State law punishes repeat DUI offenders severely. As such, a third driving under the influence arrest typically carries harsh penalties, including Jail, an extended driver’s license suspension, steep fines, and impoundment of your vehicle for up to 10 days. Additionally, there will be a mandatory ignition interlock after the court approves a restricted license, mandatory jail time, drug and alcohol classes, community service requirements, and probation.
Therefore, being a repeat offender of driving under the influence is not something you should take lightly. If you face these severe accusations, reach out to a seasoned Boca Raton third offense DUI lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense.
Consequences for a Third DUI Conviction
A conviction for a third DUI offense within 10 years will have severe consequences on every aspect of a person’s life. A conviction could mean steep financial penalties, mandatory participation in expensive and lengthy drug and alcohol counseling programs, a jail sentence, and the loss of their driver’s license. There is also the potential for a felony conviction on the individual’s permanent criminal record after a third DUI.
A felony conviction could lead to future problems with keeping or finding employment, finding housing, getting business licenses, and the right to bear arms. If the individual has children and a custody agreement, a felony conviction could cause problems with their custody status and disrupt any visitation agreements. For these reasons, it is vital for a person facing a third DUI offense to contact an experienced attorney in Boca Raton after arrest to begin strategizing their defense.
Criminal Penalties for a Third Drunk Driving Offense
If you receive a third DUI offense within ten years, the state can charge you with a felony offense that will remain on your permanent record. If the court finds you guilty of multiple driving under the influence offenses, the Florida Dept of Highway Safety and Vehicles automatically imposes a minimum 10-year driver’s license revocation. Standard penalties for a third DUI conviction include:
- Jail sentence of up to twelve months
- Driver’s license suspension of at least six months and up to ten years
- Fines of $2,000 to $5,000
- Impoundment of vehicle for ten-ninety days
- Ignition interlock device installation for up to two years
- Perform a minimum of 50 Hours of Community service
- Substance abuse treatment program and psychosocial evaluation
In certain circumstances, enhancement penalties could apply. In addition to standard penalties, the court could impose $4,000 in additional fines if there weas an accident causing property damage, a person had a BAC of over .15 or if a minor was present at the time of the arrest. An experienced attorney in Boca Raton could help someone charged with a third DUI offense mitigate the potential penalties.
Contact a Skilled Boca Raton Third Offense DUI Attorney
The penalties and consequences increase drastically in severity when you have multiple previous DUIs on your record. If you face these serious charges, reach out to a skilled Boca Raton third offense DUI lawyer right away.
A drunk driving conviction of any kind could impact your freedom and future for many years to come. Therefore, you need experience and understanding by your side.
