Avoid a Third South Dakota DUI, Avoid a Felony Conviction

In South Dakota, a driver can be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol if the BAC (blood alcohol content) is .08 or higher. While a first- or second-offense DUI conviction involves fines, imprisonment, and loss of a driver's license, a third South Dakota DUI conviction is something that should be avoided at all costs. Not only are the penalties increased significantly, but a conviction of a third DUI charge is a criminal felony offense.

If you are facing a third South Dakota DUI charge, you will face the following penalties if convicted:

• Fine of up to $2000
• Significant jail time
• Substance abuse treatment
• Loss of driver's license for no less than one year once released from prison
• If the driver is caught driving during the time the license is revoked, there is automatic jail time that will not be suspended

Criminal records are considered public and since a third DUI conviction in South Dakota is a class-six felony, this becomes a part of the permanent record which can be viewed by employers while conducting background checks. Many jobs are off-limits to felons, including those at privately-owned companies, law enforcement, and government jobs.

Another difficulty with re-entering the work force once convicted of a third DUI in South Dakota is that the driver will have lost his or her license for at least one year. Therefore, being able to get to the job poses another problem, as employers count on reliable employees to get the work done.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, contact a South Dakota DUI lawyer at Zimmer, Duncan & Cole. Our attorneys have been fighting and winning DUI cases throughout South Dakota since 1948. Call an experienced South Dakota DUI attorney at (888) 733-2992, or complete the contact form on this page; we are ready to fight the DUI charge before it becomes a conviction.