DUI Lawyer: Hire One to Avoid the Penalties of a Third DUI

If you have been charged with driving drunk for the third time, you need a good DUI lawyer to have a chance of reducing your charges. You probably know by now that you will not have the same chance of getting out of a conviction as first-timers do, but it is possible to get the case thrown out if your attorney can find a good reason. Otherwise, you face some severe penalties; find out what they are.

In many states, a third charge within ten years is considered a felony, though some consider it one when you have three DUIs within about seven years. Either way, you will have a felony on your record for this charge if this law applies to you. If not, it is usually an aggravated misdemeanor for which you should get a DUI lawyer. You can typically plan to pay at least $1000, though many pay closer to $5000 for this charge.

These fees are not the entire amount you will pay, though. You will typically lose your driver's license for about five years, which means you will need to find alternate transportation to work, school, and the store. Once you are allowed to get the license back, you will need to file an SR-22 with your insurance company in most states, as your policy will have been cancelled. This policy is quite expensive, and often stops people from being able to drive at all after this charge since they cannot afford it. Plus, you will need to pay a fee to get your license reinstated. In many states, your first few years back on the road require you to get an ignition interlock device installed, which you have to pay for upfront, as well as a monthly fee. If you want a chance of getting out of these expenses, you need a good DUI lawyer.

Of course, you can expect some time in jail. You typically have to spend about three months in jail, though it depends on your state and the circumstances of your case. You could end up in jail for even a year, especially if you do not get the help of a DUI lawyer to negotiate or go to trial. In addition, you will need to spend some time in a rehab center since you will be considered to have a substance abuse problem after getting the same violation three times.

If you want a chance of avoiding these penalties, or at least getting them reduced, you need the help of an expert. Find a DUI lawyer with several years in this field and generally successful outcomes for clients with three DUIs.