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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.
What You Should Know About Florida DUI Penalties
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.
Possible Florida DUI Penalties
One of the largest determining factors for the severity of DUI penalties in Florida is whether a person has previous convictions.
First DUI Conviction
In general, Florida DUI penalties associated with a first time DUI conviction include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and jail time between one day and six months. You may also face license suspension for 180 days to a year or have to use an ignition interlock device for up to six months. In addition, Florida DUI penalties may require community service, substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and DUI CounterAttack School.
If you were arrested with a blood alcohol content level over 0.15 or if a minor was with you in your vehicle when you were arrested for a DUI, you may face more severe penalties such as up to nine months of jail time and as much as $2,000 in fines.
Second DUI Conviction
If you are convicted of a DUI a second time within five years of your first DUI conviction, Florida DUI penalties can be harsher. Fines range from $1,000 to $2,000 and jail time can be as short as 10 days or as long as nine months. You will need to use an ignition interlock device for at least one year and complete DUI- and substance abuse-related programming. If you were arrested with a blood alcohol content level over 0.15 or if a minor was with you in your vehicle when you were arrested for a DUI, possible penalties increase to fines of $2,000 to $4,000 and jail time up to a year.
If your second DUI conviction occurs longer than five years after your first, you face the possibility of all the above penalties. The largest difference in these Florida DUI penalties is the length of license suspension: if you are convicted of a second DUI within five years of your first DUI conviction, you face five years of license suspension. However, if your second conviction falls outside of five years, license suspension only lasts six months to one year.
Third DUI Conviction
Similar to a second DUI conviction, Florida DUI penalties for third DUI convictions differ slightly based on how long it has been since your first DUI conviction. If you are convicted of a third DUI within a 10-year period, this is a felony. This means at least 30 days and as long as five years in jail and a 10-year revocation of the driver’s license, as well as a 90-day vehicle impoundment. Fines range from $1,000 to $5,000, with $4,000 being the minimum if you blow a 0.15 or above or if there is a minor in the vehicle when you are arrested for a DUI. Probation of one year and at least two years using an ignition interlock device will also be required.
Fourth DUI Conviction
A fourth DUI conviction is often charged as a felony, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and jail time of up to five years. Probation can range from one year to five years and your drivers license will be permanently revoked.
DUIs can also be charged as felonies based on factors such as whether there was a crash as a result of the DUI that caused someone serious bodily injury or death. The best way to determine the exact Florida DUI penalties is to review the details of your arrest and your case as a whole with an experienced lawyer such as Peterford Law.
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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 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.
25+ Jury Trials
Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.
3+ Years Former Prosecutor
Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.
2000+ 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.
Defense Against Florida DUI Penalties
With up to five years of jail time and as much as $5,000 in fines at stake, a proper defense against Florida DUI penalties is crucial. A DUI conviction will stay on your record in Florida for 75 years, impacting the course of your life. Give yourself the best chance at retaining your rights by hiring an experienced and caring attorney like Peterford Law.
Peterford Law brings an edge to every case thanks to his four years of experience as a former prosecutor. His thorough knowledge of the court system means he is able to offer unique insights and ideas. Peterford Law has handled more than a thousand cases, leaving him well-equipped to help in your DUI case.
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Get Experienced Help
With a 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 case! Contact Peterford Law today.
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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.