Serving People Throughout Colorado
Call Us For Free Consultation:
Facing a third DUI charge in Denver is serious. While any DUI charge is stressful, a third offense comes with even tougher penalties and consequences that can significantly impact your life.
The punishments for a third DUI are far more severe than what you would face with a first or second offense. This means you could look at more jail time, higher fines, longer license suspension, and stricter probation terms.
At the criminal defense Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with a third DUI charge. Our Denver third DUI offense attorney is here to help you overcome this difficult situation. We’ll work hard to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and fight for the best outcome in your case.
In Colorado, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) happens when someone operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the limit is much lower, at 0.02%. Even if your BAC is under the legal limit, you can still be charged with a lesser offense called DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) if there is proof that alcohol or drugs impacted your ability to drive safely.
A third DUI is not treated like a first or second one. Each time you are charged, the penalties get worse. For a third DUI offense, the consequences are much more severe because the court sees it as a pattern of risky behavior. This could mean more time behind bars, steeper fines, and longer-lasting effects on your life.
One common myth is that prior DUI offenses can be erased over time. Your first and second DUIs can follow you for life, especially if you’re facing a third offense. Even if it has been years since your last DUI, the court will still count it against you. Taking any DUI charge seriously is important, no matter when it happens.
Individuals facing a third DUI charge can face more significant punishments. These include:
For a third DUI in Denver, jail time is almost always required. You’re looking at a mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail, but it could be up to a year, depending on the specifics of your case. The court is much stricter with third offenses, so the chances of avoiding jail are slim.
On top of jail time, you’ll face hefty fines. For a third DUI conviction, penalties can range from $600 to $1,500, and that doesn’t include court fees and other related costs.
With a third DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least two years. Reinstating your license is a long process that requires following strict steps, like completing alcohol treatment programs and using an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
In addition to jail and fines, you will likely be placed on probation for up to four years. Probation for a third DUI often comes with strict rules, including mandatory alcohol treatment and regular check-ins. You’ll also be required to complete at least 48 hours of community service.
You’ll likely be ordered to install an ignition interlock device, which prevents you from starting your car if you’ve been drinking. On top of that, you may have to attend alcohol education and treatment programs, and your vehicle could be impounded depending on the circumstances of your arrest.
When facing a third DUI, it’s essential to have a strong defense. Here are some common defenses our Third-offense DUI lawyer in Denver can use to help reduce or dismiss the charges:
One of the first things we’ll check is whether the police had a valid reason to stop you. Your rights may have been violated if they didn’t have a legal reason. In this case, we can argue that the stop was unlawful, and if the court agrees, the charges could be thrown out altogether. For example, if the police pulled you over for no clear reason or didn’t follow the rules, this could work in your favor.
Neither blood tests nor breathalyzers are always perfect. Sometimes, the equipment malfunctions, or the test isn’t done, leading to inaccurate results. If we can show a problem with the test, like the machine being faulty or the sample being contaminated, we could challenge the BAC results. This could weaken the prosecution’s case, making it harder for them to prove you were over the limit.
Field sobriety tests are physical tests the police ask you to do, like walking in a straight line. But these tests can be tricky, and they have to be done properly. If the officer didn’t follow the right procedures, or if other factors, like bad weather or uneven ground, made the test harder, we can argue that the results shouldn’t be trusted. This might help get the charges reduced or dismissed.
When you’re arrested, the police have to follow certain rules to protect your rights. For instance, they are supposed to read you your Miranda rights. These essentially explain that you have the right to remain silent and the right to a criminal defense attorney. If they didn’t do this or violated your rights in another way during the arrest process, it could seriously hurt the prosecution’s case. This kind of violation can lead to evidence being thrown out, which could help your defense.
Every case is different, which means the best defense will depend on the details of your situation. Our Denver DUI defense lawyer for a third offense will look closely at all the facts to find the best defense for you. This might involve negotiating for reduced charges or penalties or even finding legal loopholes that could get the case dismissed. No matter what, we’ll work hard to find a strategy that gives you the best chance for a positive outcome.
A strong defense makes a big difference when you’re facing serious charges like a third DUI, and we’ll use every tool available to fight for you.
The effects of a third DUI conviction go beyond fines and jail time. Here are some of the long-term consequences you might face:
A third DUI on your record can make it hard to get or keep a job, especially if your work involves driving. Many employers will see a third DUI as a red flag.
Your car insurance rates will skyrocket after a third DUI. Insurance companies may sometimes refuse to cover you, leaving you with limited and expensive options.
There’s also the social impact of having a third DUI on your record. People may view you differently, and you could face judgment from friends, family, or coworkers.
When facing a third DUI charge, you need a strong defense. Here’s how the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani can help:
Our dedicated legal team will review your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. This could include looking at the traffic stop’s legality or questioning the tests’ accuracy.
Every case is different, so we’ll develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to get your charges reduced or your penalties lessened.
If your case goes to trial, our Third DUI charge defense attorney in Denver will represent you in court, fighting for the best possible outcome.
After your case is resolved, we’ll help you with the next steps, such as getting your license reinstated, completing probation, and attending any required alcohol treatment programs.
Here’s why you should choose us as your DUI lawyer for a third offense in Denver:
If you’re facing a third DUI charge in Denver, don’t wait to get help. Contact the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani today for a free case evaluation. Our Denver DUI defense lawyer is here to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. A skilled lawyer can make all the difference, so reach out today to get started.
