Third Offense or Subsequent

Third offense and subsequent DUIs in East Lyme are viewed more harshly than first or second offenses. At this point, the court will be convinced the offender has a serious substance issue or simply does not care to conform their behavior to the laws of society, neither of which is good for a defendant. DUIs count for the last ten years prior and from any jurisdiction when doing the math for the number of DUIs.

If you are facing a third of subsequent DUI, the situation is serious and the penalties that you face could be severe. However, with the help of a DUI defense lawyer, you can mitigate the situation and get the best outcome for yourself. Learn more on this page.

Jail and License Revocation For a Third Offense

3rd and subsequent DUIs have penalties such as up to three years of incarceration. This includes a mandatory minimum of one year and probation with 100 hours of community service. Other penalties include a $2,000-8,000 fine and a driver’s license revocation until the offender reaches eligibility for reinstatement after two years. If the license is eventually reinstated, driving privileges are only with the use of a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for as long as the offender drives.

The Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner has the authority to restore a person’s license privileges once their suspension time has lapsed. However, the commissioner must first determine if the person is still a threat to the public when driving. Also, the commissioner may end the ignition interlock system requirement after 15 years if the person shows voluntary involvement in a substance abuse program and good cause. 

Aggravating Circumstances

Further, the punishments are enhanced when the person is a persistent offender. The state of Connecticut defines a persistent offender as one who is convicted of 2nd-degree manslaughter or assault with a motor vehicle and has been convicted of either DUI or a substantially similar offense in another state in the past 10 years.

Also, if there are aggravating circumstances involved with the DUI, such as an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death to someone, endangering a child, reckless driving, fleeing the scene, resisting arrest, or blowing double the legal limit in the breathalyzer, the person may face more serious penalties than a regular 3rd offender. 

Third offense DUIs in East Lyme are very serious, and the penalties will become extremely severe. It is because of this that anyone facing a 3rd or subsequent DUI needs a lawyer on their side. To speak with an attorney about your situation, give us a call. We are happy to help.