If this is your third DUI offense, you need to know what happens after a 3rd DUI. Subsequent DUI convictions have more severe penalties so if this is your third DUI, be prepared for the worst.
On This Page
Handling a Third DUI
Contact a lawyer for a Free DUI Arrest Evaluation immediately after being charged with a third DUI because there is a limited time-frame to fight the charge. Consequences of a third DUI, particularly one within close proximity to prior DUI convictions, can be very serious. Having an experienced DUI lawyer gives repeat offenders the best odds when fighting the charges. Losing a third-time DUI case can result in a felony conviction that remains on the criminal record for a long time.
Most states classify an initial DUI offense as a misdemeanor and many also classify a second-time offense this way. However, several states, including Wyoming and New York, consider a second DUI a felony offense. Other states reserve the felony charge for third-time offenders. While a misdemeanor conviction allows the individual to serve all mandated time in a jail, a felony conviction requires serving time in state prison, which is usually much more unpleasant.
Felony Convictions for a Third DUI
Felony conviction penalties do not end with serving time. Once convicted felons are released from prison, life does not become much easier because many former felons have difficulty finding employment. Public and private organizations may conduct criminal background checks and will not hire a convicted felon. This will make it difficult to earn steady income until the conviction is removed from the criminal record several years after time has been served.
Individuals convicted of felony DUIs typically lose driving privileges for at least a year. Once the driver license is reinstated, the court may require installation of an ignition interlock device that measures blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). The device prevents the car from starting if BAC exceeds a predetermined limit, which can affect the work or school commute.
An attorney who focuses on DUI cases is the best advocate a third-time DUI offender can have. If there is any chance of fighting the DUI charge and winning, this lawyer can do it. To be matched with an experienced DUI attorney who will help build a strong defense, request a free DUI arrest evaluation through DUIRights.com.
DUIRights Support is comprised of legal writers and attorneys who are able to generate useful information about issues relating to DUI. Please use all information at your own discretion and never use the information as legal advice without consulting with an attorney.
What are my rights? I live in Nevada and I have two dui’s on my record the first offense I was convicted of in 2006 the second offense I was convicted of in 2009. I then got a DUI in Idaho in 2014. Nevada a DUI stays on you record for seven years and in Idaho it stays on your record for ten years. My question is since my first offense in Nevada has been 8 years ago and there for if I would of got the DUI in Nevada rather then Idaho i would be charged with a second offense again will Idaho take that into consideration??
Yes you will be facing heavier penalties since there are multiple DUI convictions. You can take a look at how long a DUI will stay on your record.