If you received a DUI in Florida, an experienced DUI lawyer can help you avoid the harsh Florida DUI penalties. Contact us online or call today to schedule a free consultation: 850-680-0849
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.
Florida’s DUI statute says that you can be charged with DUI if you drive or have physical control over a vehicle:
The Florida statutes also include aggravating factors that could increase the penalties you face.
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. |
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.
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.
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.