Third Offense DUI in Vermont

A third DUI in Vermont is pretty serious and is dealt with using strict punishment. The laws against DUI offenses are very stringent and harsh. Though the chances of negotiations are slim if you are at fault, proper legal aid and a good attorney can be of great help in such a case.

Administrative Penalties

Vermont authorities are very strict when it comes to DUI cases. While a first or second offense can be let of easy, the third offense immediately causes the suspension of the charged individual’s driver’s license for a minimum of three years to a lifetime.

Criminal Penalties

Criminal penalties include fines that need to be paid or jail time allotted to a convicted individual. They may also include additional punishment like community services. A third offense DUI in Vermont can be in the form of:

• A jail sentence of up to five years. The court will decide the length of the sentence depending on the severity of charges involved.
• A monetary fine of up to $5000 apart from the court and attorney fees involved in the case.
• An order to attend an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program approved by the state. The program will cost you an additional $300.
• Community service for 400 hours. This is an additional punishment apart from the sentence and in some cases, can also substitute a part of the jail term.

The Lookback period

The lookback period in a DUI case in Vermont can be defined as the time during which the court looks to see if the charged individual was found guilty of prior offenses in DUI cases. In Vermont, the lookback period is indefinite. There is no washout period. If you are found guilty of an offense once, it stays on your record for a lifetime and is taken into account every time you are charged in such a case.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Vermont

While first and second offenses fall under misdemeanor, Vermont classifies a third DUI offense as a felony irrespective of other charges involved.

Plea Options

When you are charged with a DUI offense in Vermont, the court gives you three options: to plead guilty, not guilty or to bargain and negotiate your plea.  The third option can help reduce the sentence, but would still involve a conviction.

Legal Help

A good DUI attorney can provide sound legal advice, help in a DUI case and would prove to be very helpful. Rather than contemplating over what to do, it is highly advisable that professional help be sought at the earliest possible time.