Under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances, is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties, or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above.
The Penalties for DUI in Florida Are:
• Fine
• Community Service
• Probation
• License Revocation
• DUI School
• Incarceration
Ignition Interlock
Florida law mandates that any driver convicted of a second DUI have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. Anyone with an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle will be required to provide a breath sample into the mouthpiece of the device before they are able to start their vehicle.
The Fines for DUI Are:
Not less than $500 or more than $5,000, depending on the number of convictions, the blood/breath alcohol level, the length of time between convictions, and whether there was a minor in the vehicle.
Your Vehicle Can Be Impounded or Immobilized
Unless the family of the defendant has no other transportation:
• First conviction – 10 days;
• Second conviction within five years of a prior conviction – 30 days;
• Third conviction within 10 years of a prior conviction – 90 days.
Your Driver’s License Can Be Revoked for DUI
Minimum – 180 days revocation, maximum – mandatory permanent revocation, depending on injury, the number of convictions, and the length of time between convictions.
You Can Have Your Driver’s License Reinstated for Business or Employment Purposes
First conviction, must complete DUI school and apply to DHSMV for hearing for possible hardship reinstatement. May be subjected to mandatory ignition interlock device for up to six months. Second and third conviction, may apply for hardship reinstatement hearing depending on the number of convictions, and the length of time between convictions, and may be subjected to ignition interlock device, depending on the number of convictions, and the length of time between convictions.
You Can Be Sentenced to Incarceration
The first conviction, not more than nine months, depending of the blood/breath alcohol level and whether there was a minor in the vehicle. The second and third conviction, not more than 12 months, with mandatory imprisonment depending on the number of convictions, the blood/breath alcohol level, and the length of time between convictions. The fourth or subsequent convictions, imprisonment for not more than five years. A judge may direct that sentencing terms be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program and credited toward the term of imprisonment.
Do You or a Loved-One Need Help with a DUI?
If you or a loved-one have been arrested for DUI, you are probably overwhelmed and confused as to what to do next. It is critical that you get help from an experienced DUI attorney. An experienced DUI attorney will be able to help you navigate through the complicated, interconnected mass of DUI laws and DHSMV rules, and get you the best possible outcome.
