Florida DUI Law
Definition of DUI in Florida
In Florida, one has driven under the influence if he or she has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams per 100 milliliters of blood, or a breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams per 210 liters of breath.
Florida Imposes Strict Punishments
Florida law treats driving under the influence ("DUI") crimes very seriously and imposes a variety of punishments. In addition to steep fines and potential jail time, you face a lengthy suspension of your driver's license if you are convicted.
For a first DUI conviction, you face:
- A fine between $500-$1000
- Imprisonment up to six months
- License suspension of 6 months to one year
- Probation up to one year
- Minimum of 50 hours community service
- Immobilization of the vehicle for ten days
A second conviction within five years of the first conviction incurs:
- A fine between $1,000 and $2,000
- Imprisonment for a minimum of ten days up to nine months
- License suspension of five years
- Ignition interlock device placed on all your vehicles for a minimum of one year
- Immobilization of the vehicle for 30 days
A third conviction within ten years of the most recent conviction has even harsher penalties:
- Imprisonment from 30 days to one year
- License suspension of ten years
- Ignition interlock device placed on all your vehicles for a minimum of two years
- Immobilization of the vehicle for 90 days
If the third conviction comes more than ten years after the previous one, you face a fine of between $2,000 and $5,000, imprisonment up to a year, and an ignition interlock device placed on all your vehicles for a minimum of two years. A fourth conviction or more is a third degree felony, which incurs a fine up to $5,000 and jail time up to five years (or as many as ten for habitual offenders).
Harsher Penalties for Higher Intoxication Levels
If your blood or breath alcohol level was .15 or higher, or if someone under age 18 was in the car with you, the penalties increase to a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000, imprisonment up to nine months for the first offense, and an ignition interlock device on your cars for a minimum of six months. For a second conviction, the punishments increase to fine between $2,000 and $4,000, imprisonment up to one year, and the ignition interlock device on your cars for a minimum of two years. For the third offense, you face a fine of over $4,000.
Punishments also increase if a crash resulted from the DUI, if someone was injured, or if property was damaged.
Seek Experienced Legal Counsel as Soon as Possible
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, you only have ten days in which you can challenge your license suspension. The Law Office of Eduardo Meire, P.A. provides comprehensive legal representation. We represent clients from the initial license revocation hearing, throughout the plea bargain process or trial, and assist clients with reinstating their licenses. If you have been arrested, contact the Law Office of Eduardo Meire, P.A. today so that we can begin your defense and work to prevent your license suspension.
