Any time you face DUI charges, your freedom could be in jeopardy. The stakes are much higher following the third arrest for DUI—especially if your previous arrests were in recent years. If you are facing a third-time DUI in Plantation, it is crucial to seek Legal Counsel right away.
A third arrest can be stressful, but it does not have to lead to a conviction. If you can have your case dismissed or prevail at trial, you could avoid any penalties associated with this charge. Let a dedicated defense Attorney guide you through the justice system.
Penalties for a Third DUI
Unlike most DUI arrests, the law in Plantation treats a third-time DUI as a Felony. This is important to note, as Felony charges can result in years behind bars and a lasting impact on your life and livelihood.
For a third DUI to be a Felony, the date of the previous convictions is a factor. The law makes a third DUI a Felony if one of the previous convictions occurred in the past ten years.
There is the potential for time behind bars in either situation. A person charged with a Felony could face at least 30 days in jail and, at most, five years in state prison. A Misdemeanor offense carries up to a year in Jail.
There are also monetary penalties attached to a conviction. These fines range from $1,000 to $2,500 when a person does not have a previous conviction in the past ten years. When a prior conviction falls within that range, the fine could go up to $5,000.
Defenses in a Third-Time DUI Case
There are different defense options for a third DUI charge. A person’s strategy will depend on the facts of their case, but an Attorney can assist them in determining the best approach.
Many defendants challenge the legality of their police stop. If the Police pulls over a driver without a valid reason, a Court could dismiss any evidence recovered during or after the stop. This could include admissions of drinking or even the results of a breathalyzer test. Typically, a Police stop results from an officer witnessing a driver violating the law or driving erratically.
It is also possible for a Legal Representative to challenge the validity of any chemical tests. Most DUI cases are built around the results of a blood, breath, or urine test. There are strict regulations regarding the collection of these samples. If the Police violate the rules regarding storing or transporting samples, the results could be inaccurate.
Finally, an individual could base their defense on invalidating prior convictions. DUI law varies from state to state, and a Prosecutor could try to use a conviction from another jurisdiction that would not have been a DUI in Plantation. In these cases, an Attorney in Plantation might be able to reduce a third-time DUI to a lesser offense.
Call an Attorney Following a Third Time DUI in Plantation
A third DUI can be a life-altering event—but only if you are found guilty. An aggressive defense approach to a third-time DUI in Plantation could help you avoid a conviction and get your life back on track. Reach out to an Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Our firm is ready to protect your rights.
