important to retain a skilled DUI lawyer in Tustin, CA to help defend you against a third DUI charge.
Penalties for a Third DUI
The consequences for a third-time DUI offense are significant, including both criminal penalties and administrative sanctions (license suspension). While any DUI conviction has the potential for serious penalties, each subsequent offense increases the minimum level of punishment.
If you are convicted of a third DUI, your California driver’s license will be suspended for up to three years. You will not be eligible for a restricted license until your license has been suspended for a period of one year.
A judge can also sentence you to between 120 days and one year in jail for your third DUI offense, on top of fines between $390 and $1,000. You will be required to attend DUI school for 18 months, and will be on probation for three to give years. If certain factors are present, such as having a child in the car, speeding, refusing to take a chemical test or having an extremely high blood alcohol content, you could be facing additional penalties.
A repeat DUI offense has the potential to have life-changing consequences, particularly if it is your third or greater offense. That is why it is so important to have a skilled DUI lawyer to represent you through each step of the process. Your DUI attorney can investigate the facts of the case, explain your rights and options to you, develop defenses to the charges, and negotiate with the district attorney. In Tustin, CA or the surrounding areas, contact the Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com today to schedule a free initial consultation. We will fight for your freedom, and will aggressively defend you against DUI charges, whether it is your first offense or your third.
