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Third Offense DUI Attorneys in Orlando

Providing Aggressive Legal Representation for Clients Charged With DUI

If you have been arrested and charged with a third offense DUI, you must hire an experienced attorney who can fight to help you keep your freedom. Even if the offense is outside the 10-year time limit, defendants may still face up to one year in jail and steep fines.

Therefore, if you or someone you love has been charged with a third DUI, do not wait to obtain skilled legal representation. Instead, hiring a knowledgeable DUI attorney with the skills needed to reduce or even possibly dismiss your charges is always best.

Contact The Defense Group of Orlando, FL, and ask to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation to determine what legal strategies meet your needs. Call us at 407-743-8430.

Can a Third DUI Be Charged as a Felony?

Florida law mandates that any defendant who has been convicted of a third-offense DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction can be charged with a third-degree felony. A felony DUI conviction may result in a defendant being sentenced to a minimum of 30 days in jail, with at least 48 hours of the sentence being served consecutively. However, Florida courts have the legal discretion to impose a 5-year sentence to be served in state prison. Additionally, the defendant may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $5,000.

Nevertheless, if the state attorney is unable to prove a prior DUI conviction, the felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. However, most DUI defendants are unaware there are specific legal steps that can be utilized to have their charges reduced. For this reason, if you have been charged with a third DUI, contact our Orlando law offices and ask to meet with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, who can determine the case’s strengths and weaknesses. Call us at 407-743-8430.

What are the Criminal Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction?

The criminal penalties for a third Florida DUI conviction depend on the length of time that has passed since the second DUI conviction.

Third DUI Within 10 Years

If you are convicted of a third DUI within 10 years of the second conviction, it will be charged as a third-degree felony. Even though Florida law mandates that anyone convicted of a third DUI within 10 years must be sentenced to at least 30 days in county jail, the court has the discretion to impose a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in state prison.

Other penalties may include:

  • A mandatory driver’s license suspension for at least 10 years.
  • A fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
  • The vehicle used in the DUI is impounded or immobilized for 90 days and does not begin until the defendant has finished serving time in jail.
  • Once approved for reinstatement, the defendant must install an Ignition Interlock device that must remain on their vehicle for at least two years.

Third DUI After 10 Years

If you are charged with a third DUI after 10 years have passed since your second conviction, you will be charged with a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Unlike a third-degree felony DUI, there is no mandatory jail time. Florida sentencing guidelines also state that imprisonment may not exceed 12 months. However, the judge overseeing the case has the legal authority to decide if the defendant should spend time in jail.

As with other DUI convictions, a defendant must have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle once their license is reinstated, along with a fine of between $1,000 to $2,500.

What are Possible Defenses to a Third DUI Charge?

The penalties associated with a third Florida DUI conviction are steep and can have long-lasting negative consequences. Therefore, if you are facing a third DUI charge, you must have a skilled attorney who can present strong legal defenses on your behalf.

Some possible legal defenses that may be used to fight a third DUI charge include:

  • The officer did not have reasonable cause to pull you over.
  • The field sobriety tests were improperly conducted.
  • The equipment used in the tests was faulty and produced inaccurate test results.
  • Evidence in your case was mishandled and, therefore, not admissible in court.

Additionally, The Defense Group has a highly trained legal team that will determine if your rights were violated during the stop or your arrest. Our dedicated team of legal professionals also has comprehensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to try and have charges reduced or dismissed.

Why Should I Trust Your Third Offense DUI Lawyers to Help Me With My Legal Issues?

One aspect that sets our criminal defense law firm apart from others in the Orlando area is that our lawyers have, on average, 35 years of experience. Our highly trained lawyers are all former prosecutors who understand the criteria the state uses to prosecute DUI cases. Our years of experience give our DUI attorneys a definite advantage. We have formed many relationships with state prosecutors and know what it takes to obtain favorable client results.

When you come to us for DUI defense, we will handle all of the necessary legal paperwork and work tirelessly to obtain favorable results for you and not the state. If the state is unwilling to negotiate, our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court to try and obtain a “not guilty verdict” on your behalf.

Finally, we are available 24 hours a day to accommodate your emergency needs. Contact The Defense Group of Orlando, FL, at 407-743-8430 and ask to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you fight a DUI.