What Is the License Suspension Penalty for a Third-Offense DUI?

If you have one prior driving under the influence (DUI) conviction within the last 10 years, and then another one within 10 years of that conviction, you may be charged with a third-offense DUI. Well, a third-offense DUI tells the Tennessee court that you have a chronic issue of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This is to say that the court may go heavy on the penalties they inflict on you, including the amount of time your driver’s license will be suspended. Read on to discover the driver’s license suspension penalty for a third-offense DUI and how one of the seasoned Clarksville DUI lawyers at Fendley and Etson can help you reduce or avoid this imposition altogether.

What is the driver’s license suspension penalty for a third-offense DUI in Tennessee?

Generally speaking, if you are found guilty of a third-offense DUI in the state of Tennessee, the court may suspend your driver’s license for up to six years. For a fourth or subsequent offense, this may be for up to eight years. Aggravating circumstances surrounding your DUI case may extend this suspension further, as well. For example, if you were driving under the influence with a passenger under 18 years old in your vehicle. Or, if your blood-alcohol content (BAC) was reported to be at 0.20 percent or higher.

What is the possibility of getting a restricted license during my suspension?

A restricted license may allow you to drive in limited situations, such as if you commute to and from work or school. Of note, most first-time or second-time DUI offenders may be able to obtain a restricted license during their suspension period. Unfortunately, though, Tennessee statute holds that this possibility is unavailable if this is your third offense.

What are the other possible penalties for a third-offense DUI?

Besides the headache of a long-term driver’s license suspension, you may have to worry about the following penalties that come with your third-offense DUI:

• A mandatory fine of anywhere between $1,100 to $10,000.
• Mandatory attendance at an alcohol and drug treatment program.
• Mandatory jail time of anywhere between 120 days to 11 months and 29 days.
• A possible seizure of your vehicle, which may be subsequently subject to forfeiture.
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle at your own expense, once your license is reinstated.

This is why it is better to get ahead of this case, so you can shut these possible penalties down before it is too late. In conclusion, there is far more to explain on this topic than this blog cannot even begin to cover. So for more information, please get in touch with one of the competent Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers at Fendley and Etson. We look forward to collaborating with you.