Penalties for Florida DUI – First Offense

The State of Florida imposes several levels of penalties for Florida DUI depending on prior conviction history. While the penalties are harsh at all levels, a first conviction is the easiest to fight as you are not seen as a habitual offender. For the best chances of a fair trial for your Florida DUI, you should contact a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney.

Every Florida DUI case is unique and no two drivers will get the exact same penalties for Florida DUI, even if they drove identical cars or were on the same road. There are usually options in place to accommodate the penalties for defendants with special circumstances, such as hardship licenses for revoked drivers.

Penalties for First Florida DUI Conviction

The penalties for Florida DUI, when it is your first conviction, can hurt you financially and burden your life with new difficulties as you comply with the punishments. Standard penalties for Florida DUI include:

• Revocation of your license for 180 days, up to 1 year;
• Minimum fines of $500, up to $1,000;
• Minimum 50 hours of community service or payment of additional fine of $10 per hour required;
• Probation for up to 1 year;
• Imprisonment for up to 6 months (may be served in residential substance abuse treatment program); and
• 10 days impoundment of vehicle.

Penalties for Florida DUI conviction may vary depending on the nature of your case. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney can review your arrest and case details and help you determine the best defense strategy to lower or remove these penalties.

Special Circumstances in Penalties for Florida DUI

When your first conviction involves a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of .15 or higher or a minor is present in the vehicle, the fines increase to a minimum $1,000 and maximum of $2,000. These conditions will also increase the length of imprisonment to 9 months maximum.

If your Florida DUI resulted in property damage or personal injury to another, your penalties for Florida DUI will increase to reflect the standards for a First Degree Misdemeanor. If the personal injury is found to be serious, a driver may be charged with a Third Degree Felony and the appropriate increase in penalties.

Even a first conviction Florida DUI can be a Second Degree Felony if a victim involved in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver is killed. These charges increase according to the circumstances of the accident and whether the charges are DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, or if you leave the scene.

Contacting a Jacksonville DUI Defense Attorney

In all cases concerning Florida DUI charges, you should contact a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney to discuss how you can approach your defense. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney from Sullivan & Hepler can help you to mount a solid defense in your Florida DUI case. Before you hire a DUI attorney, order this free guide - The State of Florida v. You: The Accused's Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge. To get started with your defense, contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.