3rd Offense DUI Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL Providing Strong Legal Defense for Serious Cases in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida
Have you been arrested for DUI for the third time in South Florida? A third DUI conviction can lead to devastating consequences, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, and long-term loss of driving privileges. Hiring experienced legal counsel and help you defend your rights and interests to protect against a life-altering conviction. Contact BD Law today for an initial case evaluation with 3rd offense DUI attorney in West Palm Beach Brandon Dinetz to discuss potential resolutions of your charges. Attorney Brandon Dinetz uses his extensive experience as a defense attorney and former prosecutor to understand how the state builds cases and identify defense strategies that can help you seek a favorable resolution to your case.
Understanding Third DUI Offenses Under Florida Law
Section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes makes it illegal for a person to drive or exercise actual physical control over a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, inhalants, or drugs to the extent they cannot safely operate a vehicle or when they have a blood/breath alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more. A person may have actual physical control of a vehicle when they sit inside a vehicle with the ignition turned on or in the driver’s seat in possession of the ignition key.
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Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction
After committing a third DUI offense in Florida, you may face significant penalties for multiple incidents of driving drunk or drugged. In some cases, a third DUI conviction qualifies as a felony offense, even if you do not cause an accident or injure anyone while driving under the influence. A third DUI conviction within 10 years of a second conviction carries fines of up to $5,000; a third conviction more than 10 years after a second carries fines of $2,000 to $5,000.
After a third conviction within 10 years of a prior conviction, a defendant may face a prison sentence of up to five years. However, the court must impose an incarceration term of at least 30 days, 48 hours of which must be served consecutively. For a third DUI conviction more than 10 years after a prior conviction, a court can impose a jail sentence of up to 12 months.
Other penalties for a third DUI conviction can include:
- 90-day vehicle impoundment after a conviction within 10 years of a second conviction
- 180-to-365-day license suspension for a third conviction more than 10 years after a second conviction, or a minimum 10-year suspension after a conviction within 10 years of a prior conviction (a defendant may become eligible for a hardship reinstatement after two years)
- Mandatory two-year ignition interlock device requirement
Defenses to a Third Offense DUI
After getting arrested for a third-time DUI, you may have defenses available in your case that can help you avoid the severe consequences of a conviction. Common defenses to DUI charges include:
- Challenging the reliability of field sobriety tests, including by showing that the officer conducted the test without training or in adverse conditions or that the defendant suffered disabilities or medical conditions that adversely affected their performance
- Challenging the reliability of chemical testing by proving that officers failed to observe breath test protocols or calibrate the testing machine or that there was a break in the chain of custody of a blood sample or a laboratory testing error
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop by arguing that police lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal offense to initiate the traffic stop
What Can a West Palm Beach Third Offense DUI Lawyer Do to Help with Your Case?
A 3rd offense DUI attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, from BD Law can defend your rights and reputation in your case by:
- Investigating the circumstances of your arrest and booking to recover evidence that may help build a defense, including by challenging the reliability and admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence
- Evaluating your legal options for seeking a favorable resolution to your charges
- Explaining the potential outcomes of your case and answering your questions to help you make informed decisions at each stage of the process
- Vigorously contesting the state’s case, including by filing evidentiary motions or motions to dismiss when appropriate
- Advocating your defense at trial when you choose to fight your charges
Contact a Dedicated West Palm Beach Third Offense DUI Lawyer from BD Law Today
When you get arrested for a third DUI in South Florida, you need highly experienced legal counsel to give you the best chance of securing a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact BD Law today for a confidential consultation with a 3rd offense DUI attorney to discuss your options for protecting your rights, reputation, and future.