1. What are the most common penalties for a first time DUI offender in Florida?

For a first time offender with a BAC level of .08% up to .149% will have to pay $500 to $1,000 in fines, plus court costs. For a BAC level of .15% or greater the fine amount increases to $1,000 to $2,000, plus court costs. A jail sentence of up to 9 months for a BAC of .15% or greater. Possible probation period of up to 1-year total including time served in jail.

There is a mandatory 50 hours of community service or $10 for every hour not served for first time offenders. Your license will be suspended for 180 days if you submitted to a chemical test. Test refusal results in a 1-year license suspension. First time offenders must complete DUI School before being granted a hardship license reinstatement. Your vehicle will be impounded for 10 days.

2. If I live in another state, what will happen to my driver’s license?

It is common for someone to wonder what will happen to their driver’s license if they get arrested for a DUI in Florida, but live in another state. Being arrested for a DUI offense in Florida is a very serious offense and is going to have an effect on your driver’s license in your home state. The license suspension you would have been facing if you were a Florida resident will follow you to your home state. The suspension period you will face in your home state could actually be longer than the Florida suspension depending on your state’s laws. That is why it is very important to contact a DUI lawyer who is experienced in your state’s DUI laws.

3. What will happen if I get arrest for a second offense DUI in Florida?

The fine amount for a BAC of .149% or less will be up to $2,000 or up to $4,000 for a BAC level of .15% or greater. Up to 9 months in jail for a BAC of .149% or less with a minimum jail sentence of 48 hours. Up to 12 months in jail for a BAC level of .15% or greater, or having a minor in the vehicle at the time. If the second offense occurs within 5 years of a previous offense there is a mandatory 10 day jail sentence.

A driver’s license suspension of 180 days up to 1-year as long as the second offense did not occur within 5 years of a previous offense. If the second offense occurred within 5-years of a previous offense your license will be revoked for at least 5-years. You may be eligible for a hardship license after 1-year of the revocation has lapsed.

4. What happens if someone was killed because of my driving under the influence?

If your Florida DUI results in the death of another person you will be facing either a DUI Manslaughter charge or a Vehicular Homicide charge, which are both Second Degree Felony charges. The penalties for either charge include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.

5. What happens if an 18 year old is arrested for DUI in Florida?

In the state of Florida it is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .02% or greater. Someone under 21 will face a 6 month driver’s license suspension for having a BAC level of .02% or greater. If the minor has a BAC level of .08% or greater they will be facing the same charges and penalties as someone over the age of 21 would face for the same crime.

6. Is it possible to represent myself in a DUI case in Florida?

You may represent yourself in your DUI case, but it is not advised. Florida DUI laws are very complex and it takes many years of experience to be successful. Arguing a DUI case in court requires a lot of knowledge and skill that a person is just not going to acquire by reading a few articles.

7. What will happen to my insurance rates if I get a Florida DUI?

Once your insurance company finds out about the DUI, one of two things will happen. They are either going to raise your rates extremely high or they will cancel your policy all together because of the DUI. The Florida DMV is going to require you file what is known as an SR-22 form with them before they will issue you a hardship license or before reinstating your license following your suspension period. You will also be required to maintain your SR-22 filing with the DMV for a period of 3-years.

8. How do I get my suspended license back for getting a DUI in Florida?

First time offenders will be able to obtain a hardship license after the first 30 days of their suspension period has lapsed. The hardship license will allow you to drive to and from work or school during certain specified hours during the week. First time offenders whose BAC level was .15% or greater will also be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before being issued a hardship license.

9. Will a DUI affect my ability to find employment?

A DUI conviction in Florida cannot be expunged from a person’s criminal record. It will remain on the record for life. If a potential employer performs background checks on future employees, they will see the DUI conviction.

10. Can I drive while my license is suspended?

The only way you may legally drive while your license is suspended is if the Florida DMV grants you a hardship license. Getting caught driving while your license is suspended without having a hardship license will lead to a longer suspension period and additional jail time.