Drunk Driving Puts More Than Lives at Risk.
WHAT ARE THE CONCEQUENCES OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE?
Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, is one of the most common criminal charges in our justice system. Each year, thousands of people are arrested and convicted for DWI in Florida. In Hillsborough and Pinellas counties alone, over 5,000 people were convicted for DUI in 2010.
Drunk driving puts lives at risk, yes, but if you’ve been pulled over and charged with DUI, your career, your future, and your freedom are at risk as well. You can easily lose your driving privileges, impeding your ability to get to and from work or take care of the day-to-day activities of life. Hefty fines, an ignition interlock system installed on your car, and significant time behind bars can all be part of the picture as well. Higher insurance premiums (or the inability to obtain insurance at all) and the stain on your personal and professional reputation only add to the fallout.
At the Wardell Law Firm, our attorneys know what’s at stake when you’re charged with drunk driving. As experienced DUI defense lawyers, we are prepared to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case, from the moment you’re pulled over until this mistake is put behind you and you move on with your life.
Implied Consent & Immediate Suspension
Like many other states, Florida has what is known as an “Implied Consent Law” that will likely be the first legal issue confronting you if you get pulled over for suspicion of DUI. You may not be aware of it, but when you receive your driver’s license, you’ve given your implied consent to give a blood, urine or breath sample to the police if you are properly pulled over.
If your results show a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher (.05 or higher if you’re under 21 years old), your license will be immediately suspended. Refuse to take any of the tests requested by police and your driver’s license will be immediately suspended for one year. A second refusal will result in an 18 month suspension.
Changes to Florida law in 2013 have made it easier to challenge certain suspensions and obtain temporary relief that may allow you to continue driving while your criminal case is pending. But the time to seek such relief is short and the specifics of the law can be complicated. You should contact a skilled drunk driving defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. At Wardell Law Firm we stay abreast of all changes and developments in DUI law and can work with you to regain your driving privileges while we prepare your defense.
What are the Penalties for DUI/DWI in Florida?
The type of penalties you incur depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of alcohol in your blood, whether you have prior drunk driving convictions, and whether your actions caused injury or death. Generally, however, in cases without serious injuries or death, the following consequences may result:
First Offense:
• Probation
• Fines ranging from $500 – $1,000
• At least 50 hours community service (may be converted to a fine)
• Up to six months jail
• Possible vehicle impoundment / immobilization for 10 days
• Florida license revocation ranging from 180 days to one year.
• If your BAC is higher than .15 or you were driving with a child in the car, the fines and jail time for a first DUI conviction (and for all subsequent offenses) can be increased significantly.
Second Offense:
• Fines ranging from $1,000 – $2,000
• Up to nine months jail
• Possible vehicle impoundment / immobilization for 30 days if second conviction
• Within five years
• Florida license revocation of 180 days to one year; however, if second conviction
• Within five years, then five year revocation
Third Offense:
• Fines ranging from $1,000 – $2,000
• Up to nine months jail
• Possible vehicle impoundment / immobilization for 30 days if second conviction within five years;
• Florida license revocation of 180 days to one year; however, if second conviction within five years, then five year revocation you are convicted of DUI four or more times, you will face a fine of at least $2,000, up to five years prison time, and permanent Florida license revocation.
Why do I need a Skilled Florida DUI/DWI Defense Attorney?
The defense of alcohol-related offenses requires experience, judgment, and aggressive advocacy. Challenges to the stop, the testing, the arrest, and other aspects of your case all demand a comprehensive knowledge of the complex procedural and evidentiary rules that are involved in DUI prosecutions. Given what’s at stake, you don’t want to take chances with your future and try to handle matters on your own. Whether this is your first offense or your fifth, you need a skilled DUI attorney from the Wardell Law Firm at your side.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation by filling out our online form below.
**LEGAL Disclaimer**
The articles published on this website are solely intended for educational purposes only. These articles offer only general information on the legal areas discussed. These articles do not constitute professional legal advice.
For further advice regarding your specific case, please reach out to us via the form below for a free consultation.
Wardell Law, P.A.