Harsh Consequences for DUI Conviction in South Florida and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida has some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country. If you are convicted of a DUI offense in Florida, you cannot have it expunged or sealed. It will remain on your record for 75 years. The judge can impose a wide range of minimum and maximum penalties.
Having a top-rated Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney on your side will make or break your case.
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Jail Time Penalties for a Florida DUI Conviction
Even first-time offenders can find themselves facing jail time if convicted of a DUI.
While every case is different and your sentence will be based on the unique factors of your situation, the general guidelines include:
First-offense DUI in Florida
- Up to six months confinement if you refuse a breath test or if you register a blood alcohol level (BAC) below .15 and no car crash.
- Up to nine months in jail if you have a BAC of .15 or higher or were driving with a minor in the vehicle.
- Up to 12 months in jail for a DUI car crash
Second-offense DUI in Florida
- If your second DUI arrest is within five years of your first DUI conviction, you face a minimum of 10 days in jail upon conviction of your second DUI. The judge has discretion to substitute a residential rehab program instead of jail time.
- If your second DUI arrest is more than five years after your first DUI conviction, and if you either refused a blood or breath test or else you registered a BAC below .15 and had no car crash, then you face a maximum of nine months in jail. There is no minimum jail time.
- If your second DUI arrest is more than five years after your first DUI conviction, and if either you had a BAC of .15 or higher or else were driving with a minor in the vehicle, then you face a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail. There is no minimum jail time.
Third-offense DUI in Florida
- If your third DUI arrest is within 10 years of your two other DUI convictions, there is a 30 day minimum jail time upon conviction of your third DUI.
- If your third DUI arrest is more than 10 years after your two other DUI convictions, there is no minimum jail time and a maximum of 12 months in jail.
Forth-offense (or more) DUI in Florida
- If you are convicted of a fourth DUI, it doesn’t matter how long ago the previous offenses were. This is a felony offense. You will be sentenced to confinement in Florida state prison for up to five years and you will have convicted felon status from that point.
RELATED: 7 Rules you Need to know to Survive a Florida DUI – (FREE instant-download booklet)
Florida DUI Convictions Affect Your Driving Privileges
Even those found guilty of driving under the influence for the first time can find themselves facing the loss of driving privileges.
Driver’s license suspensions are handed down immediately following an arrest, and the consequence can continue for a period of months or years. The guidelines include:
First offense:
- Minimum six months suspension; maximum one year.
Second offense
- If your second arrest is within five years of your first DUI conviction, the suspension will be for a minimum of five years, with the possibility of a hardship license after one year. If your second arrest is more than five years after your first DUI conviction, the suspension will be for a minimum of six months.
Third offense
- Minimum 10 years suspension. You may be eligible for hardship reinstatement after two years
Fourth offense
- Permanent revocation with no eligibility for a hardship reinstatement.
Fines and Fees Associated with a Florida DUI Conviction
In addition to the other consequences, there are financial penalties for a DUI conviction. If convicted, individuals can expect to pay fines that increase based on their past history and level of impairment. The fines are:
First offense:
- $500 to $1,000. If a minor is in the vehicle or BAC is .15 or higher, the fines increase to $1,000 to $2,000.
Second offense:
- $1,000 to $2,000. If a minor is in the vehicle or BAC is .15 or higher, the fines increase to $2,000 to $4,000.
Third offense:
- $2,000 to $5,000. If a minor is in the vehicle or BAC is .15 or higher, the fines will be $4,000 to $5,000.
Fourth offense:
- Not less than $2,000.
Ignition Interlock Systems for Florida DUI
Ignition interlock devices are mechanical devices that attach to a car to ensure that the driver is not drinking while (or before) driving. Before the vehicle’s motor can be started, the driver must first give a breath sample by breathing into the device.
If the results show that the driver has alcohol on his or her breath, the device prevents the engine from being started.
First offense
- An ignition interlock is not required for a refusal or a BAC below .15, but if the BAC was .15 or higher, the driver must use an interlock for at least six months.
Second offense
- An ignition interlock is required for a minimum of one year for a BAC below .15, and a minimum of two years at .15 or higher.
Third offense
- A minimum of two years using an ignition interlock system.
Fourth offense
- A minimum of two years using an ignition interlock system.
Community Service Requirements for Florida DUI Penalties
If this is your first DUI conviction, you must participate in a minimum of 50 hours of community service or pay an additional fine of $10 for each hour of required community service.
If this is your second or subsequent DUI conviction, there is no minimum amount of community service required; any community service is entirely within the discretion of the judge.
Vehicle Immobilization with Florida DUIs
Unless the family of someone convicted of a DUI offense has no other transportation, state law provides for the impoundment or immobilization of all of the offender’s vehicles according to the following schedule:
First DUI conviction:
- 10 days
Second DUI conviction within five years:
- 30 days
Third DUI conviction within 10 years:
- 90 days
Fourth DUI conviction:
- 90 days
DUI School and Education Programs
DUI School is mandatory for every DUI offense. DUI School is made up of classroom sessions and referral treatment. In the 12-hour level one class, a client is taught how alcohol affects driving and how to be more responsible in the future. All first offenders are sent to the level one class. The 21-hour level two class is reserved for repeat offenders and those convicted of DUI manslaughter or DUI with serious bodily injury.
Each client also goes through a screening process to determine if there is a need for additional drug or alcohol counseling. The client has 90 days from the completion of a class to enroll in treatment.
Failing to complete DUI school or any recommended follow-up treatment will result in a hold being placed on the offender’s driver’s license record. He or she will not be able to reinstate his or her license if these matters are not completed and properly reported to the state authorities
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To learn more download our FREE booklet: 7 Rules you need to know to survive a Florida DUI. You can also learn about 8 common Florida DUI Myths (dubunked by DUI lawyers) here.
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Rossen Law Firm Offices:
- Fort Lauderdale: (754) 206-6200
- Sunrise: (754) 999-2499
- Boca Raton: (561) 880-8181
