Third-Time DUI in Fort Pierce | Defending Repeat DUI Offense

A third-time DUI in Fort Pierce is serious and can be charged as a felony. This can have terrible consequences for you. Depending on the circumstances, it has the potential to affect everything from your personal life to your professional circles. If you have been arrested on DUI charges for the third time, you need to seek legal help immediately.

At JJK/LLC, our experienced DUI attorneys can help you navigate the potentially devastating outcome and devise a defense strategy that can work on your behalf. With our experience, we will explore avenues to reduce the severity of your charges, minimize the possible penalties, and seek viable alternatives for you. Let our attorneys help you today. Contact us to discuss your case.

Consequences of a Third-Time DUI Conviction

Florida’s DUI law sets sentencing guidelines for third-time DUI offenses, pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 316.193. The severity of the penalties often depends on the time that has passed since the second DUI arrest and whether the court classifies the charge as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Specifically, the courts in Fort Pierce will consider the 10-year gap between drunk driving offenses or other crimes. Penalties are:

Monetary fines of up to $2,500 if a prior DUI conviction was over 10 years ago. If the last arrest for DUI or other crimes was less than 10 years ago, defendants may pay up to $5,000
Prison sentence of up to five years in a state prison, with a minimum mandatory 30-day sentence
Mandatory two-year installation of an ignition interlock device after the person becomes eligible to drive
Up to a 10-year revocation of the driver’s license
Vehicular immobilization or impoundment for up to 90 days after the person is released from prison.

A BAC of 0.15 percent, having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, or causing bodily harm or injury due to the driver’s impaired state results in more severe penalties.

These may include mandatory attendance and completion of a substance abuse treatment program, mental health evaluations, probation, and community service. Courts also retain discretion to impose additional measures during sentencing.

Can a Third-Time DUI Offender Receive a Hardship License?

Individuals convicted of a third DUI face a minimum two-year ineligibility period for hardship license reinstatement. After incarceration, this often ranks among the most difficult penalties to manage.

Multiple DUI convictions, particularly within a five- to ten-year period, result in a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation on the individual’s driver’s license. If law enforcement conducts a stop, the driver often faces heightened scrutiny based on that history.

Consult a DUI Attorney About Your Third Offense in Fort Pierce

If you face a third-time DUI in Fort Pierce, the court may lean toward harsher sentencing. Depending on the circumstances, the court may bifurcate the case into two separate phases—first to determine whether you are guilty of the current DUI charge, and then, if a conviction occurs, to determine whether prior DUI convictions justify enhanced penalties. This two-step process increases the risk of felony-level consequences and greater punishment.

This is why you cannot afford to take this lightly. You need the help of a DUI lawyer who understands the complex nature of repeat offense sentencing. At JJK/LLC, our legal team can work to secure the best outcome from these types of cases.