What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI
In Florida, DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” and can include being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or other controlled substances while you are driving. Most commonly associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI can be measured when there is a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent in the body.
When you are arrested for DUI in Florida, generally you will be taken to jail and your vehicle will be impounded. These are initial penalties. Like all states, Florida takes DUI extremely seriously – even first-time offenders are subject to some pretty steep penalties. It is for this reason contacting a criminal defense attorney should be your next move.
DUI Penalties in Florida
There are two sets of penalties for driving under the influence in Florida. The first sets of penalties are administrative penalties, which involve penalties set forth by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV). The second sets of penalties are criminal penalties set for by the judicial system.
Below are general outlines of the administrative and criminal penalties associated with a first-offense DUI in Florida.
Administrative
Administrative penalties for driving under the influence in Florida are penalties set forth by the Department of Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles.
These penalties include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
- Special DUI class and any related costs.
- Administrative fees.
- Driver’s license reinstatement fees (once your suspension or revocation period is up).
- Ignition Interlock Device installation and related fees.
- Maintenance of FR-44, a special type of insurance policy that involves increased limits of liability coverage.
NOTE: Understand that Florida statutes pertaining to driving under the influence are subject to change. To be safe, use the above as a general guideline and contact a skilled Florida DUI attorney for further assistance.
Criminal
Criminal penalties for driving under the influence in Florida are penalties set forth by the court system.
These penalties include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Fines, which can vary depending on your blood alcohol level (BAL) or whether you had a minor in the vehicle.
- A minimum required number of community service hours.
- Probation.
- Jail time, which also can vary depending on your blood alcohol level.
- Impoundment of your vehicle.
- Ignition Interlock Device installation and related fees.
NOTE: Again, understand that Florida statutes pertaining to driving under the influence are subject to change. Use the above as a general guideline but contact a skilled Florida DUI attorney for specific details and assistance.
Hire a Florida DUI Attorney Today
Have you been arrested for driving under the influence in Florida? Is this your first, second, or even third offense? Contact the South Florida Leifer & Ramirez today. We will schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your specific case and how to move forward with your best interests in the forefront.
Call us at 561-660-9421 or contact us online right away.
