Rochester Third-Offense DUI Lawyer

If you have two prior DUI convictions, regardless of how long ago they were, you will face third-offense DUI charges and penalties. Also, if you have one prior child endangerment, then the new arrest could lead to felony charges. Conviction of felony drunk driving in Michigan would carry mandatory incarceration of at least 30 days and a permanent felony record. A Rochester third-offense DUI lawyer could explain the full implications and the range of penalties for a conviction.

While the penalties for any DUI conviction are harsh, the sanctions can be life-altering in a third or subsequent DUI conviction. A felony on your criminal history could also harm your ability to find a job and housing. By enlisting the help of a dedicated OWI defense lawyer, you may be able to mitigate some of the potential penalties you are facing.

Individuals in Michigan may not drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or more. For minors and commercial driver’s licensees, the required BAC measurement for an OWI charge is even lower at .02 and 0.04 percent respectively. It is illegal to drive when impaired in any way by alcohol or drugs, even though it may be a lesser charge of operating while visibly impaired (OWVI). While this is usually a misdemeanor charge, as a third offense, it is likely a felony.

The penalties for a third OWI offense are much more significant than those for a first or second OWI. Convicted drivers are generally unable to avoid jail time, and the other costs of a third OWI conviction can be extensive. The primary consequences include:

• A minimum 30-day jail sentence to a maximum of five years in prison
• Fines that range from $500 to $5,000
• One-year license revocation, or as much as five years in the case of a prior revocation within seven years
• Immobilization of vehicles for one to three years or forfeiture

Individuals may also need to complete 60 to 180 days of community service and serve time on probation. License plates vehicle registration may be confiscated as well. Other potential sanctions can include the costs of attending mandatory substance abuse treatment, increased insurance premiums, and expensive ignition interlock device installation and maintenance after a period of license revocation.

A third-offense DUI conviction often creates a permanent felony criminal record that can eliminate a driver’s right to serve on a jury, possess any firearms, or vote in elections. A felony record might also bar access to some jobs, educational programs, and professional licenses, and housing opportunities. Additionally, a felony record could make a convicted driver ineligible for some state or federal government benefits. However, with the assistance of a third-offense DUI attorney in Rochester, defendants may have a chance of fighting these charges and protecting their future rights.

Another offense after a second DUI conviction could alter the course of your life permanently. A Rochester third-offense DUI lawyer may be able to investigate the circumstances leading to your charges and determine which defenses are applicable and may be the most successful.

You do not need to handle these charges alone, and an experienced criminal defense lawyer could be the ally you need to help stand up for your rights. DUI cases move fast, so it is essential to seek out excellence in criminal defense as soon as possible. Call today to schedule a consultation and start working on your case.