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Third DUI Offense

Any kind of driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense. However, if a person has been arrested for a third DUI offense the penalties are much more severe. With every DUI conviction, the legal consequences compound. It is important for a person to seek legal representation if they have received a third DUI offense in the last ten years.

Florida law is harsh when it comes to repeat DUI offenders. Multiple driving under the influence charges can result in hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, license suspension, and possible jail time. It is in the alleged offender's best interest to consult with an experienced DUI attorney.

Pensacola Attorney for Third DUI Offense in Florida

Florida Statute § 316.193 states if an impaired person is operating a vehicle, he or she is committing a criminal offense. People who have multiple DUI convictions over the last ten years can face severe penalties. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a third DUI offense, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Multiple DUI cases can be very difficult to defend. That is why you need an attorney who is well-versed in the complexities of DUI laws. John Terrezza is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Pensacola, Florida. He is current with all DUI legislation under Florida law. Additionally, John Terrezza values transparency and open communication. He will keep you informed throughout the whole legal process and explore all legal options with you.

Terrezza Law represents clients in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida and nearby including Gulf Breeze, Milton, and Navarre in Santa Rosa County, and Pensacola in Escambia County.

Keep silent with law enforcement and get legal representation today. Call (850) 764-5291 or submit an online contact form to speak to John Terrezza, an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Overview for Third DUI Offenses in Florida

Penalties for Third DUI Conviction in Florida Outside of 10 Years

Penalties for a third DUI charge are very severe. If a third DUI conviction occurs after 10 years of the prior conviction there are additional consequences. Even if the If the DUI arrest happened outside of 10 years of the past two convictions, the penalties are still stiff:

The following are the legal penalties for a third DUI outside of 10 years:

Maximum jail time up to 12 months;
Minimum fine of $2,000 and a Maximum fine of $5,000;
Driver's license revocation for a minimum of 12 months;
At the expense of offender, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on all vehicles owned, leased, or routinely operated by the offender for 2 years;
Ten day impoundment or immobilization of the vehicle used;
Completion of a 21 hour DUI Substance Abuse Course;
50 hours of community service;
Completion of any recommended substance abuse treatment; and
Completion of a psychosocial evaluation to determine if Substance Abuse Treatment is required.

Florida Penalties for Third DUI within 10 Years

A third DUI conviction within 10 years of the prior conviction, is a felony offense of the third degree. A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, and a possible fine of $5,000. Additionally, the court may impose a 10-year driver's license revocation. The following punishments still apply:

Minimum of 30 days in jail
Minimum of $2,000, but not exceeding $5,000.
Vehicle impoundment for 90 days;
10 year revocation of driver's license;
Inability to obtain a hardship license for a minimum of 2 years;
At the expense of offender, installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles owned, leased, or routinely operated by the offender for 2 years;
Completion of DUI Substance Abuse Course;
Completion of a psychosocial evaluation to determine if Substance Abuse Treatment is required;
Completion of any recommended substance abuse treatment if needed.

The legal consequences of a third DUI conviction can be enhanced. If a person does any of the following in conjunction with their third DUI offense, he or she will be required to pay a minimum fine of $4,000.

Had a breath or blood-alcohol level of .15 or higher;
Had a minor accompanying them during the commission of the DUI offense.

Pensacola Third DUI Offense Resources

Standard DUI Jury Instructions Chapter 28 – Visit the Standard Jury Instructions for Criminal Cases regarding transportation offenses. Read the legal language surrounding DUI specifics, definitions, and the various penalties. View the documents your jury will use to decide the verdict in a DUI case.

Florida Driving Under the Influence Statute § 316.193 – Visit the Florida Legislation regarding driving under the influence. See the statutory language surrounding DUI offenses. See the various penalties for repeat offenders, the programs that must be completed after conviction, and more.

Find a Pensacola Lawyer for Third DUI Offense

Have you been charged for a third DUI offense in the greater Pensacola area? Do the penalties and legal complexities seem overwhelming? If so, it is in your best interest to contact John Terrezza, an experienced DUI attorney to formulate your defense.

John Terrezza has years of experience in representing third DUI offenders. He is knowledgeable in handling DUIs and other driving-related criminal offenses under Florida law. John Terrezza does not simply understand Florida DUI offenses, but also what the consequences can be like for his clients. He also understands how to defend DUI cases and John Terrezza will evaluate your case and explore all legal options with you.

Terrezza Law represents clients throughout Escambia County and Santa Rosa County including Milton, Navarre, Pensacola, and Gulf Breeze.

Dial (850) 764-5291 or submit an online contact form to speak about your case to an experienced criminal defense attorney today.

This article was last updated on September 21, 2018.