A third time DUI can be very serious. Depending on the amount of time that has elapsed from your last arrest, it can be charged as a felony.
If your last DUI arrest and conviction was more than ten years before the current charge, it is a first degree misdemeanor. You can face up to one year in jail whether you blew over a 0.15 or not. There is a one year license suspension, a minimum $2000 fine, (if your blow was over a 0.15 the minimum fine is $4000) a 30 day vehicle impoundment and a mandatory 2 year ignition interlock requirement for any vehicle you own or drive. You will also be placed on one year of reporting probation through the Salvation Army to complete DUI school through the DUI Counterattack Hillsborough, Inc. and be ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment.
If your current DUI arrest was less than ten years from your second DUI arrest then it can be charged as a felony. This means a “3rd within 10” is punishable by up to five years in the Department of Corrections. Your license can be suspended for up to ten years! There is a MANDATORY 30 day sentence that must be imposed. This mandatory sentence must be served whether they charge it as felony or a misdemeanor. This is in addition to the mandatory 12 months of probation. If your case is charged as a felony you will be supervised by the probation department of the Florida Department of Corrections. If it is charged as a misdemeanor you will be supervised by the Salvation Army. You will also have to attend the mandatory DUI School and substance abuse evaluation offered through DUI Counterattack
A third DUI is a serious matter. It is costly, and if you are convicted of a felony you can lose some of your civil rights. These include the right to vote or carry a firearm.
Do not leave your case to chance. The law offices of Finebloom & Haenel have years of experience in DUI cases. There is no issue we have not litigated. Call the attorneys of Finebloom & Haenel at 407-218-6277 and let us fight your case today!
