How can you protect yourself from accusations of violating California’s DUI laws for the third time? If you don’t challenge the charges brought against you, California’s courts can label you as a habitual offender, putting you at risk for prolonged imprisonment and hefty fines. You need to work with a Norwalk third offense DUI lawyer if you want to protect your future.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect people facing serious accusations of criminal conduct with experienced criminal defense attorneys.
We’ve done so on behalf of thousands of clients. The Norwalk DUI lawyers in our network can offer you the support you need to contest accusations of a third DUI.
Reach out today to connect with an attorney who will represent your best interests in and out of California’s criminal courts.
Classifying Your Third DUI Offense
When might you find yourself facing accusations of driving under the influence for the third time? If you have two previous DUI convictions and have received those convictions within the past ten years, your third arrest will put you at risk for consequences that reflect the severity of your criminal history.
Additionally, any wet reckless charges count as “priors,” meaning that they, too, can impact the severity of the legal consequences levelled against you. However, DUI arrests that don’t result in convictions do not count as “priors.”
A Norwalk, CA, third offense lawyer can help you figure out whether or not your criminal history actually puts you at risk for a third DUI charge or if you can contest the classification of your charge upon your arrest.
If you are facing a verifiable third conviction, the legal professionals in our network can begin building a defense on your behalf.
Consequences for a Third DUI Offense in California
The consequences you face when accused of a third DUI can fluctuate depending on your criminal history and the severity of the circumstances under which you were arrested.
You may face up to one year in county jail or a prolonged prison sentence. Additional consequences include:
- Fines of anywhere between $390 and $1,000, although penalty assessments may raise those fines up to $18,000
- Revocation of your license instead of a suspension
- Being labeled a habitual traffic offender, meaning that if you’re caught driving on a suspended license, you will face extra legal consequences
The law will also require you to use an ignition interlock device. A conviction will remain on your criminal record for ten years, and if you’re arrested for another DUI, a fourth conviction will count as an automatic felony.
When to Contact a Norwalk Third Offense DUI Lawyer
If you’re arrested for your third DUI, get in touch with a third offense DUI attorney in Norwalk as soon as possible. A third conviction can have devastating consequences for you on a financial, professional, and personal level.
Working with a lawyer will make it easier for you to challenge the accusations brought against you without giving the prosecution more material to use against you.
Fortunately, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with experienced attorneys who understand the intricacies of California’s criminal laws.
These attorneys can meet you where you are and break down what defenses you can use to reduce the charges brought against you or challenge the motives of the officers who arrested you in the first place.
How to Defend Against Third Offense DUI Charges
The attorneys in our network can specifically question whether or not your arrest was legal, if officers violated your rights, and whether or not the equipment used to test your BAC was accurate.
A criminal defense attorney’s understanding of the law allows them to take advantage of technicalities that the prosecution might overlook.
Likewise, an attorney might have the means to challenge the validity of officers’ behavior upon your arrest, identifying bias or illegal conduct that makes California’s civil courts dismiss your case outright.
You can discuss what defenses might be most relevant to your case during a defense assessment with the attorneys in our network.
Working With the DMV After Your Third DUI Offense
In addition to contesting the criminal charges brought against you, you need to file an administrative hearing with the DMV. If you don’t, the California DMV retains the right to automatically suspend your license for up to one year. You may also face restricted driving privileges after a 12-month waiting period or restricted license operations.
You may also have to file an SR-22 form to prove that you’ve invested in California’s minimum required liability coverage or more. Filing this form can lead insurers to raise your premiums, particularly if you’re convicted of a third DUI.
Working with a criminal defense attorney can make it easier for you to contest premium hikes while also handling an administrative hearing. The DMV will not have the right to suspend your license until your hearing concludes.
Alternatives to Jail After Your Third DUI Offense
People convicted of their third DUI do not necessarily have to go to jail. A Norwalk, CA, third offense DUI attorney can press for you to undergo mandatory rehab, instead, so long as you qualify. Meeting other qualifying criteria may allow you to serve your jail time in your home under house arrest.
You can also ask your attorney to discuss your right to a plea bargain with the prosecution. However, we don’t encourage you to accept a plea offer without an attorney’s input. Plea deals can look beneficial to you in the short term, but prosecutors are under no obligation to weigh plea bargains in your favor.
Do not sign anything or agree to a plea deal without a criminal defense lawyer present if you want to preserve your right to a fair deal.
Start Working With Experienced Norwalk Third Offense DUI Lawyers Today
Your third DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your finances, your freedom, and your future. You have every right to contest the charges brought against you, but you shouldn’t go it alone.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can put you in touch with an experienced attorney who can represent your best interests in and out of criminal court.
That support can help you fight back against wrongful charges, challenge the validity of blood alcohol tests, and identify any bias that officers may intend to leverage against you.
Reach out and let our team put you in touch with a criminal defense attorney who can prioritize your right to a fair trial.
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