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First Time DUI in Florida

Understand the possible Florida DUI penalties.

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Hire an Experienced Felony 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.

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What You Should Know About Florida DUI Penalties

Being faced with a first time DUI in Florida can be an overwhelming and scary experience. It’s essential to understand the details of Florida DUI charges and what makes a first-time charge unique.

Possible Penalties

A first-time DUI in Florida is categorized as a mixed misdemeanor but can carry heavier penalties than most other misdemeanors. These penalties can include:

  • Jail time: Those convicted of a first-time DUI in Florida may face jail time for up to six months or more if any additional circumstances noted below apply to your situation
  • License suspension and vehicle impoundment: Your license may be suspended directly by the DMV if its processes and requirements are not followed, or it may be suspended at your court hearing. Additionally, you may have your car impounded for 10 days.
  • Ignition interlock device: In some cases, after your car is returned to you and the suspension of your license is over, you will still need to use an ignition interlock device to start your car for the next six months or more.
  • Fines: The fine amount for most first-offense DUIs in Florida is between $500 and $1,000.
  • Probation, community service, and substance abuse programs: The majority of first-time DUI convictions in Florida result in a requirement of up to a year of probation and 50 hours of community service. In all cases, offenders have to attend a substance abuse program.

A DUI conviction, even if it is your first offense, can be a costly incident both in terms of time and money. Work with a qualified and determined lawyer to protect yourself if you are facing DUI charges.

Additional Considerations

Even if it is your first time DUI in Florida, you may face harsher penalties under certain circumstances, such as:

  • Having a minor in the car with you at the time of your DUI
  • Having a blood alcohol content level higher than .15%
  • Causing an accident while under the influence, especially if it results in property damage or injuries

These circumstances can increase possible jail time to nine months, increase fines to up to $2,000, and add additional time using ignition interlock devices. Understanding the specifics of the charges you face is crucial to preserving your rights. The best way to gain a full understanding of the situation and the laws is to work with a trusted and experienced lawyer like Peterford Law.

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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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 Felony Driving Under the Influence Attorney Palm Beach County

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 criminal cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.

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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.

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Peterford Law - Felony DUI Lawyer in Palm Beach County

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Next Steps

A common misconception when facing a first-time DUI in Florida is that the consequences won’t be severe due to it being a first offense. However, with penalties including six months of jail time and $1,000 in fines at stake, it is worth being thorough and getting necessary support even if it is your first offense. Facing a DUI conviction in Florida means it will be on your record for 75 years.

Additionally, going through the process for the first time also means it’s easier to make common mistakes and miss key actions and deadlines. For example, it’s important to visit the DMV within the first 10 days of your arrest to complete the administrative process to keep your license. This is often overlooked by those not familiar with the system, resulting in loss or suspension of license even if court penalties do not include this consequence.

Having experienced and compassionate legal representation to help you through the overwhelming and stressful process of facing a first-time DUI offense in Florida is crucial. Peterford Law is an experienced and understanding DUI defense lawyer committed to protecting your rights. From the workplace to your financial health and personal life, a DUI conviction has long-lasting negative consequences.

Peterford Law has handled more than 1,000 cases. As a former prosecutor, he thoroughly understands the legal processes and requirements at hand when you face a first-time DUI offense in Florida. Florida has stringent DUI laws, meaning proper representation is more important than ever. His familiarity with important deadlines, possible penalties and a variety of legal nuances makes him well-equipped to work to defend you in a DUI case. Request a consultation today.

Get Experienced Help With Your First Time DUI in Florida

With a felony DUI charge, there’s no time to waste. It’s critical to have a skilled attorney who will work to fight your charge. Kevin Peterford’s experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him an edge to help your case. Don’t waste valuable time in preparing your own DUI felony case! Contact Peterford Law today.

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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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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In the state of Florida, a DUI conviction is sealed on your record for 75 years.

