Have you been charged with a third DUI offense in Garden Grove? In California, multiple DUI offenses come with major legal consequences, and the penalties tend to escalate with each offense.
As such, a third offense DUI is a serious matter that can affect your privileges, your finances, and your freedom. But you’re not alone—a Garden Grove DUI lawyer can help you with your case and walk you through every step of the legal process.
With decades of experience helping thousands of people in positions just like yours, we can connect you with a Garden Grove third offense DUI lawyer who can help you. When you have Los Angeles DUI Lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that you’ll be supported at all times.
Understanding What a Third DUI Means in the State of California
If you’re facing a third DUI in California, it means you’ve had two prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years—and unfortunately, that third strike comes with much steeper consequences. The penalties get tougher, the court has less leniency, and the impact on your life can be bigger.
Let’s break down what a third DUI conviction actually looks like:
- Fines and fees: Base fines range from $390 to $1,000, though additional court assessments and penalties can push your total expenses even higher. You’ll likely also face DUI school costs, higher insurance premiums, and ignition interlock fees.
- License suspension: A third DUI usually comes with a three-year license suspension. Losing the ability to drive can affect everything from your job and family to your everyday life.
- Jail time: The mandatory minimum amount of incarceration that you’ll have to face for a third DUI in California is 120 days in county jail. You could be looking at up to one year, but in some cases, the court may allow house arrest or work release. However, that all depends on your existing record and the details of your case.
- Probation terms: Probation typically lasts between three and five years. During that time, you’ll need to meet strict conditions like staying sober, completing a long-term DUI program, and refraining from getting into more legal trouble.
- DUI education: A 30-month DUI program is often required. It’s a big time commitment and a financial burden, but it’s part of the sentencing process in the majority of third-offense cases.
Third DUI charges in California aren’t something the courts treat lightly. The penalties are designed to be even more discouraging than before. However, there are still ways to fight back or minimize the fallout, especially if your rights were violated or if there were issues with how your case was handled.
How Your Third Offense DUI Lawyers in Garden Grove Can Help Defend You Against Your Charges
A third DUI doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. There are real, fact-based defenses that might apply depending on how everything played out. Here are some common defense strategies your Garden Grove third offense DUI attorneys might apply to your case:
- Unlawful traffic stop: If the officer didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over, your entire case might be thrown out. It all starts with whether that initial stop was legal, and your third offense DUI attorneys in Garden Grove can make sure probable cause existed in the first place.
- Bad breathalyzer results: Breath tests aren’t perfect. They can produce false positives if the machine isn’t calibrated correctly or if the officer made a mistake while conducting the test.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like GERD, diabetes, or even a high-protein diet can skew your BAC results. As such, if your health played a role in the outcome of your tests, that matters.
- Problems with field sobriety tests: These tests are subjective, and as such, they can be influenced by fatigue, nerves, or poor lighting, among other factors. If they weren’t given to you fairly, that could weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
When Penalties Get Even Worse
As harsh as third offense penalties can be, certain details can make them even more serious. These are called aggravating factors, and they influence how the court decides to sentence you. Here are some examples of common aggravating factors:
- High BAC: If your blood alcohol content was far above the legal limit—say 0.15% or higher—it could trigger harsher penalties.
- Injuries or fatalities: If someone else was hurt or killed as a result of your actions, your misdemeanor DUI could become heightened and turn into a felony. This can open the door to prison time as well as other more serious charges.
- Child in the car: If you had a passenger under the age of 14 in the vehicle with you, it’s not uncommon to face enhanced sentencing, additional charges, or mandatory counseling.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to Meet With a Garden Grove Third Offense DUI Attorney As Soon As Possible
If you’ve been charged with a third DUI offense, you don’t have to face the consequences all by yourself. Instead, know that the team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyer is here to connect you with third offense DUI attorneys in Garden Grove who can assist you.
We know how common it is to feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, but remember: you don’t have to experience this challenging time all by yourself. Instead, reach out to us today to meet attorneys who have the skills to handle your case and fight for your rights.
You deserve to have your case taken seriously, and we’re here to help you work toward a favorable outcome. Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your defense and work towards protecting your future.
