What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Florida?
Under Section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes, a driver can face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs if the person “is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle” and is either under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a chemical substance, or has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent of higher, which can be measured through a blood test or a breath test. While you might not think that a DUI is a big deal if you are pulled over, even a first offense can come with a serious monetary penalty and jail time if you are convicted. You can also face other consequences, including the loss of your driving privileges and, depending on your job, professional repercussions.
What are all of the penalties you should be aware of if you have been arrested for a DUI in the Tampa area? Our Tampa criminal defense lawyers can provide you with more information below, and we can speak with you today about the details of your case and getting started on your defense.
Criminal Penalties for a DUI Conviction
In the event of a first-time DUI conviction, a person will face a fine of between $500 and $1,000, and can be sentenced to up to 6 months in prison. For a second conviction, a person will face a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000, and can be sentenced to up to 9 months in prison. For a second conviction, the person will also be subject to a mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device at their own expense.
Criminal penalties become substantially more severe upon a third DUI conviction. If you are convicted of a third DUI within 10 years following a prior conviction or violation, then you will face felony charges of the third degree. You will face a fine of between $2,000 and $5,000, up to one year in prison, and a felony criminal record. If any DUI involves bodily injury to another person, you will face more serious felony charges for a DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide.
Administrative Penalties
Beyond criminal penalties, a DUI conviction will also result in administrative penalties. For a first offense without any bodily injury, your license will be revoked for 180 days to up to one year. License revocation periods are longer for second and subsequent convictions, as well as for convictions in which anyone was injured.
You will only have a limited time — typically 10 days from the date of your arrest — to request a hearing to contest the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license.
Contact Our Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyers to Begin Working on a Strong Defense to the DUI Charges You Are Facing in Florida
If you were recently arrested for a DUI, it is essential to seek legal help with your defense as soon as possible. Even a first-time DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including criminal penalties and potential employment issues for you depending on your profession. One of the experienced Tampa DUI defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. can begin working with you on a defense strategy that is tailored to the specific facts surrounding your arrest. We may be able to show that your BAC results were inaccurate or develop another defense to avoid a conviction and the penalties associated with it. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we assist drivers who are facing DUI charges in Florida.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html
