DUI Penalties: Imprisonment

Tampa Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

A primary penalty associated with DUI (driving under the influence) charges is imprisonment. A defendant in Tampa, Florida may face incarceration in county jail or state prison, depending on the particular circumstances of his or her drunk driving-related offense. Although the specific term of imprisonment may vary depending on your unique charges, the jurisdiction and various other factors, we have included some basic guidelines regarding the sentencing that a defendant may face:

• First conviction - up to 6 months in jail.
  • With blood alcohol concentration of %.15 or greater/minor in the vehicle - up to 9 months.
• Second conviction - up to 9 months in jail.
  • With blood alcohol concentration of %.15 or greater/minor in the vehicle - up to 12 months.
  • Conviction within 5 years of previous offense - 10-day mandatory imprisonment.
• Third conviction - up to 12 months in jail.
  • Conviction within 10 years of previous offenses - 30-day mandatory imprisonment.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction - up to 5 years in prison.
• Accident causing property damage or injury- up to 1 year in jail.
• Accident causing serious bodily injury - up to 5 years in prison.
• DUI manslaughter - up to 15 years in prison.
• DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene- up to 30 years in prison.

Helping You Avoid Imprisonment after a DUI Arrest

Make sure you have the best opportunity of avoiding imprisonment in jail or prison in conjunction with a DUI conviction. With an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney at your side, you have the invaluable chance to challenge your charges and possibly avoid a conviction altogether. At the very least, your lawyer can work to help you avoid incarceration so you do not have to spend time behind bars.

Schedule a confidential consultation and case review and find out how we can help you avoid imprisonment. Contacta a Tampa DUI attorney at Thomas & Paulk today.