There is an adage that applies almost equally to baseball and the criminal justice system: three strikes and you’re out. This is particularly true for DUI charges in South Carolina. Between fines, jail time, and license suspension, getting convicted of a third-time DUI is a life-altering event. If you have previously been convicted of two DUIs and are facing your third DUI, lawyers with DUI experience can help, so it is crucial to contact one as soon as possible.
When you are facing your third DUI, attorneys who understand every nuance of the law can help. Our law firm limits the number of cases we take, so we can always give as much time as needed to every case. We believe that advocacy always continues until we have gotten the best possible results for our clients.
Lawyers for third DUIs need to examine every angle because the prosecution is unlikely to offer mercy for a third charge. We are committed to finding a unique approach that benefits the specific circumstances of your case.
With a third DUI, you are unlikely to easily get a good plea deal. Our attorneys for third DUIs will seek alternate ways to help you avoid jail time and lost driving privileges.
If you are contacting our law firm for a third DUI, that means you have dealt with the legal process before. You know what to do after getting a DUI, and you understand the potential penalties for the charge. This means that we won’t have to spend much time getting you up to speed. Instead, our third DUI lawyers will take advantage of that time to investigate your case and uncover as much exculpatory evidence as possible. We will also look into the equipment the police used to determine your BAC to determine whether it was configured and used correctly. If there is even a chance to get your case dismissed, we will take it.
South Carolina comes down hard on people who have previously been convicted of multiple DUIs. The state wants to send you to jail for years if it can. Contact Whalen Montalvo today at (864) 770-7710 to discuss your case with lawyers who will protect your rights.
While you have been through the legal process before, that doesn’t mean you understand everything about it. These are some common questions our third DUI attorneys get from clients facing these charges.
Is a third offense DUI charged as a felony?
Yes. This is one of the reasons that you should take a third offense DUI so seriously. The state categorizes it as a felony, and you could spend up to three years in prison if you are convicted of this offense. Typically, if we can negotiate a plea deal for a misdemeanor, we recommend you take it.
Will I permanently lose my license if I am convicted of a third DUI?
No. South Carolina permanently revokes the license of anyone convicted of a fourth DUI. However, for a third DUI, you will only have your license suspended for two years (or four years if the offense was within five years of your first offense).
Will my car be confiscated for a third offense?
Maybe. If your third offense was within 10 years of your first offense, your vehicle will be confiscated if you are the owner or live in the same house as the owner of the car.
Will I lose my job if I am convicted of a DUI?
This depends on your employer. Employers are permitted to use criminal history in hiring and firing decisions. If you have a felony conviction on your record, you will likely lose your job, have difficulty getting a new one, and may even lose your home if you rent.
If you have any more questions, our lawyers will happily answer them in person or over the phone.
Felony convictions stay with you for the rest of your life. They make it harder to get a job or an apartment and limit your ability to vote or own a gun. If you are facing one, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
Whalen Montalvo is dedicated to helping people in South Carolina who are facing criminal charges. If you need help, contact our law firm at (864) 770-7710 right away.
I grew up right here in Greenville, South Carolina. Following highschool, I attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where I was an NCAA Scholar-Athlete for the Rhodes Lynx soccer program.
I completed my law degree at University of South Carolina School of Law, where I was on the mock trial team and an editor for the Journal of Law and Education. Following graduation, I served as a judicial law clerk for Senior Judge Robert H. Hodges, Jr. on the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. My experience in D.C. trial courts solidified my desire to become a trial lawyer.
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Get the best legal representation possible. Give the Greenville, SC attorneys at Whalen Montalvo a call today at (864) 770-7710 or use our online form.