Florida DUI Consequences
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If you frequently travel on Florida roads, you’ve probably spotted more than a few law enforcement officers in the area—and there’s a reason for this trend. Now, more than ever, the state’s police force is on the lookout for individuals who are driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Indeed, due to the number of alcohol-related collisions that occur across the state each year, Florida officers are cracking down on DUI offenders more than ever. As a result, more and more drivers find themselves facing devastating Florida DUI consequences as a result.
If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Florida, the type of penalties you receive will depend largely upon your prior history of drunk driving, as well as the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Under state law, any person operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered impaired, and can be arrested for DUI as a result. However, drivers who are arrested with an extremely high BAC can also face additional penalties—even if they are a first-time offender.
Assuming you are a first-time offender and your BAC was below 0.15%, the maximum penalties for a DUI conviction will include a $1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension, and a six-month jail sentence. On the other hand, these penalties will go up to $2,000 in fines and a nine-month jail sentence if you are arrested with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
You'll also face harsher punishment if you have a prior drunk driving conviction on your record. In fact, after two convictions, any subsequent DUI charge will be classified as a felony offense—which means you’ll face a mandatory prison sentence, larger fine, and a minimum five-year license suspension if you are convicted. As a convicted felon, you may also lose many personal freedoms, including your right to vote, obtain a passport, and purchase a firearm.
Regardless of the circumstances of your arrest, a DUI conviction can wreak havoc on your future long after you’ve successfully completed the terms of your sentence. Since the crime will remain on your criminal record for years to come, you may encounter problems when you apply for employment, housing, or even financial aid.
Your insurance rates are also sure to increase due to your conviction—often doubling or tripling in cost. In fact, some companies may even refuse to insure you altogether.
Of course, just because you are arrested for DUI does not mean that you will be convicted of the offense in court. With the right legal representation, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed and avoid many of the life-altering penalties above.
For more information about Florida DUI consequences and ways to avoid them, submit your information online today. An experienced DUI defense attorney in your area will contact you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.
