Florida enforces strict laws and penalties that can help protect the public from preventable accidents caused by motorists who drive under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. The severity of these convictions will depend on the level of offense and the driver’s criminal record.
What is the legal definition of DUI in Florida?
In Florida, the police can convict a driver of DUI if they catch them driving while impaired. Law enforcers usually identify signs of alcohol or drug impairment through field sobriety exercises.
Law enforcers can also perform a DUI arrest if a driver’s chemical test shows a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of at least 0.08%. However, if the driver is 21 or younger and they show a BAC level of 0.02%, this will also result in an arrest.
Can a DUI arrest lead to an automatic license suspension?
Yes, drivers may face license suspension if they refuse breath or blood tests, or if their tests show a BAC level of at least 0.08%. Refusing for the first time will result in an administrative suspension of 12 months.
However, motorists have the option to contest their license suspensions by requesting a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. They must make this request within 10 days of their DUI arrest.
What are the penalties for first and second DUI offenses?
The penalties for a driver facing a first-time DUI offense without aggravating factors may include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
- License revocation of 180 days up to one year
- Maximum jail sentence of six months
- Mandatory probation period
A second DUI offense within five years of the first conviction may result in:
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000
- License revocation of 180 days up to one year
- Minimum 10 days in jail and a maximum sentence of nine months
People who are facing charges of DUI can not only lose their driving privileges and freedom but also experience long-lasting consequences in their career and personal lives. To ensure their cases receive a fair outcome, they must hire a lawyer who can assess their situations, answer their questions and advocate for their rights.