After a third driving under the influence (DUI), contact a lawyer with relevant case experience, request a hearing with California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to contest the suspension of your driver’s license, and start gathering evidence to support your case. Do these three things after your DUI arrest to boost your chances of avoiding a conviction.
Talk with a lawyer if you’re unsure of the things you should do after a third DUI arrest. Your Los Angeles third offense DUI lawyer is your legal representative and advocate.
Initially, they will learn about your arrest for driving under the influence. From here, they will build an argument to prove to the court that you don’t deserve to be convicted.
Hire a Lawyer with a Track Record of Success to Handle Your Legal Matters After Your Third DUI Arrest
Consider California law as you think about the things to do after your third driving under the influence arrest. Per CA Vehicle Code 23546, a third DUI conviction within 10 years will result in a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 120 days. Along with this, your driver’s license can be suspended for three years, and the court can impose other harsh penalties.
Your third offense DUI attorney will explain the penalties you will face if you are convicted of driving under the influence. They will put together a personalized DUI strategy for you and find ways to dispute the prosecution’s case.
In addition to these things, your lawyer will protect your legal rights, making sure you are treated fairly throughout your litigation.
Remember, you have the right to request legal help if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence a third time. Exercise this right within days of your arrest. That way, you’ll have access to comprehensive legal help at each stage of your DUI case.
File for a DMV Hearing Within 10 Days of Your Third DUI Arrest
After your third DUI arrest, the DMV will automatically start the process of suspending your driver’s license. If you don’t request a DMV hearing right away, you’ll lose your license for an extended period.
Third offense DUI lawyers will help you schedule your hearing with the DMV and get ready for it. Your attorney will search for evidence to use to prove that the police lacked probable cause for pulling your car over. Also, they will interview witnesses who could provide testimony that strengthens your case for keeping your driver’s license.
If you attend a DMV hearing and lose your case, your driver’s license will be suspended. However, the DMV may allow you to continue to drive as long as you have an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for a mandatory period.
Collect Evidence to Disprove the Prosecution’s Argument
Among the things to do after your third arrest for driving under the influence is obtaining evidence that will help you in court. Proof that can make a difference if your DUI case goes to trial includes:
- Police reports
- Bodycam and dashcam footage of your arrest
- Breathalyzer and blood test results
- Medical records
Third offense DUI attorneys will account for your evidence and the prosecution’s as they prepare their argument. It is highly unlikely that the prosecutor in your case will offer a DUI plea bargain after your third driving under the influence arrest unless you have an abundance of evidence to use against them.
Other Things to Do After a Third DUI Arrest
Moments after your third DUI arrest, document as many details as possible about the incident. Write down anything you recall about what you were doing before you were arrested, what happened during your arrest, and how the police treated you after they took you into custody. This information can help your lawyer develop your legal defense.
Care for yourself following your third driving under the influence arrest. If you join an alcohol education or treatment program, you can learn safe, healthy, and effective ways to prioritize your overall wellness.
Plus, this is an opportunity to take responsibility for the actions that led to your third DUI, which the court will look at as it evaluates your case.
Discuss alternative sentencing options with your lawyer. Sometimes, people arrested for a third DUI can participate in a work release or community service program in lieu of serving a jail sentence. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to pursue these and other alternative sentencing options on your behalf.
Get Legal Help as You Try to Do the Right Things After Your Third DUI Arrest
The things you do after a third DUI arrest can determine whether the court will convict you of driving under the influence. Ask for help from DUI lawyers in the days after your arrest. Your attorney will guide you through your case proceedings and help you make informed legal decisions.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has decades of combined experience with third offense driving under the influence cases and many others. Trust us to connect you with a DUI attorney who will explain the things you should do after your third driving under the influence arrest.
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