What are the penalties for a DUI charge in Florida?
Sometimes good people make mistakes. You may go out to dinner, have a couple of drinks, and think you are OK to drive — not realizing that you may be driving under the influence (DUI).
Being arrested for DUI is a serious matter with consequences that can haunt you forever. The State of Florida takes a no-nonsense approach to DUI charges.
There are two ways the State can provide a DUI:
1. Through testing your breath or blood
2. Impairment (i.e., driving pattern, field sobriety exercises, physical observations, etc.)
For a first-time offense with a breath test under .15, a person can be put in jail for up to 6 months, in addition to facing numerous other sanctions, including:
1. A mandatory adjudication of guilt
2. Court costs
3.A fine between $500 and $1,000
4. 50 hours (or more) of community service work
5. A suspension of your driving privileges
6. Completion of a DUI school
7. Completion of a victim impact panel
8. A 10-day vehicle impound
However, if the breath test shows a number over a .15, or if a person has multiple offenses, the punishments are even more severe. For example, a third DUI could be charged as a felony with a maximum punishment of 5 years in state prison.
With the stakes being so high, it’s important to have legal representation should you be charged with a DUI. We can help. Contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation.
Stevens Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Santa Rosa County in Northwest Florida.
WEBSITE: https://www.stevenslawfirmpllc.com/
EMAIL: info@stevenslawfirmpllc.com
CALL: (850) 304–7880
