Driving while drunk is hazardous for the driver and all other motorists around them. Due to the high number of crashes involving intoxicated drivers, the state of Florida prosecutes driving under the influence (DUI) charges harshly. Understanding the relevant laws and your rights under the circumstances can be confusing, but a skilled criminal defense attorney could help.
When you are up against a drunk driving charge, do not let time pass you by. Meet with a Winter Garden DUI lawyer to review your case and begin preparing your defense as soon as possible.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances is a criminal offense in Florida that carries stiff penalties. Prior arrests and other details may elevate the severity of the penalties someone faces upon conviction.
State regulations consider people legally intoxicated when they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. When a person has a minor in the car at the time of arrest or their BAC is 0.15 percent or more, they face the potential for enhanced charges with harsher punishments. The judge could order the individual to serve up to nine months in jail and pay fines of up to $2,000 for a first-time conviction. A Winter Garden DUI attorney could review the applicable statutes more thoroughly during a consultation.
The penalties for a DUI conviction will depend on the individual’s background, such as previous convictions and their BAC at the time of arrest. Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, penalties for a first and second drunk driving conviction could include:
Additionally, a conviction for a first-time DUI may involve serving one year of probation, ten days of vehicle impoundment, and a minimum of 50 hours of community service.
A third offense requires the convicted person to serve at least 30 days, with a maximum of five years in prison. They will also have a 90-day vehicle impoundment and ten-year license revocation. Further, the individual must enroll in substance abuse classes and submit to regular drug and alcohol testing.
A third and subsequent DUI occurring within ten years after a prior conviction is a felony offense, and the individual will face severe penalties. An arrest for driving under the influence after causing an accident leading to bodily harm or wrongful death of another person is also a felony.
State laws prohibit motorists under the legal drinking age from drinking alcohol, so an arrest for an underage driver with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more will have severe consequences. Penalties include loss of driver’s license for six months for the first offense, an alcohol education program, and random drug and alcohol testing. Charges and penalties vary significantly depending on the arrest circumstances, but a DUI lawyer in Winter Garden could answer specific questions during a consultation.
Knowledge is power. Understanding DUI regulations and potential penalties could help you prepare to defend yourself against these serious charges.
The more time you have to prepare, the better your chances of reaching a positive outcome. Contact an experienced Winter Garden DUI lawyer to schedule a consultation, review your case, and determine the best strategy forward. We are here for you.