Hollywood DUI Defense Attorney
Third DUI Offense
Being arrested for DUI is an extremely nerve-racking experience, especially if this is your third offense in the last 10 years. In the state of California DUI's are considered "priorable" offenses, meaning that the punishment increases with each subsequent offense that occurs within a 10 year period of time. In California, this 10 year period is also referred to as the "washout" or "look-back" period which takes into consideration all DUI convictions including out-of-state convictions as well as a California "wet reckless" conviction. If you have been arrested for your first DUI, or your third, contact a
Hollywood DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your possible defenses to a DUI charge.
In California, the majority of drunk driving cases are prosecuted as misdemeanors unless there are "aggravating circumstances" present at the time of the arrest. Whether this is your first, second, third or fourth conviction in the last 10 years will determine the penalties that you face.
Penalties for a Third DUI Offense
If you have been arrested for a third DUI offense within the last 10 years, then you are subject to the following DUI penalties assuming there weren't any aggravating factors present at the time of the arrest. Aggravating factors would include: excessive speeding, a BAC above 0.15%, having a minor under the age of 14 in the vehicle, DUI causing an accident or an accident with bodily injury or driving on a suspended or revoked license.
- Up to $2,000
- A three year driver's license suspension
- May apply for a restricted license after one year
- Designation as a "habitual traffic offender" by the DMV
- Between 120 days to one year in county jail
- Between three and five years informal probation
- Ignition Interlock Device requirement
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program
- California SR22 certificate required for a restricted license
DUI Defense in Hollywood, California
Whether you have been charged with your first DUI offense, or your third, it is absolutely critical that you enlist the services of an attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin, we have helped numerous Hollywood residents obtain reduced charges, lighter sentences and we have even obtained dropped charges in our previous DUI cases. Everyone has a right to a defense when they are being criminally charged and DUI is no exception. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we are confident that something can be done about it to make it better. Contact a Hollywood DUI defense attorney from our firm to start planning your DUI defense strategy!
Contact a Hollywood DUI defense attorney from the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin today.