Few people set out with the intent to drive after getting impaired by alcohol or other substances. Despite that, Florida saw 38,000 DUI crashes in 2021. Statistics like these leave people wondering, “What is a DUI conviction and what kind of penalties do DUI drivers face?”
Florida DUI penalties are varied and depend on several factors. We’re here to help you untangle them. Read on to learn about some of the consequences you or a loved one could face if caught driving under the influence in the Sunshine State.
1. Fines
Nearly every single person arrested for a DUI in Florida has to pay some form of a fine. The amount of your fine depends on several factors, including:
- Previous convictions
- Your blood alcohol levels
- The presence of a minor
- Property damage
- Serious injuries
- Fatalities
Fines typically range from $500 to $5,000 depending on factors at play. In addition, you may also face financial consequences from a civil lawsuit for property damages, physical injuries, and wrongful death. Between criminal and civil fines, a DUI has the potential to have long-term financial impacts.
2. Jail Time
Some people end up facing jail or time in prison in addition to fines. Like fines, several factors determine whether you get jail time and how much. Low-level first-time DUIs may not result in any jail time, while repeat offenders might see a year or more.
In addition, if you are arrested for a DUI, police are permitted to conduct a search of your car incident to arrest. This means that if you have things like open containers, drugs or drug paraphernalia, or any other illegal items, your jail time could go up.
3. Loss of License
Driving in Florida is a privilege, and the judicial system uses that privilege as leverage. When you receive your first DUI, the state suspends your license for a minimum of 180 days up to one year. Second-time offenders risk a five-year license suspension, and you can even lose your license permanently if you offend four or more times.
4. Vehicle Impoundment
Whenever you’re arrested for driving under the influence, the police don’t leave your car on the side of the road to pick up the next day. Most either impound or immobilize your vehicle for a minimum of 10 days. Subsequent offenders see impoundments of 30 days up to 90 or more days.
5. Interlock Device Requirements
People who have multiple DUI convictions are frequently required to install interlock ignition devices on their cars for one to five years following their arrests.
Interlock devices attach to your car’s ignition, and they require drivers to blow into a tube in order to operate their vehicle. The tube analyzes their breath to determine if their blood alcohol concentration is above a certain level. The car will not start unless the driver clears the test.
6. Probation
Another one of Florida’s DUI penalties is probation. Probation is when someone is convicted or pleaded guilty to a crime, but they have the opportunity to serve some or all of their sentence outside of jail. Probation for DUIs ranges from one to five years depending on the number of offenses and the circumstances of the DUI.
If you find yourself on probation, take special care not to violate it. Violating your DUI probation terms can result in serious consequences.
7. Community Service
Florida courts recognize that jail time is devastating for many families. You lose income and child care, among many other things. One of the many ways that the state compromises with DUI offenders is by offering them the opportunity to participate in community service in lieu of jail.
The judge assigns a set number of hours and a timeframe in which they must be completed. Failure to complete community service in the time allotted may result in jail time.
8. Loss of Employment
You know that going to jail results in job loss, but having one or more DUIs on your record has a major impact on your ability to get hired. Many employers require a complete background check before they hire a job candidate, and a DUI might result in a disqualification.
Beyond that, suspended licenses and not having access to your car limit your ability to get to work when you find an employer who permits DUIs on a background check. These are long-term financial impacts that you should consider before getting behind the wheel.
9. DUI School
Courts know that punishing people with jail and fines for DUIs is not often enough to deter them from re-offending. For this reason, courts have come up with innovative ways to prevent future DUIs. One such program is DUI school.
DUI school is a series of courses designed to raise awareness of the serious impact of drunk and impaired driving. You have to pay for the courses out of your pocket, and many classes require you to attend in person. In exchange, you may see reduced jail time or fines.
10. Mandatory Treatment Programs
Alcohol has a lot of impacts on your body, and it is not a substance that everyone can use responsibly. If the court suspects that you have a drinking problem, they may require you to attend a treatment program to help you get sober.
You’ll need to follow the terms of your punishment to successfully avoid more serious consequences. This might mean attending an inpatient alcohol treatment program or attending AA meetings, with proof of attendance. Like DUI school and community service, failure to complete treatment leads to more strenuous punishments.
What Is a DUI Conviction Going to Cost You?
It doesn’t matter whether you get in the car thinking you’re sober enough or know you’re impaired, the consequences of a DUI still apply. The next time you get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, stop and think, “What is a DUI conviction going to cost you?” If you’ve made a mistake, make sure to hire a DUI lawyer in Florida to help protect your rights.
The team at RHINO Lawyers has years of experience defending folks facing DUI charges. Our experts will craft a defense strategy to help you get the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free case analysis!
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RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
