It is no secret that the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe. They can have a significant impact on an individual’s life now and far into the future. A second DUI offense within the last 10 years can heighten the consequences. As such, facing a third set of DUI charges within the last 10 years means that a conviction could carry even more serious consequences.
If you are facing repeat DUI charges, then a Fairfax third DUI lawyer may be able to play an important role in your strategy for approaching these charges.
Whereas first and second DUI convictions have potentially serious consequences, they are still typically treated as misdemeanor offenses. However, a third Virginia DUI within the last 10 years is considered a class 6 felony. Understanding the impact that these charges might have on you is an important part of navigating the judicial system associated with facing such charges. Call a seasoned DUI attorney today.
As a third DUI is treated as a class 6 felony offense, convictions can involve much more than a small fine and a short stay in jail. The potential consequences an individual may be facing are heavily dependent on when the previous DUI convictions took place.
For instance, if the other DUIs took place between five and 10 years ago, then the defendant may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail as well as a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000. Depending on the circumstances of the charge, they could even face up to five years in prison.
However, if their previous DUIs occurred within the last five years then they may be facing a mandatory minimum of six months in jail with a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 in addition to revocation of their driver’s license. As with DUI offenses spread out over 10 years, the defendant may face up to five years in prison.
As Fairfax third DUI attorneys know, a criminal record can impact an individual’s charge. A conviction could mean an individual loses their right to vote, that they are barred from traveling internationally, that the cannot obtain certain housing, job, and educational opportunities. Therefore, it is essential for defendants to reach out to a Fairfax third DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
It is important to remember that Virginia takes repeat DUI offenses seriously. As such, the state is likely to try and secure the strictest penalties available to them under the law. Working with an experienced Fairfax third DUI lawyer that understands the state’s approach to DUIs can be a crucial part of building a defense that aims to help a defendant avoid the harshest consequences.
As with any criminal charges, there is no single approach to building a successful defense that will work for everyone. However, a dedicated defense lawyer with experience in challenging the state’s case can work with a defendant to investigate aspects ranging from the admission of evidence to probable cause for an arrest.
With so much at stake when it comes to a third DUI charge, the criminal legal system can be challenging and intimidating. However, working with an experienced Fairfax third DUI lawyer might mean that you do not have to face those charges alone.
As with any criminal charges, defendants facing third DUI charges have important rights and helping you understand those rights is part of a thorough and comprehensive approach to establishing a defense. If you are facing a third DUI in Fairfax, contact the experienced and dedicated Fairfax third DUI attorney to see how a skilled legal professional could work with you.
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