Learn More About The Criminal And Administrative Penalties After A First Time DUI Conviction In Florida
If you are facing your first DUI conviction in Florida, your consequences may include fines, having your license suspended, your vehicle impounded and possible jail time among other punishments. Florida courts may require stronger penalties for those whose blood alcohol (BAC) level was over .15%, drivers who were in an accident resulting in property damage or injuries, or if there were passengers under the age of 18 years old. This article will outline what you might expect should you be convicted of a DUI for the first time in Florida.
What Are The Administrative Penalties For A DUI Conviction In Florida?
A Suspended Florida Driver’s License
Anyone who has been arrested for a DUI can likely expect that the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend their license for a minimum of six months if they have a blood alcohol level over .08%. Drivers who refuse to a chemical test or breathalyzer automatically will have their license suspended for a full year due to Florida’s implied consent law. An administrative suspension of a person’s driver license is still possible in Florida even if the driver is never convicted of a DUI charge.
Hardship License
A person whose license is suspended due to a DUI can apply for a hardship license, which is only valid when driving for work, church, school and medical appointments. An application for a hardship license can be submitted after the applicant has completed at least 30 days of suspension. If the driver refused to submit to a chemical test, they must wait 90 days in order to apply. Drivers can also expect to pay a hefty fee for a hardship license, ranging from $300 to $400.
What Are The Criminal Penalties For A First Time DUI?
Possible Jail Time
There is no mandatory jail time issued to first time convictions of a DUI. The length of jail time, if any, really depends on the circumstances of the case. Below is a list of maximum jail time issued based on circumstances.
- Six months jail time for a standard DUI conviction
- Nine months of jail time if driver had a blood alcohol level of .15% or more
- Nine months if a passenger in the vehicle was under 18 years old
- One year of jail time if there was an accident resulting in property damage or minor injuries
- Five years if the driver was involved in an accident that caused serious bodily injury
Fines
A first time DUI conviction in Florida can carry a fine between $500 to $1,000. However, if the driver’s blood alcohol level was over .15%, the fine can increase to $1,000 to $2,000. For DUI cases that involved an accident where the victim suffered serious bodily harm, one may expect a fine of at least $5,000.
Probation
Florida judges are required to place first time DUI offenders on probation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, any combination of jail time and probation usually won’t exceed one year for a first time DUI.
Court Mandated License Suspension
A court mandated license suspension is separate from the administrative suspension discussed above. A first time offense usually carries a 6 to 12 month suspension. Often a court mandated suspension will overlap with the administrative suspension.
Interlock Device
While Florida judges are not required to order an ignition interlock device for first time DUI offenders, if the driver had a BAC over .15%, it will likely be required for at least 6 months as part of a person’s conviction. An interlock device can cost around $100 to have installed and carry a monthly charge between $95 to $125. In addition, the unit must be recalibrated each month for about $70 each time.
Vehicle Impoundment
Drivers who are convicted of a DUI for the first time can usually expect to have their vehicle impounded for 10 days as a part of their probation. The impoundment can occur at anytime during a person’s probation, except during any jail time they might incur.
Get Aggressive Legal Help To Avoid A Possible DUI Conviction In Florida
As noted, the consequences of even a first time DUI are serious. Additional consequences of a first time DUI can also include community service, drug testing, having to wear a SCRAM bracelet, alcohol counseling, mental health counseling, travel restrictions, additional fines and court costs.
If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to speak to a qualified DUI Attorney in St. Petersburg immediately. Your DUI attorney can help you navigate the laws, how they apply to your case and what to do next. Depending on the nature of your case, your attorney may even be able to help negotiate a lesser charge.
Call The Law Office Of William B. Bennett, P.A. today at (727)821-8000 to learn more about how to handle your first DUI arrest. Or contact us on our site here. No matter what type of criminal charges you are facing, we are here to help.
Tagged with: Alcohol, Driver License, DUI, Jail, Probation
Posted in: Criminal Defense Law, DUI