California DUI Third Offense

If you are facing a third offense DUI within the last ten years, the absolute first thing you should do is contact an attorney. Penalties for a first offense DUI are severe as it is, and they only get worse with each DUI conviction. Before your DUI charge is turned into a DUI conviction, contact a DUI defense attorney. Qualified DUI defense attorneys have represented clients just like you and has successfully won DUI cases, or at the very least has had a serious DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving.

Obviously the DMV and the prosecution in criminal court are going to come at you in full force for a third offense DUI. That’s why you need an attorney that has the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights. From speaking on your behalf at your DMV administrative per se hearing to representing you in court, a skilled DUI attorney will be prepared to refute the evidence against you using proven DUI defense tactics.

Your attorney will ask tough questions. For example, did the police have probable cause to stop, detain and arrest you? Did the police read you your Miranda rights informing you of your right to remain silent and not make any self-incriminating statements? These are just some of the facts that an experienced DUI lawyer will look at when reviewing your case.

During your administrative per se hearing (which you must request within ten days of your DUI arrest), the DMV will determine whether or not this is your third DUI offense within the last ten years. If it is and you failed a chemical test, they will suspend your license for two years. Due to California’s Implied Consent Law, the DMV will suspend your license for three years if you refused to take a chemical test, and you will not be eligible to apply for a restricted license.

As you can see, the penalties for a third offense DUI are severe even before you reach criminal court! To ensure your rights are protected, contact a DUI defense lawyer today.