Florida's Penalties for DUI

In Florida, the penalties for conviction old school Basketball driving under the influence structured settlement payments alcohol (DUI) are designed to give drivers an opportunity to amend their behavior and not offend again. Subsequent convictions increase the penalty for each conviction. In general, all convictions are set up in Georgia Lemon Laws two-tiered system. If a driver is driver with impairment of normal faculties, as determined by a roadside test or observed traffic violation or with an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or above, the penalties are lighter, but if the driver is convicted of DUI with a minor in the car or has a proven blood alcohol level of 0.20 or greater, the penalty is increased. In addition, there are many different kinds of penalties that can be imposed at each of the different levels.

First Conviction

For a first conviction of DUI, a driver in the first tier will receive a fine of $250-500, and a mandatory sentence of 50 hours of community service. At the second tier, the driver receives the same community service penalty, but will receive a fine of $500-1000. In addition, the conviction carries a combination of probation and imprisonment not to exceed one year, with imprisonment not more than 6 months for a first tier offense or 9 months for a second tier offense. The court will also order your vehicle, either the one you were driving or another one, impounded for the length of your imprisonment and probation, and you are responsible for the cost. In addition, your driver license will be revoked for 180 days to 1 year.

Second consolidation of student loans (within 5 years)

For a second conviction of DUI, the driver receives a fine of $500-1000 at the first tier or $1000-2000 at the second tier. A first-tier offense carries a prison sentence of up to 9 months, or a second tier of up to 12 months, including impoundment of all vehicles you own. This conviction also requires that an ignition interlock be installed on the car, at the driver's expense, for at least one year. Carries a revocation period of at least 5 years.

Third Conviction (within 10 years)

For a third conviction of DUI, the driver receives a fine of $1000-2500 for a first tier offense or $2000-5000 for a second-tier offense. A third conviction carries a mandatory imprisonment and impoundment of your vehicles of at least 30 days and not more than 12 months. This conviction also requires the installation of an ignition interlock be installed on the car, at the driver's expense, for at least two years. Carries a driver license revocation period of at least 10 years.

Fourth or Subsequent Conviction

Is considered a third degree felony. A fourth conviction carries a fine of at least $1000 for a first-tier offense and $2000 for a second-tier offense. The fine can be as large as $5000. It also can carry a prison sentence up to five years, which also includes impoundment of all your vehicles. Carries a mandatory permanent revocation of the driver's license.

Secondary Effects

These penalties can be increased if the DUI results in other effects. If the driver causes buy meridia to property, it constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, which could mean another year in prison. If the DUI results in a criminal traffic violation and serious bodily injury to another person, it constitutes a third degree felony, which could mean up to another five years in prison. If the crash leads to the death of a person or an unborn quick child, it is considered manslaughter, and a felony of the second degree. A second-degree felony carries a possible sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $ 10,000. The death becomes a first-degree felony if the driver knew of the accident and failed to provide aid, which means that the prison sentence could be up to 30 years. These penalties can be increased if they occurred while if the driver had a suspended license.

Civil Suits

In addition, a conviction does not protect you from any civil suits that may be brought against you by any person hurt as a result of your DUI. In fact, a conviction lends credibility to their case and increases the likelihood that you will have to pay a significant penalty.

In addition to these legal penalties, conviction of a DUI can be a significant blow to your reputation, and can lead to your dismissal from work or ostracism from social circles.

With all these possible penalties, increasing at every turn, it only makes sense to consult a DUI defense lawyer if you are arrested on suspicion of this offense and have your questions answered. An experienced lawyer knows the best ways to approach your case to avoid conviction or diminish sentencing.