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Hire an Experienced DUI Lawyer in Florida Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.
Kevin has handled thousands of cases in Palm Beach County and the local court systems. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against DUI charges successfully.
DUI Defense In the state of Florida, a DUI conviction is sealed on your record for 75 years.
A DUI conviction has resounding consequences on your life, employment and criminal record. Florida has strict DUI laws, and even a first offense can land you with hefty fines, jail time, and license revocation. If you’re convicted of a DUI, the charge is sealed on your record and cannot be removed for 75 years. Besides the legal ramifications, a DUI charge can also affect your job, family life, and personal reputation.
Don’t let a mistake ruin your life! A West Palm Beach DUI Lawyer, like Kevin Peterford, will defend your rights.
DUI Laws In The State of Florida
Any individual found driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while “under the influence” or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% can be charged with a DUI.
First Offense
- Up to six months in jail.
- $500 to $1000 in fines.
- 180 days to one year of license suspension.
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle for up to six months.
- One year of probation.
- 50 hours of community service.
- 10-day vehicle impoundment.
If your BAC was 0.15% or more, you will be fined $1000-$2000 and face up to 9 months in jail.
Second Offense
- Up to nine months in jail.
- $1000 to $2000 in fines.
- 180 days to one year of license suspension.
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle for up to two years.
- One year of probation.
- 10-day vehicle impoundment.
If a second offense occurs within five years of the first, you face a minimum of ten days in jail, five-year license revocation, and 30-day vehicle impoundment. If your BAC was 0.15% or more, or a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the incident, you face up to 12 months’ jail and $2,000 to $4,000 in fines.
Third Offense
- Up to 12 months in jail.
- $2000 to $5000 in fines.
- 180 days to one year of license suspension.
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle for up to two years.
- One year of probation.
- 10-day vehicle impoundment.
If a third offense occurs within ten years of a prior DUI conviction, you face a minimum of 30 days and up to five years in jail, 90-day vehicle impoundment, and ten-year license revocation. If your BAC was 0.15% or more, or a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the incident, the minimum fine is $4,000.
Mandated Probation and Substance Abuse Programs
All DUI offenders must report to their probation officer monthly and attend a judge-ordered substance abuse program. Failure to meet these requirements may cause you to lose your license permanently. This is mandatory for any DUI offenders.
Failure to meet these requirements may cause you to lose your license permanently.
Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.
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Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.
0+ Jury Trials
Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.
0+ Years Former Prosecutor
Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.
0+ Cases Handled
As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.
Field sobriety tests are voluntary!
You do not have to agree to this test. In fact, it is within your legal rights to refuse.
An Important Deadline in Your DUI Case
You must request a court hearing within ten days of your arrest! The arresting officer often neglects to tell you this, but if you look at your citation, you will find this information. If you do not request a court hearing within ten days of your arrest, your license could be suspended for six to 18 months.
As your dedicated DUI lawyer, Kevin Peterford won’t let you miss this important deadline. You’ll never miss any complex details of your case with Kevin on your side.
Implied Consent
According to Florida laws, all drivers arrested for a DUI must consent to a test to determine the level of drugs or alcohol in their system. This can include a breath, blood or urine test . Any driver that refuses to complete a test automatically loses their license for one year.
You do not have to agree to this test. In fact, it is within your legal rights to refuse.
Felony DUI A typical DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor, but various instances validate a felony charge.
- Serious injury or death of another person.
- Two prior convictions occurring within a 10-year period.
- Three or more DUI charges.
A felony DUI charge in Palm Beach County carries hefty fines and much longer jail sentences.
DUI Under 21
Individuals under the age of 21 can be charged with a DUI if their BAC is .02% or more. While not considered a criminal offense, an underage DUI charge automatically results in a six-month driver's license suspension. If the BAC is .05% or more, the individual must attend a substance abuse program.
Ignition Interlock Device
If you’re facing DUI charges, you may hear about ignition interlock devices as part of the penalty for the DUI or as part of a DUI diversion program. Learn how ignition interlock devices work and understand the details of Florida ignition interlock laws.
DUI Myths and Facts
With so much cultural conversation around DUIs and with various TV shows and movies referencing this specific legal issue, there are many myths and misconceptions around the details of DUI charges and how to beat a DUI. Knowing the facts is crucial to ensuring a strong case and the best chance at protecting your rights if you are pulled over and face DUI charges.
Penalties for a DUI
In Florida, DUI penalties depend on a number of factors such as the specific circumstances and outcomes of the incident as well as whether the person has been convicted of a DUI in the past, and how long ago this occurred. Understanding the possible Florida DUI penalties you may face is an important step in preparing for court and organizing your defense. Working with a caring and qualified lawyer such as Peterford Law gives you the best chance at retaining your rights.
What To Do If You’ve Been Pulled Over
In Florida, DUI penalties depend on a number of factors such as the specific circumstances and outcomes of the incident as well as whether the person has been convicted of a DUI in the past, and how long ago this occurred. Understanding the possible Florida DUI penalties you may face is an important step in preparing for court and organizing your defense. Working with a caring and qualified lawyer such as Peterford Law gives you the best chance at retaining your rights.
You’ve Been Charged with a DUI. Now What?
Being pulled over is often a scary and unsettling experience. Whether or not you know why you’ve been stopped by police, it’s important to keep a few key steps in mind after you’ve been pulled over. These tips for being pulled over can help keep you safe and give you the best chance of protecting your rights should you face charges.
More Than Legal Consequences
A DUI is a serious charge that carries far more than legal consequences. Legal fines and court fees can impact your financial stability, and your current employment or job search could be negatively impacted. Your personal reputation is at risk as well, as community and family members may judge you for what happened.
Most individuals charged with a DUI have simply committed a mistake. There’s no reason that one mistake should ruin your entire life. With a talented DUI lawyer like Kevin Peterford on your side, you can resolve your crime and reduce the consequences.
With extensive prosecution experience, Kevin knows what the court is looking for when they are building their case against you. He can advise you on common DUI mistakes to avoid and help you build a strong defense. Don’t show up at the court defenseless! With Kevin by your side, you have a fighting chance.
Get Experienced Help
With so much at risk, you shouldn’t take a chance with your DUI charge. The court is prepared to convict you, and you don’t stand a chance without an experienced DUI lawyer .
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Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.