If you’ve been charged with a third offense of driving under the influence (DUI), the stakes are high, and you should get legal help as soon as possible. Jail time, longer license suspension, harsh fines, and a felony on your record could follow.
A Pomona third offense DUI lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, challenge the case against you, and fight for a better outcome. Many people facing a third DUI feel unsure of what to do next.
The legal process can move fast and be confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. A Pomona DUI lawyer can help explain the laws, talk to the court for you, and fight to reduce the charges or sentence. To review your legal options, call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today for a free consultation.
What Happens After a Third DUI Arrest in California?
A third DUI in California usually means you’ve had two prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years. This can result in:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Fines of up to $3,000 or more
- A three-year driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory DUI classes for 30 months
- Probation for up to five years
- Possible ignition interlock device (IID)
- Increased penalties if someone was hurt
Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher, you can be charged. Penalties increase based on prior offenses, BAC level, or if there was an accident or injury.
Other Penalties You Can Face for a Third DUI Offense
Aside from jail and fines, a third DUI may lead to:
- Loss of employment
- High insurance rates
- Loss of professional licenses
- Long-term criminal record
A third DUI can change your life, but a strong defense can help limit the consequences.
When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Third DUI?
Don’t wait until you face formal charges and are unaware of your rights. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer for a third DUI offense in Pomona if:
- You were arrested on a DUI charge.
- Police officers have asked you questions.
- Authorities are investigating you.
- You’re waiting for a court date.
Early legal help can make a big difference. A lawyer can step in to protect your rights from the start and may be able to influence the outcome before your case even reaches trial.
How Our DUI Defense Attorney in Pomona Can Help You
A lawyer will handle the entire legal process for you. Here’s how they can help:
- Review your arrest: Check if law enforcement followed proper procedures.
- Challenge the evidence: Question the traffic stop, breath test, or blood draw.
- Negotiate with the court: Fight for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Represent you at all hearings: DMV hearing, arraignment, pre-trial, and trial.
- Protect your license: Help you fight license suspension at a DMV hearing.
- File an appeal: If you are convicted, they can help appeal the decision.
- Explore sentencing alternatives: These can include house arrest or rehab.
- Explain your legal options: Help you understand the next steps that can help your case.
A strong legal defense may lead to reduced charges, less jail time, or better sentencing terms. Call us today for a free consultation.
What to Expect During the DUI Court Process in Pomona
Every case involving a DUI offense follows certain steps:
- Arrest and booking: Officers arrest you and take you to jail. You may have to take a breath or blood test.
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance. The judge tells you the charges. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre–trial hearings: Your lawyer can file motions, talk to the District Attorney, and try to get evidence thrown out.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, the court will decide if you’re guilty or not.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will issue penalties. Your lawyer can argue for lighter sentencing or alternatives.
Defenses Used in Cases Involving a Third DUI in California
Facing a third DUI charge doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There are legal defenses that may help reduce or even dismiss the charges. A DUI lawyer will review the facts of your case and decide which defense strategy fits best.
Common defenses include any of the following:
Unlawful Traffic Stop
Police must have a valid reason to pull you over. If they didn’t, any evidence they gathered, like breath or blood test results, might not be allowed in court.
Improper Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) aren’t always reliable. Things like bad weather, uneven roads, or medical conditions can affect how someone performs. Your lawyer may reject the results, saying the field sobriety test isn’t evidence in your DUI case. They may assert that the results don’t prove you were impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Faulty Breath or Blood Tests
Machines used to test your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) must be properly maintained and used correctly. A lawyer can check if the test was flawed or if your rights were violated during testing.
Rising BAC Defense
Your BAC level may have been under the limit while driving, but it went over the legal limit by the time the test was taken. This is known as the “rising BAC” defense and can apply in some situations.
Medical Conditions
Some health conditions, like acid reflux or diabetes, can affect breath test results. Your lawyer may use medical records to challenge the accuracy of the test.
Violation of Your Rights
If police didn’t read you your rights or followed improper procedures during your stop or arrest, your lawyer may be able to get parts of the case thrown out.
Call to Learn How a Pomona Third Offense DUI Lawyer Can Represent You
If you’ve been arrested on a third DUI charge, don’t wait to get legal help. You have the right to fight back, and a knowledgeable Pomona third offense DUI lawyer can lead the legal process for you.
This service can connect you to a defense attorney who will review your case, explain California DUI laws, and help you work toward the best possible outcome. Call our team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyer now for a free consultation, and take the first step in protecting your future.
