Third Offense or Subsequent

As you might guess, the penalties associated with Norwich DUI increase depending on how many prior offenses you have. By the time you get to a third or subsequent offense in Connecticut, you face some pretty serious penalties upon conviction. The stakes are much higher the third time around than they were the first or second time, and having a lawyer on your side who understands your unique predicament is imperative to getting the best outcome that you can in this situation. On this page, we provide more information on the potential consequences that you face for a third or subsequent Norwich DUI as well as how to proceed if you have been charged with this offense.

Handling 3rd Offense Penalties

If you are charged with a third or subsequent DUI in Connecticut, you face the following penalties:

• Up to three years in prison, one of which cannot be suspended.
• Probation.
• Up to 100 hours of community service.
• A fine of at least $2,000 and at most $8,000.
• Participation in a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program and an assessment done by the court.
• The revocation of your driver’s license for two years. In the event that your license is eventually reinstated, you will be required to use an ignition interlock device in every vehicle that you drive for at least 15 years. The ignition interlock device requirement can only be lifted by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

You should also keep in mind that you may face fees in addition to the fine imposed by the court. You will be subject to other court fees, treatment program fees, license reinstatement fees, as well as fees to install and maintain your ignition interlock device(s). Your insurance prices may also increase when your insurance company finds out that you have been convicted of yet another DUI.

You may also face more serious penalties if there are aggravating circumstances in your case. For example, if someone else was injured or killed in an accident caused by drunk driving, additional penalties may be brought against the driver responsible for the accident. If you find yourself in this situation, you could face additional jail time, fines, and even a civil case pending against you.

Get The Help You Need Now

As you can see, a third or subsequent DUI charge in Norwich can carry very serious consequences. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to do everything that you can to protect yourself and build a defense to the charges. The best way to do this is by contacting a DUI defense lawyer who has handled 3rd or subsequent DUI charges in Connecticut. There may be defenses available to your situation that a lawyer can help you find and utilize.

Even though the situation may seem bleak right now, do not lose hope. There are ways to minimize the penalties that you face, but you should act as soon as possible to make sure you protect your interests. At Lady DUI, we are waiting to take your call and ready to get started on your defense. Don’t waste any time – contact us now!