Third-Time DUI Attorney in California
If you’ve been charged with a third DUI offense in California, you’re facing serious legal consequences that include jail time, heavy fines, and a long-term license suspension or revocation. You need an experienced attorney who is experienced with third-time DUI defenses to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Facing Your Third DUI Charge? We Can Help
A third DUI offense in California can carry life-altering consequences. They can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on circumstances such as prior convictions or injuries. Many people aren’t aware that penalties increase dramatically with each subsequent DUI.
Our legal team specializes in defending individuals facing multiple DUI charges, ensuring your case is handled with expertise and care.
What is a Third-Time DUI in California?
A third DUI offense occurs when an individual is arrested for DUI within 10 years of two prior DUI convictions. Key facts include:
- Third-time DUIs are often typically charged as misdemeanors, unless aggravating circumstances exist that would warrant a felony charge.
- Aggravating factors include accidents causing serious injury.
- Penalties increase with each subsequent offense.
- Even as a misdemeanor charge, a 3rd DUI carries a minimum of a 120-day sentence in California, although there are some clever workarounds to this minimum sentence.
Having a clear understanding of your legal situation is crucial to building a strong defense. It is important to act quickly as many of your rights are very time-sensitive and require action within 10 days of your incident.
Penalties for a Third DUI in California
A third DUI offense can result in severe penalties, including:
- Between 120 days and 1 year in jail, or possibly prison time if filed as a felony
- Fines – often exceeding $3,000
- Revocation of your driving privileges, measured in years
- Mandatory DUI programs – including alcohol education and probation
- Ignition interlock devices – required in many cases
Third-Time DUI Attorney tries to minimize these penalties and protect your future.
How a Third-Time DUI Lawyer Can Protect You
Facing a third DUI charge can be overwhelming. An experienced Third-Time DUI attorney provides:
Expert Legal Defense
We examine your arrest, the evidence, and the scientific instruments used in your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
Even with multiple DUIs, it may be possible to negotiate lesser charges or alternative sentencing options.
Court Representation & DMV Hearings
We represent you in court and at DMV hearings to protect your license and fight for the best outcome.
Why Choose California Criminal Defense Center
With multiple DUIs on your record, you need a defense team with decades of experience and results:
- Proven track record with many third-time DUI cases
- Personalized strategies tailored to your situation
- Aggressive representation in court and negotiations
- Compassionate guidance throughout the legal process
We understand the stress of facing a third DUI and will guide you step by step.
Work with expert lawyers
Unlike many law offices that assign client cases to young associates, attorney Ardalon Fakhimi will personally handle all significant aspects of your case from start to finish, including all settlement discussions, negotiations, and the trial. He will personally answer all of your questions and navigate you through every stage of your case. We never use inexperienced associates who are just learning the practice of DUI law and criminal law. Similarly, we are NOT a high volume law office. Rather, we emphasize a very personalized attorney-client relationship where our clients are in continuous contact with their DUI and criminal lawyer; not their lawyer’s assistant. Finally, we are a detail-oriented law office that meticulously strategizes every case. That means no stone remains unturned during the course of our representation and through the final disposition of your case.
We serve clients from Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Torrance, for Domestic Violence, Petty Thefts, DUI Under-21 Cases.
Areas We Serve:
We defend third-time DUI clients throughout California, including: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Irvine, Inland Empire, Ventura, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Third DUI in California
Is a third DUI automatically a felony?
No. It becomes a felony if aggravating factors like serious bodily injury or prior felonies exist.
Can I avoid jail time for a third DUI?
It’s possible with skilled legal defense, plea negotiations, or alternative sentencing.
How long will my license be suspended?
Typically 3 years or longer, depending on court and DMV decisions.
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony third DUI?
Misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum of 1 year in jail; felony offenses are more serious and can carry between 16 months to 3 years, or more, in the state prison. That doesn’t mean you will necessarily serve prison time, but it is certainly possible.
Contact a Skilled Third-Time DUI Attorney Today
Don’t face a third DUI charge alone. Call our California DUI defense team today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights and future.