Arlington Third Offense DUI Lawyer

If you are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges for a third time, you may not know where to turn. In Virginia, penalties for subsequent DUIs become increasingly more severe with each offense, so you should consult an experienced Arlington third DUI lawyer to advocate for you.

Even if you believe a previous DUI charge was unfair or inaccurate, and even if one of the charges occurred many years ago, a history of multiple DUIs can adversely impact the severity of penalties associated with your current charge.

Third DUI Penalties

Third DUI penalties depend on how recently each of your DUI charges occurred. Receiving a third DUI charge within a 10-year period is considered a Class 6 felony carrying a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 90 days and a minimum fine of $1000. If you have received your third DUI within a five-year period, the jail sentence increases to a mandatory six month term. This is also considered a Class 6 felony and requires a minimum $1000 fine. From the possible penalties, it can be inferred that prosecutors take these charges very seriously and seek to actively punish those who are facing a third DUI charge.

In both cases, you will be subject to revocation of your driver’s license for an indefinite period of time not less than three years. In addition, your vehicle may be subject to seizure and forfeiture by the Commonwealth.

Once your license is reinstated, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. These types of devices require you to pass a breathalyzer test before you will be able to start the car.

Your Arlington third DUI lawyer can further explain the penalties you may be facing and how your history of DUI charges may affect your case.

Felony Convictions

A felony conviction is a serious matter that can affect your opportunities and reputation far into the future. Long after you have served a jail sentence and paid your fines, you may face obstacles in employment, education, financial aid, military service, and housing opportunities. This is why it is so important to have an experienced Arlington third DUI lawyer on your side as you navigate the criminal justice system.

Third DUI Defenses

Your Arlington third DUI attorney can advise whether you may be eligible for a plea bargain or reduced charges. He or she can also investigate whether evidence in your third DUI case indicates a breathalyzer test could have produced faulty results or a blood sample establishing your blood alcohol content might have been mishandled or improperly stores, affecting its accuracy.

Trying to fight a felony DUI charge by yourself is not generally a very good idea. These charges are incredibly serious and not knowing what you’re walking into can be damaging. Speak to an attorney about building a defense.

An Experienced Arlington Third DUI Lawyer Can Help

Overcoming a third DUI charge is difficult, but not impossible. If you have received a third DUI, it is important to consult a DUI attorney with experience representing clients with a history of multiple DUI offenses, since first-offense DUIs and third-offense DUIs are handled very differently. Contact an Arlington third DUI attorney today to learn about your options.