What You Need to Know When You Get a DUI
If you’ve been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you could be headed for a world of hurt, particularly if it’s not the first time you’ve faced such charges. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side is more important now than ever.
DUI Penalties in Florida
In Florida, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) or 0.08 or higher (0.04 for commercial drivers) is against the law. Even at lower BAC levels, it’s possible to get a DUI conviction if alcohol or other substances impair one’s driving. A first offense has pretty significant penalties:
- Your arrest;
- Up to 10 days of vehicle impoundment;
- Up to six months in jail, BAC reached 0.15 percent;
- Up to 50 hours of community service;
- Potential ignition interlock installed in your vehicle;
- Possible suspended drivers’ license;
- Permanent blemish on your record.
It’s critical to understand that these consequences are in a best-case scenario. Repeat offenders, or DUI incidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death are considerably more serious, as are the penalties.
A DUI is Costly
Anyone arrested for a first DUI that didn’t involve an accident or injuries will be parting with a significant sum of money before it’s all said and done whether or not jail time is a part of the consequence. Fees, penalties, and more will add up to thousands of dollars. You’ll be on the hook for a variety of fees and services, including:
- Blood testing;
- Clerk fees;
- Registration;
- Fees associated with DMV activities;
- The costs of being booked, fingerprinted, and so forth;
- Various penalties and fines;
- Up to $1,000, which doubles if BAC was 0.15 percent;
- A substantial long-term rise in auto insurance;
- Potential restitution orders or DUI education classes;
- Reinstatement of your driver license;
- Legal fees.
Worth Knowing
- Immediately upon arrest you should ask for an attorney and then politely refuse to answer questions until your attorney has arrived.
- You may face DUI charges even if you haven’t been drinking, but you have used other mind-altering substances, including prescription or illegal drugs and marijuana.
- Members of the military must inform command of the DUI or face a potential court martial.
- In certain other professions, one is required to notify one’s employer following an arrest. Your attorney will know more about this.
- Your participation in a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles will be required in order to attempt to retain your driver’s license, while a separate criminal hearing will occur to fight criminal charges.
Defending Your Rights
The experienced Kissimmee criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos always fight to ensure the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/florida-dui-administrative-suspension-laws/
