If you or someone else you know charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in the state of Florida, you need to understand the severe penalties that may follow. Florida DUI punishment can be severe, with fines, license suspension, or jail time dependent upon the circumstances of the case. This is by no means an exhaustive overview of the penalties you could be facing; however, it does serve as a springboard for ideas on how Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC can give you the experience that you need to get through these tough times.
Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in DUI defense, and we are here to help you comprehend the DUI penalties in the state of Florida before taking a step forward, and will make sure your rights are protected with each step you take thereafter.
What are the DUI Penalties in Florida?
DUI is a serious offense in Florida, and the consequences you face will be determined by whether or not you are being charged with your first or subsequent offense, and the presence of any aggravating factors. Below is a summary of DUI Penalties under Florida Law you may face:
First DUI Offense Penalties
Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense in Florida
Fines: Fines vary from $500 to $1,000.
Driver’s License Suspension: The driver’s license suspension for a first-time offense can range from 180 days to one year.
Jail Time: Up to 6 months in jail, though first-time offenders are often sentenced to probation or house arrest.
Community Service: 50 hours of community service may be required
DUI education: You must attend a DUI education class.
Worse, penalties can escalate if your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded 0.15% or if you had a minor in the car during the offense.
Second DUI Offense Penalties
The penalties for a second DUI offense in Florida are more severe, and they may include:
Sanctions: Establishment of monetary sanctions of between one thousand and two thousand dollars.
Driver’s license suspension: A repeat conviction can result in a five-year suspension of your driver’s license.
Sentencing Package: A second DUI offense may carry a term of incarceration of up to 9 months.
DUI Education Program: You are required to complete a DUI education program.
Community Service — You might have to complete 100 hours or more of community service.
In the event someone is convicted of DUI and it’s not their first time, the court will treat it as a repeat offense and issue harsher penalties.
Third DUI Offense Penalties
A third DUI in Florida is a felony and a very serious offense, with the possibility of substantial penalties, including:
Penalties: $2,000 to $5,000 fines.
Suspended Driving Privileges: A third DUI conviction may lead to a lifetime loss of your driver’s license.
Jail Time: The penalty for a third offense could lead to 5 years in prison, based on the circumstances.
DUI Education: You must complete a substance abuse education program.
Community Service: You will have to do a large number of hours of community service.
If you have been convicted of a third DUI within 10 years of your most recent conviction, the consequences are even harsher.
DUI Aggravating Factors That Will Increase Your Penalty in Florida
There are circumstances that may make a DUI in Florida more serious. These factors may include:
A high blood alcohol content (BAC) — A BAC of 0.15 percent or higher can lead to increased penalties, which may include higher fines, longer driver’s license suspensions, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
Minor Passenger: Driving under the influence with a minor passenger (under 18 years old) in the vehicle increases your DUI penalties significantly, as well.
Declining a Breathalyzer: In Florida, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, your license will be automatically suspended and you will face additional charges.
Injury or Death: DUI with accident that causes injury or death of another person could lead to similarly worse criminal charges and consequences.
Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation
Drunk driving laws in Florida can have repercussions that impact every area of your life. A conviction can result in a loss of employment, harm to your credibility and long-term financial burdens. This is why it is critical to retain an experienced DUI defense attorney at the Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC.
How Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC Can Assist
Florida DUI Defenders: Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers understand the specific challenges of DUI cases and will work to secure the best possible results for you. Here’s how we can help:
Investigation and Evidence Review: We will conduct a detailed review of the events leading up to your arrest, analyze the evidence against you, and search for any possible violations of your rights.
Hard to Beat BAC Results: If you submitted to a breathalyzer, blood, or field sobriety test, we challenge the results.
Plea Deal Negotiation: We will aggressively work to negotiate reduced penalties or a plea deal that minimizes the impact on your future as part of a prosecution strategy if a conviction becomes unavoidable.
If necessary, we will fight for you in a courtroom so your case can be heard with the attention it deserves.
Safeguarding Your Rights: You should always be treated fairly under the law and from the time of your arrest, we will be on your side ensuring that your rights are protected.
Florida DUI Penalties: What Are You Facing?
Neither is a DUI charge to be trifled with. Being arrested for a DUI in Florida is no small offense; the penalties can have a serious impact on your life, including losing your driver’s license and hefty fines — even jail time. A conviction can follow you for years, making stacks of your applications waste in the companies trash cans and doubling your insurance while you sleep with your criminal past.
Fortunately, with help from Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC, you can try to minimize the potentially long-term effects of a DUI charge. In short, our attorneys will walk you through every step of the legal process from challenging the evidence against you to defending your rights in a courtroom.
Contact Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a family member is facing DUI charges in Florida, don’t wait to get the assistance you deserve. Florida DUI penalties can be tough, but with experienced representation, you can advocate for a just result. We hope that when the time comes, Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC can be there to give you the expert defense you need.
Call for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation today! We can help you safeguard your future & your rights.
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