You do not have to face the legal process alone after a third arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). Instead, you can get professional help and support in this challenging time from a Santa Ana third-offense DUI lawyer.
Your Santa Ana DUI lawyer can quickly review your situation and take immediate steps to protect your rights. Your attorney will need to collect evidence and review the facts surrounding your specific situation to build a solid defense on your behalf.
Our team can help you connect with a lawyer who can meet all your legal needs. We have decades of experience providing this essential service to drivers in your situation, so contact us now.
Why Hire a Third-Offense DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney to help after a third DUI arrest can improve your chances of successfully resolving these allegations. A third DUI conviction can have very harsh repercussions, so it’s critical that you reach out for professional help as soon as possible after your arrest.
You do not have to try to navigate the complex legal system in California on your own. Instead, you can rely on a trained and experienced attorney to provide the support you deserve every step of the way.
Services Provided by Third-Offense DUI Attorneys
Your DUI lawyer can provide comprehensive assistance after your arrest. Experienced attorneys will adjust the services they provide based on the unique needs of each client. Therefore, depending on your situation, your lawyer may:
Assist During Any Legal Questioning
You can expect the police and prosecution to question you after a third DUI arrest. These members of the justice system are not on your side. They want to get convictions, and they can use everything you say to strengthen their case against you.
Fortunately, you have the right to contact and hire a lawyer before these discussions. Legal professionals strongly recommend that you exercise your right to representation before saying anything about your charges.
A lawyer can protect you, advise you on what to say, and stand at your side throughout the legal process. Your attorney will also explain what to expect from a third DUI in California.
Help at All DUI Hearings
You may face a number of hearings before your criminal trial begins after an arrest under CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
For example, your attorney can help at your arraignment hearing. During this hearing, the court will explain your charges, and you will have to enter a plea of not guilty, no contest, or guilty.
Your Santa Ana third offense DUI attorney can also assist at your bail hearing when applicable. Bail represents money that you pay to the court to stay out of jail until your criminal trial begins. A lawyer can take steps to reduce your bail payment in some circumstances.
Get Started on Your Defense
Your third-offense DUI attorney in Santa Ana, CA, can immediately start preparing a personalized defense on your behalf. Your lawyer will need to review all the facts about your arrest and the actions of law enforcement when constructing a solid defense against these serious charges.
What Defenses Work for Third-Offense DUIs?
Several defenses may help your attorney successfully resolve your charges after a third DUI arrest. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
Questioning the Reasons for a Police Stop
Police officers should only stop your vehicle if they have reasonable cause to believe you committed a crime. If the police stopped you without due cause, it may allow your lawyer to successfully resolve the allegations you face.
Reviewing Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test Procedures
Law enforcement officers have to follow strict procedures when performing blood alcohol content (BAC) testing after a traffic stop. Failure to administer these tests properly can compromise their results, potentially making test results inadmissible.
Questioning the Results of a BAC Testing Lab
Your attorney may dispute the results of your BAC test in some cases. An attorney may argue that the testing facility mishandled your samples. Your lawyer could also request an independent test of your blood sample to get additional results.
How Do Lawyers Resolve Third DUI Allegations?
Your Santa Ana third-offense DUI lawyer may use several strategies to handle the charges you face. Depending on your situation, your attorney could focus on:
Getting Your DUI Charges Dismissed
In some circumstances, your lawyer may push the court to dismiss the DUI allegations you face after a third arrest for drunk driving. Typically, the court will only dismiss a DUI charge if a lawyer can show that the police violated your rights or that the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove their case.
Reducing Your DUI Charges
In some cases, the prosecution may offer you a plea bargain to reduce the penalties you face for a third DUI in exchange for an admission of guilt for a less serious offense. However, plea bargains are much less common for third DUI offenses.
Your lawyer can discuss this option if it becomes available in your situation.
Defending You in Court
Finally, you can rely on your criminal defense attorney to represent you if your DUI charges go to court. Your lawyer can present evidence on your behalf, cross-examine witnesses, and provide solid arguments on your behalf.
Is a Third DUI Offense a Felony?
