Are you facing legal trouble for a third DUI? At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we recognize that a DUI in and of itself is a very serious criminal charge that carries major consequences. Not only that, but the state of California imposes even harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the legal process all by yourself. Instead, let a Glendale DUI lawyer stand by your side and advocate for you every step of the way. We are ready and willing to help you find a Glendale third offense DUI lawyer you can trust.
We have decades of experience helping thousands of people connect with DUI attorneys who can help them with their cases. We’re here to assist you, too.
What Happens After a Third DUI Arrest in Glendale?
After you’re arrested for a third offense DUI, you will need to attend a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing followed by criminal court proceedings.
A third DUI conviction in Glendale carries severe legal and financial consequences. California law imposes strict penalties to deter repeat offenses, including mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and long-term restrictions on driving privileges.
In addition to these consequences, a conviction can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. That’s why we recommend taking the time to understand the full scope of what you could face.
Administrative License Suspension or DMV Hearing
After a third DUI arrest, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license. The exception is if you request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
At this hearing, your attorney can challenge the suspension and present evidence with the goal of helping you keep your driving privileges. Without a successful defense, your license will be suspended for three years.
Criminal Court Proceedings
In addition to the DMV hearing, you will also face criminal charges in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A third DUI offense is still classified as a misdemeanor if your DUIs took place within a 10-year period.
That said, the penalties you’ll face for your third offense are significantly more severe than the ones you experienced after your first and second offenses.
Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction in California
If you are convicted of a third DUI in Glendale, you will face several legal penalties and financial consequences.
Jail Time
A third DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 days—which is approximately four months—in the county jail. The maximum jail sentence can be extended up to one year.
Fines and Fees
The base fine for a third DUI offense ranges from $390 to $1,000. However, additional court fees and penalty assessments can significantly increase the total cost.
In turn, your monetary responsibility could rise to anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, if not more in some cases.
License Suspension
A conviction will result in a three-year driver’s license suspension imposed by the DMV. To regain restricted driving privileges, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
DUI Education Program
You must complete a mandatory 30-month DUI education program as part of your sentencing. The cost of this program can exceed $1,800 for many people facing this charge.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
To regain the ability to drive, you must install an IID in your vehicle for two years. This device requires you to pass a breath test before you can start your car.
Probation and Additional Consequences
A third DUI conviction typically results in three to five years of informal probation. As a condition of probation, you may be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other court-approved rehabilitation programs.
Additionally, you may be ordered to complete community service or participate in labor programs. A conviction of this nature can also result in more expensive car insurance premiums.
Your insurance provider might decide to cancel your policy altogether. A third DUI conviction also counts as a prior offense on your record for 10 years, meaning any future DUI arrests will be charged as a fourth DUI—which could be a felony offense.
How a Glendale Third Offense DUI Lawyer Can Help You
A third DUI charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. Instead, your third offense DUI attorney in Glendale will apply proven defense strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.
For example, a rather effective approach is to question the legality of the DUI stop and subsequent arrest. Your legal counsel can point out situations in which law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over.
Your attorney can also draw attention to situations in which law enforcement failed to follow proper procedures and argue that any evidence obtained should be dismissed. Here’s what else your lawyer can do:
- Scrutinize the accuracy of breath and blood test results
- Examine footage from field sobriety tests
- Determine if external factors contributed to perceived impairment
- Work toward building a strong defense
- Negotiate for reduced charges when possible
- Present mitigating factors
- Highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Aim to secure a plea deal
- Avoid the harshest penalties
- Reduce a third DUI charge to a lesser offense
Can a Third DUI Be Expunged From My Record?
Yes—a third DUI can be expunged from your record, though the conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently. That said, expungement might be an option available to you after you have completed your sentence and probation.
Expungement does not erase the conviction entirely, but it does remove it from public records. As a result, employers, landlords, and licensing agencies will likely be prevented from seeing it when they conduct background checks.
This can provide you with a brand new start when it comes time to rebuild your personal and professional life. These are additional benefits of expungement:
- Improved employment opportunities
- Better chances of securing housing
- The ability to obtain or renew professional licenses
Many employers conduct background checks before extending an employment offer, and a DUI conviction can be a red flag. With an expungement, you can legally state that you have not been convicted of a DUI in many situations.
