Multiple DUI/DWI arrestscan be devastating in Texas. Regardless of how long it’s been since your first DUI/DWI, many judges take a hard line attitude toward repeat DUI/DWI offenders. Punishments span a broad spectrum and can make professional activities difficult at best. If you or a loved one find yourselves facing a third DUI/DWI offense, do not sign anything until you have spoken to Texas criminal defense attorneys. Doing so may be an admission of guilt to criminal charges and may cause you to suffer additional criminal consequences.
Punishments
Punishments for the third DUI offense are severe. Conviction of this crime is considered a felony status crime and comes with a prison sentence between 2 to 10 years. Additionally, you may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000. Even if you are lucky enough to receiveprobation for the offense, you will still be required by law to serve 10 days in prison as a condition of the probation. Furthermore, the judge has the option to impose county jail time of up to 180 days as part of the probation sentence.
Deep Lung Air Device “Breathalyzer”
While this is usually not considered for an initial DUI/DWI conviction, any subsequent conviction of operating a vehicle while impaired will almost always be accompanied with an ignition interlock device on you vehicle. This device requires the driver to provide a breathalyzertest to start the car. Furthermore, the system requires the driver blow in the device once every 20 minutes whilethe vehicle is in operation. For professionals who drive as a requirement for work, this can be a career ending condition. To mitigate the chance of this occurring, contact Texas criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case.
Suspension of Driver’s License
Another commonly imposed penalty is the suspended driver’s license. The judge has the discretion to suspend your driver’s license from 6 months to 2 years. This condition is usually accompanied with strict monthly reporting and testing requirements.
Goldstein & Scopellite, PC is located in Dallas, Texas and Tucson, Arizona and was established in 2002. For more information, see our local listing in D Magazine.
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