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We help people all over Palm Beach County. Look what our clients have to say about us.

very good experience
— karina marquez, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is such an experienced attorney! THANK YOU MR Peterford
— Antony Perez, Posted May 24th 2023 on google
I’ve collaborated with several attorneys over the years and they do not hold a candle to the steadfast, capable approach Mr. Peterford offers his clients and colleagues. He is nothing but efficient and professional; he does not make empty promises nor does he send you on a goose chase in order to communicate the nuan...
— O Cas, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is the best Attorney for criminal cases he is friendly I can not just call him an attorney but a Friend! If you get a DUI Kevin is you best choice!
— Jimmy Guzman, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Working with Kevin at Peterford Law has been such a great experience. From the get go he was confident and transparent with his plans and what was needed from me. His secretary Erika was also such a pleasure to work with and very attentive and polite. Finding a lawyer is daunting and not always what we plan on doing ...
— Erin Nolan, Posted May 2nd 2023 on google
Kevin added a level of insight & knowledge of the Justice system unparalleled to any other lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working with! He is truly one of the best! Can’t recommend him enough.
— Matthew Sweeney, Posted April 28th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled attorney, and is well qualified in criminal defense. I have seen him in the court room and he is aggressive, detail oriented and respected by the Judges. Outside of the court room, he is also on point. He is very timely and always takes the time to listen and explain things. Kevin is humble, ...
— Rochelle silver, Posted April 20th 2023 on google
Great with communication and very helpful.
— Jesus Becerra, Posted March 24th 2023 on google
Kevin is so great! And I feel lucky to have had his representation. He handled my situation in Palm Beach County for me, even though, I’m currently residing states away. He was very professional and kept me updated throughout the entire process. My issue was extremely time sensitive, and Kevin made it/me a priority. ...
— Thea Puliatti, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled and professional lawyer , who is on point and very attentive with all matters in his work. He is sharp, fast paced and always attended to whatever was presented to him; and He did this without any hesitation. He is down to earth, friendly and genuinely listens. He is also very ethical, str...
— Rochelle silver, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
I highly recommend Peterford Law. Kevin was professional, quick to respond at any time of the day, answered any and all questions and was motivated with the best intentions to ensure my family’s case was taken care of. If you’re looking for someone you can trust, rest assured that Peterford Law will take on all the...
— Nichole Hannifin, Posted March 10th 2023 on google
I will definitely recommend Peterford law to anyone in need of a lawyer they were very helpful and professional on explaining to me all my options on handling my case.
— Reggie Damus, Posted February 28th 2023 on google
My experience with Kevin was nothing less than exceptional! His communication was amazing and he was there through every step of the process.
— Nick LeBeau, Posted February 18th 2023 on google
I had the opportunity to observe the exceptional skills of Mr. Peterford in action during my time as a prosecutor. While we were on opposite sides of the courtroom, I was impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to his client's cause. Kevin is a true advocate for his clients and works tirelessly to d...
— Rocco Scarfone, Posted February 17th 2023 on google
First he picked up the phone Saturday morning at like 6am! From our first conversation on the phone I had a good feeling about him. Thru out the whole process he kept me calm and with good feelings of the out come. He did everything he talked about on the phone and then some. Planned out things before the state could e...
— Alejandro Saldana, Posted February 13th 2023 on google
Professional, courteous, quick to respond, honest, will definitely keep Mr. Peterford number on file for any future legal issues
— Robert McKenzie, Posted February 11th 2023 on google
Kevin and his team have been amazing. Everything seemed impossible and very stressful. Kevin’s professionalism and efficiency have been a pleasure. Thank you!
— Jude Knesel, Posted February 7th 2023 on google
Kevin is the man, he hands down made the very best of my situation. He kept me well informed and handled everything efficiently. Thank you !
— E E, Posted February 7th 2023 on google
Kevin Peterford is responsive 100percent of the time, he is timely, knowledgeable and resourceful- we had a very difficult case that he helped us with and I highly recommend him.
— Janice Vedernjak, Posted February 6th 2023 on google
Working with Peterford Law has been nothing but a blessing. Kevin helped me get my case worked out and tickets dropped with no points on my license. He made the whole process extremely easy for me and went the extra mile from the beginning to the end. I’ve never had such a kind and considerate lawyer, all in all it w...
— brittney jones, Posted January 31st 2023 on google

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