Arrested for DUI? Contact us today and schedule your free consultation
In Florida, cases of driving under the influence (DUI) are very serious. The potential consequences of a DUI can complicate your life for years to come and may even affect where you are able to live and work. An arrest or conviction for DUI can result in fines, prison time, and the loss of the right to drive. If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, contact the law firm of Meacham & Clark, LLC.
Call us today to get started on your defense strategy.
What happens to my Driver’s License?
According to Florida’s 10-Day Rule, you could only have 10 days to request an administrative hearing with the DMV to put a stop to your license suspension.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will automatically suspend your driver’s license in ten days after your arrest. The administrative suspension will be for either:
- refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, or
- for driving with a breath test result of .08 or more
That means, that after you are arrested for DUI, you have only 10 daysin which to schedule a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This hearing is your only opportunity to fight the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This suspension is regardless of what is going on with your criminal DUI case.
Our Attorneys can represent you at the administrative hearing and advocate on your behalf before the DHSMV.
What is Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) occurs when a person is driving or is in actual physical control of a vehicle and:
- The person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired.
- The person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
- The person has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
What are the DUI Penalties in Florida?
The penalties for DUI can be very harsh, including fines, license suspension, probation, and possible jail time. DUI penalties can increase, depending on the severity of the crime. Severe DUI offenses may involve property damage, personal injury, repeat offenses, serious bodily injury, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
The penalties for DUI in Florida are as follows:
First DUI Offense
Fine of $500 – $1,000
Jail sentence of up to 6 months or probation for up to a year
Mandatory 50 hours of community service or additional $10 fine for each hour of community service required
Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
License revocation for a minimum of 6 months
Second DUI Offense
Fine of $1,000 – $2,000
Jail sentence of up to 9 months
Minimum sentence of 10 days if convicted within 5 years of a first offense
Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
License revocation for a minimum of 6 months
5-year revocation if convicted within 5 years of a first offense
Third DUI Offense
Fine of $1,000 – $2,500
Fine of $2,000 – $5,000 if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
Jail sentence of up to 12 months
Minimum sentence of 30 days if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
Vehicle impoundment for 90 days if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
License revocation for 5 years
10-year revocation if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
Fourth DUI Offense
Minimum fine of $1,000
Jail sentence of up to 5 years
Mandatory permanent license revocation (not eligible for hardship license)
If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, contact the law firm of Meacham & Clark, LLC for knowledgeable and experienced representation.
Call 888 275 8206 or contact us online for a FREE consultation! We speak Spanish.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE RESOURCES
CLERK OF COURTS
Brevard Clerk of Courts
Seminole Clerk of Courts
Volusia Clerk of Courts
Indian River Clerk of Courts
INMATE SEARCH
Brevard County
Seminole County
Volusia County
Indian River County