A third-time DUI in Greenville is a serious charge. As a repeat offender, you are less likely to receive a plea bargain that could allow you to avoid a trial in court, and judges are more likely to prosecute with severe penalties.
If you are facing a third-time DUI, you need assistance from an experienced DUI lawyer who could help you navigate the legal system, give you wise advice, and fight for you in court. Contact Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law to begin fighting for your freedoms.
Third-Offense DUI Facts
A third-time DUI charge in Greenville has more severe consequences than a first or second-offense DUI. The severity of the penalties typically depends on your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest.
If your BAC was less than .10%, you could get a fine of $7,000 to $12,000. You could also be imprisoned for 60 days to three years. If your BAC was between .10% and .16%, the fine may be between $10,000 and $15,000, and the jail or prison sentence may range from 90 days to four years. If your BAC was higher than .16%, you could be fined $14,000 to $20,000 and imprisoned for six months to five years.
Besides paying a hefty fine and being incarcerated, those convicted of a third-offense DUI will likely have additional penalties, such as required installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), three to four-year license suspension, insurance rate changes, and required completion of alcohol and/or drug abuse classes.
A DUI Conviction Stays on Your Driving Record
A DUI conviction in South Carolina, whether it be the first, second, third, or fourth offense, will remain on your driving record forever. A DUI conviction cannot be expunged or removed from public record in our state, making it important to get the best legal representation possible in Greenville if you are charged with a third-time DUI. The only way to keep a DUI charge off your record is not to be convicted in court.
How a DUI Lawyer Could Help
Christopher L. Jones has experience defending individuals with third-offense DUIs in Greenville, understands the law surrounding DUIs, and knows your legal options. During a trial, your defense strategy is likely to be similar to those used in first or second-offense DUI cases. Your lawyer may challenge the legality of the traffic stop, challenge the validity of a field sobriety test, or attempt to show abnormalities with the breathalyzer that was used. Another tactic that your DUI attorney could take is to show that you had mental health issues that factored into your arrest.
Although third-time DUI charges are very serious, they are not hopeless. An experienced lawyer could perform a thorough investigation of your case and come up with a solid plan that could be successfully carried out in court.
Discuss Your Case with a Greenville Lawyer Who Understands Third-Offense DUI Charges
Get the legal help you need from an experienced attorney who has successfully represented others with a third-time DUI in Greenville. Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, will do everything he can to prevent a conviction and protect you from the most serious penalties. He has the skills you desire from a criminal defense attorney. Contact Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law now to schedule a free consultation.
