DUI Charges in Florida

Driving takes a lot of skill and quick action, so you need to be sober. Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance can affect your ability to drive safely. In fact, it is such a serious offense that you could get your license taken away, which would affect your ability to drive at all.

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida refers to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances that causes impairment of normal faculties or results in an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. While a DUI is typically a misdemeanor, it can still result in significant penalties.

The DUI fine schedule is as follows:

• First conviction. You will be charged a fine of $500 to $1,000. If the blood alcohol content (BAC) was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, the fine increases to between $1,000 and $2,000.
• Second conviction. You will be charged a fine of $1,000 to $2,000. If the BAC was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, the fine increases to between $2,000 and $4,000.
• Third conviction. You will be charged a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. If the BAC was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be at least $4,000.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction. You will be charged a fine of at least $2,000. If the BAC was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be at least $4,000.

A person convicted of a DUI may also face imprisonment. Some sentencing terms may be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program in lieu of prison.

• First conviction. You will face up to six months in prison. If the BAC was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, you will face up to nine months in prison.
• Second conviction. You will face up to nine months in prison. If the BAC was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, you will face up to one year in prison.
• Third conviction. If the third conviction is within 10 years of a prior conviction, you will be ordered a mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. If the third conviction is more than 10 years from a prior conviction, you will face up to one year in prison.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction. You will face up to five years in prison.

Contact Us Today 

All drivers know that drinking and driving is illegal, but sometimes we make mistakes. When you’re facing DUI charges, you need someone on your side to make things right.

Arrested for drunk driving? Contact a Fort Myers DUI attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We are experienced DUI defense attorneys dedicated to defending those charged with drunk driving offenses. Let us help you understand the charges you are facing and explain how we can help. Schedule a consultation by calling (239) 332-3300 (Fort Myers) or (239) 530-1800 (Naples).

Source:

flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/florida-dui-administrative-suspension-laws/#:~:text=DUI%20fine%20schedule%2C%20per%20section,vehicle%2C%20not%20less%20than%20$4%2C000.