Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, also known as DUI or DWI, respectively, carries stiff penalties in Florida. The DUI penalties increase with each new offense if you have prior convictions for DUI.
A Florida DUI penalties chart might help you better understand what you may be facing after getting such a charge. Understanding all of the possible DUI penalties helps us explain your options as we work to resolve your case.
If you get a DUI in Florida, the penalties could have a strongly negative impact on your life. Having a tough, aggressive, and experienced DUI lawyer can give you the best chance of avoiding the harsh DWI penalties.
At Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, we put your needs first. We’ve always done it that way. Since 1913, the Pensacola criminal defense attorneys from Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon have fought valiantly for their clients.
What Is a DUI in Florida?
Florida’s DUI statute says that you can be charged with DUI if you drive or have physical control over a vehicle:
While under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or both; or
When you have a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
The Florida statutes also include aggravating factors that could increase the penalties you face.
Florida DUI Penalties Chart
A Florida DUI penalty chart can be a valuable resource when trying to get your mind around what you might be facing. Once you understand the potential consequences of a DUI conviction, you can work with your lawyer to find the best way to handle your defense. You might want to fight the case, or you might want to negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser offense. Either way, the Florida DWI lawyers with Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon will fight for your rights every step of the way.
Possible Jail Sentence
Fines
Period of License Suspension
Impoundment
Ignition Interlock Device
Additional Penalties
First Offense
One day to six months. Probation up to one year.
$500 to$1,000
180 Days
10 Days
None
Community Service for 50 hours. Complete DUI school; submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
First Offense— Having a BAC of 0.15% or above or with a minor in the vehicle
One day to nine months. Probation up to one year.
$1,000 to $2,000
One Year
10 Days
Six Months
Community Service for 50 hours. Complete DUI school; submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Second Offense Within Five Years
10 days to nine months. Probation for up to one year
$1,000 to $2,000
Five Years
10 Days but 30 days if second DUI conviction in three years
One year minimum
Complete DUI school, submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Second Offense— Having a BAC of 0.15% or above or with a minor in the vehicle
10 days to 12 months. Probation for up to one year.
$2,000 to$4,000
Five Years
10 Days but 30 days if second DUI conviction in three years.
One Year minimum
Complete DUI school, submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Second Offense Outside of Five Years
One day to nine months. Probation up to one year.
$1,000 to$2,000
Six Months
Mandatory 10 days
Minimum of one year
Complete DUI school, submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Second Offense Outside Five Years — Having a BAC of 0.15 or above or with a minor in the vehicle
One day to 12 months. Probation up to one year.
$2,000 to$4,000
One Year
Mandatory 10 Days
Minimum of one year
Complete DUI school, submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Third Offense within 10 Years of First Conviction
30 Days to 12 months. Probation up to one year.
$1,000 to $5,000
10 Years
10 days or 90 days if third DUI within five years.
Two-year minimum
Complete DUI school, submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Third Offense within 10 Years of First Conviction— Having a BAC of 0.15 or above or with a minor in the vehicle
30 days to 12 months. Probation up to one year.
$4,000 to $5,000
10 Years
10 days or 90 days if third DUI within five years.
Two-year minimum
Complete DUI school and Submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Fourth Offense or Greater — Third Degree Felony
One day to five years. Probation for one to five years.
$2,000 to$5,000
Permanent Revocation
10-day mandatory period
Two-years minimum
Complete DUI school and submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Fourth Offense or Greater Charged as a Felony— Having a BAC of 0.15 or above or with a minor in the vehicle
One day to five years. Probation for one to five years.
$2,000 to$5,000
Permanent Revocation
10-day mandatory period
Two-years minimum
Complete DUI school and submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment as necessary.
Collateral DUI Penalties
You face additional collateral penalties for a DUI charge. You will very likely have to pay more for your insurance premiums after getting a DUI conviction.
You will not be able to drive until you reinstate your license, and you will have to pay exorbitant fees for that reinstatement. Therefore, until you can get those fees together you will have to rely on others to drive you around. These types of transportation problems could make it hard to get to work and ultimately lead to job loss.
Additionally, you could have problems with your employer if the probation department determines that you need inpatient alcohol or drug treatment.
How You Can Avoid Harsh DUI Penalties in Florida
As you see from the DUI penalties chart, the court has the potential to upend your life by imposing a harsh sentence. However, having an attorney with decades of experience fighting for clients in Florida courts can help you navigate these tumultuous waters—and give you the best shot at a good outcome.
Discuss Your Florida DUI Case Today with an Aggressive DUI Lawyer
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon’s Florida DUI attorneys understand that everyone makes mistakes. But one mistake shouldn’t ruin your life. Having an experienced and knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer on your side can help you avoid the harsh DUI penalties in Florida. Why are we so confident? Our firm has fought for people’s rights since 1913. Not many firms can make that claim. Call us now at 850-433-6581 today so we can get to work protecting your rights.
