Third DUI Charge in Columbus

The penalties for a third Driving Under the Influence in Columbus are substantial. However,  you can contact an experienced DUI lawyer near you may to help avoid the harshest of these penalties.

While you should never take a 3rd DUI in Columbus lightly, your case is far from hopeless. Our defense attorneys look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and even errors in your arrest or chemical test.

Luftman, Heck, and Associates have an impressive record of getting positive results for people accused of multiple impaired driving offenses. We want to help you get the best possible outcome. Call (614) 500-3836 anytime, 24/7 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Penalties for a Third DUI in Columbus

A third DUI or Operating Vehicle while Impaired conviction in 10 years from the date of a previous charge has mandatory minimum penalties.

If you are convicted, the minimum sentence is 30 to 60 consecutive days in jail. The maximum penalty on a third offense OVI / DUI in 10 years is one year in jail.

Additional penalties include:

• Mandatory $850 fine
• Suspension of your driver’s license for a minimum of two years and potentially up to 10 years
• Suspension of some professional licenses
• Required alcohol or drug addiction program

If the jail is overcrowded, you could serve 15 to 30 days in jail and 55 to 110 days of electronic home monitoring.

Your Vehicle Is Impounded & Immobilized

Your car is immobilized for 90 days. You cannot remove your vehicle from the impound without a judge’s approval, and you cannot drive the car home. You must complete Bureau of Motor Vehicles Form 2255 and pay for towing your car home, where a law enforcement officer puts an immobilizing club on it.

Some residential neighborhoods and apartment complexes do not allow a clubbed vehicle, so you will need to make alternative arrangements.

Exception for Immobilization

If a family member depends on the vehicle, the court may waive the mandatory 90-day immobilization. However, the defendant may not operate the car during these 90 days, even if the court later grants restricted driving privileges.

Your Vehicle Is Forfeited

A third DUI conviction could result in forfeiting your car. The vehicle title transfers to the government and is possibly sold at auction.

Ignition Interlock System & Party Plates

Sometimes the court may allow limited driving privileges during the judicial suspension. You may only drive to work, school, and medical appointments. Your car is immobilized for 90 days, so you would need to find another vehicle.

You must pay for an ignition interlock and restricted (party) plates that easily identify you as a restricted driver to law enforcement.

The extreme penalties for a third DUI make it essential to have an experienced Columbus DUI lawyer on your side.

How a Lawyer Helps after a Third DUI

When you’re facing a third DUI conviction, it’s essential to consult a Columbus DUI lawyer right away. A criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly investigate your situation and decide what options you have.

Seek Reduced Charges or Dismissal

It is possible to have your charges dismissed or reduced in certain instances, such as:

• Police incorrectly administered the chemical test
• Police coerced you into taking the test
• Police stopped you without probable cause
• Other facts do not support that you were driving while impaired

An experienced attorney can identify procedural and evidentiary errors to your advantage.

Fight for an Acquittal

At Luftman, Heck, and Associates, we have extensive experience finding the flaws in DUI cases and getting acquittals when DUI cases go to trial. We have earned a reputation for an aggressive defense, which works to your advantage with prosecutors.

Negotiating a Plea Agreement

Suppose the evidence against you is overwhelming, or the penalties could be particularly devastating. In that case, your DUI attorney in Columbus may be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the state’s prosecutor. We could negotiate down to a wet reckless or reckless driving. These offenses have lighter penalties than a DUI or OVI.

Find out what options may be available to you based on the details of your case when you contact a DUI lawyer for help.

Call an Experienced Third DUI Lawyer in Columbus

Being convicted for a third DUI in Columbus brings devastating consequences. You don’t want to risk your freedom and future by pleading guilty or working with a public defender. Get an experienced Columbus DUI attorney to fight for you.

Call Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836 or send us an email at advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com to schedule your free consultation.