In turn, job applications and interviews are far easier. However, expungement has limitations. While it removes the conviction from public view, it does not erase it for sentencing purposes.
As a result, if you are arrested for another DUI at any point in the future, the expunged offense can be considered a prior conviction. This means you will likely face enhanced penalties. Despite this, expungement remains a valuable option.
Will I Have to Serve Jail Time for a Third DUI in Glendale?
If you are facing charges for a third offense DUI, you might be wondering, “Will I go to jail for my third DUI?” Under California law, a third DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 days in jail.
This penalty is harsh, and it might be hard to hear that it’s a must for those who have received three DUI charges. However, the goal of this level of punishment is to deter further repetition of drunk driving.
That said, this does not mean you will automatically serve this time behind bars. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer might be able to negotiate alternative sentencing options other than incarceration:
- Participation in a work release program: This allows you to serve your sentence by performing community service instead of staying in jail. You’ll be able to maintain employment and continue supporting your family while fulfilling your legal obligations.
- House arrest with electronic monitoring: Yet another possibility, this option provides a structured yet less restrictive way to serve your sentence from home.
- Residential alcohol rehabilitation programs: In some cases, judges may allow residential alcohol rehabilitation programs as an alternative to jail time. These programs focus on treatment and recovery rather than punishment. As a result, they aim to help individuals address underlying substance abuse issues.
The Impact of a Third DUI on Your Future
A third DUI conviction can have long-term consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. One of the more immediate challenges is its effect on employment.
Many employers conduct background checks, and some companies have strict zero-tolerance policies for DUI convictions. Certain industries—such as transportation and healthcare—may be particularly unforgiving.
This often makes it difficult to find or maintain a job in these fields. Another major consequence is the significant increase in car insurance rates. Here’s what else you can anticipate:
- SR–22 insurance: A third DUI conviction often results in an SR-22 insurance requirement, which can cause premiums to double, if not triple.
- Insurance cancellation: Some insurance providers may cancel your policy altogether, resulting in difficulty finding affordable coverage.
- Financial burden: The financial burden of increased insurance costs can add to the overall strain caused by fines, legal fees, and other monetary penalties.
- Work–related disciplinary action: For professionals who hold licenses in fields such as law, medicine, or nursing, a third DUI can trigger disciplinary action from regulatory boards.
- License suspension or revocation: The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) may investigate your case, which could potentially lead to your license being suspended or revoked.
- Immigration issues: People who aren’t citizens of the United States could face immigration consequences, including visa denial, green card revocation, or—in more serious cases—deportation.
How a Third DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance
A third DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your ability to maintain or afford auto insurance. Many insurance companies classify drivers with multiple DUI offenses as high-risk individuals.
This label often leads to substantial premium increases or outright policy cancellations. If your insurance provider drops you and your coverage, you will be required to obtain SR-22 insurance.
Furthermore, your new SR-22 insurance must be obtained before reinstating your driving privileges. Additionally, the requirement to carry an SR-22 typically lasts for at least three years.
The Role of Witnesses in Your DUI Defense
In some cases, witnesses can play a major role when challenging the prosecution’s evidence in a third DUI case. Your third offense DUI attorneys in Glendale can work with the following witnesses:
- Forensic toxicologists
- Breathalyzer professionals
- Field sobriety test providers
For example, a toxicologist can evaluate whether or not external factors—such as medical conditions or improper testing procedures—could have affected your breath or blood test results.
Breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records can also be examined. This is intended to determine if the device was functioning correctly at the time of testing.
Similarly, field sobriety testers can analyze police body camera footage to identify errors in administration. This may include—but is not limited to—improper instructions or environmental conditions that could have caused inaccurate results.
Let Us Help You Connect With a Glendale Third Offense DUI Attorney as Soon as Possible
If you have been arrested for your third DUI, you should meet with a lawyer immediately. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we understand the importance of legal counsel for third offense DUI cases.
That’s why we strive to connect everyone in need of advocacy and representation with a Glendale third offense DUI law firm—including you. A third DUI conviction can result in major penalties, including lengthy license suspension, hefty fines, and mandatory jail time.
With so much at stake, having legal counsel by your side can make all the difference in terms of the outcome of your case.
We can help you connect with lawyers who are well-versed in DUI defense strategies and know how to fight for the protection of your rights. Reach out today.
