Lawyer for Third DUI Offense in Pittsburgh, PA

If you’re facing a third DUI charge in Pennsylvania, you already know how serious the consequences can be. With two prior convictions behind you, the Commonwealth will pursue maximum penalties, including extended jail time, longer license suspensions, and higher fines.

But a third DUI doesn’t have to define your future. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyers know how to fight for reduced penalties or even dismissal. We’ve helped countless clients like you move forward.

What to Expect After a Third DUI Arrest

Depending on your blood alcohol content at the time of your arrest, your punishment for a third DUI in Pittsburgh include heavy fines and can range from months to years in prison.

Each additional DUI conviction increases the severity of the penalties, making a strong legal defense even more critical. If this is your third offense, you’re likely worried about:

• How long you’ll lose your license
• Whether you’ll go to jail, and for how long
• If this charge will impact your job or your children
• Whether you’ll ever recover your reputation

The sooner you speak with a skilled DUI attorney, the better chance you have of minimizing the impact on your life.

Penalties for a Third DUI in Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania’s system for punishing those who drive impaired is based on both the driver’s BAC and whether they have previous offenses.

BAC: .08 to .099:

• 10 days to two years in jail
• One year license suspension
• $500 to $5,000 fine
• Ignition interlock on your vehicle for one year
• You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program

BAC: .10 to .159:

• 90 days to five years in jail
• 18 month license suspension
• $1,500 to $10,000 fine
• Ignition interlock on your vehicle for one year
• You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program

BAC: .160 or higher (or refusal):

• Up to 7 years in prison
• 18 month license suspension
• $2,500 to $15,000 fine
• Ignition interlock device on your vehicle for one year
• You may be required to take a court-ordered treatment program

Deana’s Law & Felony Charges for Repeat DUI Offenders

Passed in 2022, Act 59—known as Deana’s Law—increases DUI penalties for repeat offenders. Specifically, the law states that someone who:

• Commits a DUI and refuses a breath or chemical test
• Has a BAC of .16 or higher; OR
• Commits a DUI involving a controlled substance

will face third-degree felony charges if they have two prior offenses. These charges could result in a max prison sentence of seven years. Furthermore, the law states that an individual’s sentence will be served consecutively with any other sentence the court imposes.

Other Long-Term Consequences of a Third DUI

A third DUI conviction affects more than just your driving record or criminal case; it can derail many aspects of your life:

• Skyrocketing car insurance rates or canceled coverage
• Difficulty finding or keeping a job, especially with a criminal record
• Loss of custody or visitation rights in family law cases
• Damage to your reputation and future opportunities

That’s why it’s crucial to fight back with strong legal representation.

Is This Your Third DUI in 10 Years? Here’s What It Means

Pennsylvania law will take into account the last 10 years of your driving history to determine if this is your third or subsequent DUI.

Step One: Call a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Without Delay

If you have been charged with DUI, your first step should be to immediately hire a lawyer. Before your hearing is even scheduled, an experienced defense attorney can begin working on your defense.

If you have been charged with your third DUI in Pittsburgh, you should hire an experienced DUI attorney. The more DUI offenses you have on your record, the more likely you are going to need to be represented by someone who can negotiate with the prosecutors on your behalf. Before your hearing is scheduled, your defense attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your previous convictions, learn what evidence the Commonwealth has against you, and begin building your defense based on the evidence.

Get Ready for Your Preliminary Hearing

After your arrest, you’ll receive a criminal complaint by mail outlining the formal charges. Bring this paperwork to your attorney immediately.

The next critical step is your preliminary hearing, where plea negotiations or trial plans are often made. Your attorney will evaluate:

• The strength of the evidence
• Your prior DUI history
• The conduct of the arresting officers
• Whether constitutional rights were violated

At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, we begin preparing your defense long before your first court date. We assess everything from the traffic stop to the chemical testing process, and we’ll pursue every legal avenue to improve your outcome.

Possible Defenses to a Third DUI Charge

If you do not choose to negotiate a plea and your case goes to trial, your attorney will have several lines of defense depending on the circumstances of your case. A few of these are:

• Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop
• Improper administration of field sobriety or chemical tests
• Inaccurate breath, blood, or urine test results
• Faulty or uncalibrated testing equipment
• Violation of your constitutional right

If the police stopped you without probable cause to pull you over, your defense attorney will try to show that the evidence against you should be ruled inadmissible. If your attorney’s motion to suppress is granted by the judge, your case could be dismissed or the charges reduced.