Penalties for a First DUI in Florida
Were you recently arrested for driving under the influence in West Palm Beach? If so, you're going to want to learn about the penalties involved. Under Sec. 316.193 of the Florida Statues, you can be arrested and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, a chemical substance or a controlled substance.
A controlled substance refers to both legal and illegal drugs, including over-the-counter medications and lawfully prescribed drugs. With so many people driving while under the influence of sedating medications these days, drug-related DUIs are becoming more the norm.
Under Florida's DUI laws, you can be arrested of DUI if it can be proven that your ability to drive safely was compromised because of alcohol or drugs, or you can be found guilty if you have a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .08% or higher.
The penalties for a DUI are the same, regardless if the individual was found to be impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a chemical substance, such as nitrous oxide.
What are the penalties for a first DUI?
The penalties for a first DUI in Florida are as follows:
First DUI Offense
- DUI School,
- A $500 to $2,000 fine,
- 50 hours of community service, or a fine of $10 for each our of community service that is required of the defendant,
- Up to 9 months in jail,
- Up to one year license revocation, and
- For a BAL of .15% or higher, mandatory Ignition Interlock Device.
The consequences of a DUI go beyond the penalties mentioned above. They can affect child custody (if you're in a child custody battle), your auto insurance would skyrocket, a conviction can bar you from receiving a professional license, you could lose your job, and it could be problematic at future job interviews.
Whatever you do, do not give up! As a former prosecutor who has handled hundreds of criminal cases in Palm beach County, I see miracles happen all the time.
From exposing police misconduct to finding holes in the prosecution's case to negotiating favorable plea bargains, there is a lot that can be done to turn the odds around in a defendant's favor.
To discuss your legal options, call The Law Offices of Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr. today for a free case evaluation!