Tampa DUI Penalties

There are set penalties an individual will receive for driving under the influence in Florida. Certain factors cause penalties to increase, such as multiple DUI offenses, the presence of minors, or accidents that resulted in the injury or death of another person. In addition to legal penalties, many individuals convicted of DUI face problems outside of the courtroom, including social ostracism, job loss, limited future opportunities, strained personal relationships, community service requirements, damaged reputations, and loss of community. One may also face increased insurance costs.

The following is a list of legal penalties for committing DUI in Florida (enhanced penalties may apply in certain circumstances):

First DUI:

• Potential jail time: 0-6 months or 0-9 months if BAC was higher than 0.02% or minor was present
• Fines: $250-$1,000 (depending on BAC level and if minor(s) was present)
• Driver’s License Suspension: 6 months to 1 year
• Probation: 1 year
• Car is usually impounded for 10 days
• If BAC was more than 0.20% an interlock device will be placed in car for up to 6 months
• Can obtain permit to drive to and from work after 30 days (after completing DUI school)
• Insurance costs are likely to increase
• Community Service: 50 hours
• Non U.S. citizens may face deportation

Second DUI (within 5 years):

• Potential jail time: 10 days-9 months, or 10-12 months if BAC was higher than 0.02% or minor was present
• Fines: $500-$2,000 (depending on BAC level and if minor(s) was present)
• Driver’s License Suspension: no less than 5 years
• Probation: 1 year
• Car is usually impounded for 30 days
• If BAC was more than 0.20% an ignition interlock device will be placed in car for 1-2 years
• May be able to obtain permit to drive to and from work after 90 days
• Insurance cost will increase
• Community Service: 50 hours
• Mandatory attendance to DUI school
• Non U.S. citizens may face deportation

Third DUI (within 10 years):

• Potential jail time: 30 days-5 years
• Fines: $1,000-$5,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: up to 10 years
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Car is usually impounded for 90 days
• If BAC was more than 0.20% an interlock device will be placed in car for at least 2 years
• May be able to obtain permit to drive to and from work after 1 year
• Insurance cost will to increase
• Charged as felony
• Community Service: 50 hours
• Mandatory attendance to DUI school
• Non U.S. citizens may face deportation

Fourth DUI (within 10 years):

• Potential jail time: up to 5 years
• Fines: $1,000-$5,000
• Driver’s License Suspension: permanent
• Probation: 1-5 years
• Insurance cost will increase
• Community Service: 50 hours
• Mandatory attendance to DUI school
• Non U.S. citizens may face deportation

In addition to these penalties, DUI convictions leave a mark on your criminal record for life. If you have been charged with DUI, it’s vital to retain the services of an experienced Tampa DUI lawyer. We can negotiate with judges and prosecutors to get your charges and penalties reduced or dropped; we can also look into the possibility of alternative DUI sentencing. Furthermore more, we provide all of our clients with viable options, multiple resources, aggressive representation, and compassionate care.

If you are in need of an experienced Tampa DUI attorney, contact Thomas & Paulk today for your free consultation at (800) 239-3195!

*** These penalties are subject to change based on the circumstances surrounding each case. It is also best to consult an attorney to discuss your options and the details surrounding your particular case.