Typically, California treats third-offense DUIs as misdemeanor–level offenses. However, you can face felony charges for some third DUIs. The prosecution may charge you with a felony if the police claim that you caused an accident resulting in injuries or death while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Felony DUIs result in incredibly harsh penalties, so it’s essential that you get professional help right away if you face charges like CA Vehicle Code 23153 – Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Causing Injury or PC 191.5 (a) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated.
Additionally, if you get three DUI convictions, any subsequent DUI arrests may lead to felony charges, even if the police cannot accuse you of causing an accident or harming another person.
Penalties for Third-Offense DUIs in California
The penalties for a conviction for a third DUI in California are often very harsh. Depending on your situation, you could face:
- Up to a year of time in county jail
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Restrictions on your driving privileges
- Orders to pay restitution
Additionally, you may have to:
Spend Time on Probation
You can expect to spend up to five years on probation after a third DUI conviction. While on probation, you will have to follow specific rules handed down by the court at the time of your conviction.
For example, while on probation, you generally agree to submit to any BAC test requested by law enforcement and promise not to drive after drinking any alcohol. Violating your probation can result in additional legal penalties.
Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
California requires most motorists convicted of drunk driving to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on any vehicles they operate. These devices function like breathalyzers. You have to use them each time you try to turn on your vehicle, and they test your BAC.
You may need to use an IID for two years after a third DUI conviction. The court expects you to pay to install and maintain your IID, increasing the financial burdens of a DUI offense.
Attend Meetings and Education Programs
You may have to attend a 30-month-long DUI education program after a conviction for a third DUI. Note that you must select a court-approved program to complete in this situation.
The court may also order you to attend meetings with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
You can improve your chances of successfully resolving your charges and avoiding these penalties by hiring a third-offense DUI lawyer immediately after an arrest.
A Lawyer Can Help at Your DMV Hearing
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plays a role in suspending your driving privileges after a DUI arrest. In fact, the DMV will automatically suspend your license if you do not request an admin per se hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
Your lawyer can help you request this hearing and represent you in front of the DMV.
In some cases, the DMV will choose not to suspend your license. However, many drivers accused of a third DUI will face a requirement to install an IID if they want to keep operating their vehicles.
A Third DUI Conviction Will Impact Your Insurance
Your insurance premiums can increase substantially after any DUI conviction. Typically, you will not see this change immediately, as the insurance company will have to maintain your current premiums until the end of your coverage period.
However, when you try to renew your insurance, you may see your rates skyrocket. Additionally, you will likely need to purchase extra SR-22 insurance after a DUI conviction, further increasing your insurance costs.
Additionally, some insurance companies will simply refuse to insure drivers with multiple DUIs on their records. You can take steps to avoid issues with your car insurance by contacting a third-offense DUI attorney in Santa Ana for help immediately after your arrest.
How Long Do DUIs Stay on Your Record?
DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years. Each subsequent DUI conviction in this 10 year period will result in harsher penalties. Therefore, it’s essential that you take each DUI arrest seriously, even a first-time offense.
Can You Fight a Third DUI on Your Own?
While you can attempt to take on a third DUI accusation on your own, you have a higher chance of successfully resolving these allegations with a legal professional on your side. The court system in California takes third DUI charges very seriously and can hand down harsh penalties after a conviction.
Fortunately, you can rely on a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the legal system to support you and build a personalized defense on your behalf.
Lawyers know what defenses work to handle third-offense drunk driving charges. You do not have to try to reinvent the wheel when you turn to a legal professional for comprehensive and compassionate support.
Can a Public Defender Help After a Third DUI Arrest?
You may choose to rely on a public defender after a third arrest for drunk driving. These legal professionals put in considerable effort and understand the laws in California. However, they’re also overworked and have many clients to help every day.
Therefore, many individuals facing DUI allegations choose to hire a criminal defense lawyer who focuses on handling drunk driving allegations. Hiring a lawyer means you’ll have someone who can focus on your unique needs.
Talk to Us About Third-Offense DUI Charges in Santa Ana, CA
You can rely on a Santa Ana third-offense DUI lawyer to help after an arrest. Your lawyer can consider the specifics of your situation and develop a personalized strategy designed to successfully resolve legal matters on your behalf.
Our team can put you in contact with an attorney who can provide the dedicated support you deserve. Find out more about how we can help by reaching out today.
