Laying Down Some Florida Drunk Driving Laws

Do you know what the Florida Drunk Driving Law is? Have you ever been caught driving when you were drunk in Florida? Do you have any idea what to do when you have been arrested? Will you serve community service hours? Will you be prohibited to drive because your license will be suspended? Will you be put on to counseling?

DUI or driving under the influence of alcoholic beverage is considered a crime in all states. It may also include chemical substances or controlled substances. It was noted that Florida has the highest DUI arrest in the nation. With this alarming statistics, it is critical that you understand completely the Florida Drunk Driving Law. It is also important that you know your rights whenever you are arrested in such crime.

First Time Offenders

For first time offenders, the criminal status depends on certain circumstances. Take for example when the offender who violated the law has damaged a civilian or a government property can be charged with misdemeanor of 1st degree.

Offenders may also be imprisoned for not more than six months. If your BAC or blood alcohol content result is 2.0 or higher or if you have been arrested accompanying a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment will increase to up to 9 months.

Fine: DUI law also states that you have to pay a fine that will range not less than $250 but will not be more than $500. If the BAC was found out to be 2.0 or you are accompanying a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be not less than $500 but will not be more than $1,000.

Offenders’ driver’s license will also be suspended from a minimum of 180 days up to a year and in addition to that your vehicle will be impounded for 10 days unless the offenders’ family has no other means of transportation.

Offenders will also be put into a DUI school and must complete 12 hours of session until hardship reinstatement can occur. Completion is a must within 90 days or else your license will be cancelled upon your first conviction. Offenders will also be put under probation for one year upon being convicted under the Florida’s DUI law. Community service of 50 hours is mandatory or additional payment of $10 per hour of if you do not want to do community service.

Second Time Offenders

Criminal Status is almost the same with first time offenders with the exception of having the violator commit serious body injury to other may result in 3rd degree felony. 1st or 2nd degree felony can be charged to offenders who commit DUI manslaughter resulting in a death of another person, depending on certain circumstances.

Imprisonment of not more than 9 months is to be expected. A fine of not less than $500 or not more than $1,000 is to be paid and would increased to a $1,000 or more than $2,000 if your BAC was 2.0 or if a minor was present in the vehicle.

Your car will also be impounded for 30 days if the violation was committed within 5 years from the first offense. The violator’s license will also be suspended for 180 days to 1 year. It will also be revoked for a minimum of 5 years if the offense was done within 5 years of the first offense.

It is also mandatory that you finish 21 hours of DUI School. Also, you need to undergo a year of probation and at the same time, give community services if one cannot pay the fines.

Malcolm Anthony specializes in various criminal and juvenile cases that may include Florida drunk driving laws. He can represent you when you need someone to defend you whenever you are in trouble. Or you may want to try how to beat a dwi.