Third-Offense DUI/OVUII in Hawaii

In Hawaii, driving under the influence (DUI) is officially called "operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant," but lots of people still use the more universal term, "DUI." A third DUI conviction is a felony in Hawaii. A DUI is considered a third offense in Hawaii if the driver has two prior DUIs that occurred within the last ten years.

Here are some of the more common consequences and penalties of a third DUI conviction in Hawaii.

Criminal Penalties

Hawaii law sets the minimum and maximum penalties for a third DUI. And the judge generally determines the specific penalties within the allowable ranges.

A third DUI conviction is a class C felony and generally carries five years in prison or five years of probation. If the judge grants probation, the terms of probation will include at least ten days in jail, a fine of $2,000 to $5,000, and completion of a substance abuse evaluation.

Driver's License Consequences

The court reports all DUI convictions to the Division of Motor Vehicles. For most third-offense DUIs, the state will revoke the driver's license for two to five years. But generally, a driver can obtain a restricted driving permit to drive during the revocation with an installed ignition interlock device (IID).

Talk to an Attorney

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence in Hawaii, talk to a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The consequences of a DUI are serious, especially if you have prior convictions. A qualified DUI attorney can tell you how the law applies to your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.