Accusations of DUI and DWI in Florida are serious, dangerous and require experienced lawyers who are on your side to challenge each and every aspect of the states case against you. Call for a free consultation!
Belleair Shore, Florida
Belleair Shore DUI
Defense Lawyers
Our Belleair Shore DUI Services
You have too much at stake to try to tackle your DUI case on your own. Contact our law firm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Types of DUI’s we handle at Fletcher & Fletcher
First offense DUI
No prior DUI offenses and no aggravating circumstances such as damage to property, injury to another or death. It also means your breath or blood alcohol level was below a .15.
Second offense DUI
When you get a second DUI in Florida, you face severe consequences, including increased fines, mandatory jail time, and a longer driver’s license suspension. You must complete DUI school and may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Third offense DUI
The Florida maximum fine for a third DUI conviction, regardless of whether it is a felony, is $5,000
Fourth offense DUI or subsequent DUI
Penalties for a fourth DUI Florida conviction include: Jail sentencing from one day to up to five years. Having your driver’s license permanently revoked. Mandatory fines between $2,000 and $5,000.
Felony DUI
A DUI can be a felony if you’ve had multiple DUIs, caused severe injury or death, driving on revoked license, under influence in a school zone or had a minor in the car – to name a few. Results in mandatory jail time, hefty fines, ignition lock and loss of license.
DUI with serious bodily harm
This is a felony charge. The injury must be to another person and must involve permanent disfigurement or be a condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
Aggravated DUI
Aggravated DUI are DUI charges where there is a breath or blood alcohol level of a .15 or higher or where children are in the car.
Drugged driving
These are DUI cases where it is alleged that you were not impaired by alcohol, but rather illegal or prescribed medication.
DUI with property damage
This is a DUI charge where you damage someone else’s property while you were impaired. It is most often charged in cases where there is an auto accident.
DUI manslaughter
This charge is a felony. It is filed when someone dies as a result of impaired driving.
Commercial vehicle DUI
As a CDL driver you are held to a higher standard than that of a regularly licensed driver.
Under age DUI
If you are underage, and you are found to be drinking any amount of alcohol, you can face a DUI charge.
Boating under the influence
They are similar to DUI laws in that the “legal limit” is .08.
Florida Penalties for DUI Cases
Traffic safety is extremely important to law enforcement and agencies across Florida, and the penalties reflect that prioritization.
These penalties depend on the circumstances of your arrest, as well as whether you’ve had previous DUI convictions in the past.
1. First-Offense DUI in Florida
- Fine between $500–$1,000. (However, if your blood alcohol level was .15% or higher or you had a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be much higher.)
- Mandatory 50 hrs of community service.
- Sentencing of your jail time is at the court’s discretion but will not be more than 6 months for a first offense.
- Your license will be revoked for 180 days up to 1 year.
- If your BAC was .15% or more, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID) for 6 months, which is installed into the dashboard of your vehicle to test for alcohol before you start your car.
2. Second-Offense DUI in Florida
(within 5 years from the previous charge)
- Mandatory 10 days in jail.
- 5 year driver’s license revocation.
3. Third-Offense DUI in Florida
(within 10 years)
- 5 years in prison.
- Mandatory 10 year driver’s license revocation.
An individual with their fourth or subsequent DUI offense faces a potential felony conviction and up to five years in prison, as well as a permanent revocation of their drivers license.
Whether or not you have a prior criminal record, DUIs involving serious bodily injury or even death can trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences and enhanced sentence enhancements.
Implied Consent in Florida
The consequence on your license for a first refusal of a breath, blood, or urine test, comes with a 1-year driver’s license revocation. However, you can apply for a hardship license after 90 days from the date of a rest.
This is what is known as the implied consent law in Florida.
In other words, any person who accepts driving within the state of Florida, by operating a vehicle, automatically gives consent to lawful requests for breath or urine testing for drug or alcohol – and therefore accepts the responsibility if they are found to be in violation of the DUI laws.
What our Belleair Shore Client’s Say
Our Belleair Shore DUI Case Process
STEP TWO:
We’ll talk about your case and let you know if we can help
STEP THREE:
If we’re a good fit: we’ll get to work immediately, building the strongest possible case for you
We’ve taken hundreds of cases to trial.
We go to bat for each and every one of our clients, and will fight for you just as we would want someone to fight for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "blood alcohol level" limit in Florida?
In Florida, it is illegal to drive with a . 08% BAC (blood alcohol content) or higher if you are over 21 years old. If you are under 21, the legal BAC drops to . 02%, thanks to Florida’s zero tolerance policy.
Can I refuse a Breathalyzer in Florida?
You have the right to refuse a breathalyzer. However, under Florida’s implied consent law, refusal of this test can result in an immediate license suspension as well as a forced blood draw (in cases of accidents involving injuries).
Are breath test results always accurate?
Defendants may challenge the accuracy of Breathalyzer tests, either on general scientific grounds or specific issues like equipment calibration or operator error. If successfully challenged, other evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or field sobriety tests, may be needed.
What if I lose my license but continue to drive in Florida?
Driving Without a License or No Valid Driver’s License (often abbreviated as No Valid DL) is most commonly charged as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
What if I lose my license but continue to drive in Florida?
Driving Without a License or No Valid Driver’s License (often abbreviated as No Valid DL) is most commonly charged as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
What is the punishment for drunk driving in Florida?
Penalties for drunk driving can be severe, including fines and jail time, even for first offenders. The court might also consider the following:
- Probation
- Community service
- Mandatory counseling
Repeat offenses almost certainly increase the likelihood of jail time, and loss of driving privileges is common.
What is the best way to beat a drunk driving charge?
If charged with this offense, hiring an experienced Florida DUI defense lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case, potentially improving the terms or achieving a more favorable resolution.
Get Started on Your Belleair Shore DUI Case Today
In Florida, DUI charges are vigorously prosecuted, and a conviction can lead to severe penalties, including significant fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, it’s crucial to act decisively to protect your freedom and your future. Don’t navigate these challenges alone—our seasoned husband-and-wife team at Fletcher & Fletcher is here to guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and work tirelessly to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.
Contact us at 727-966-2749 today to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced DUI defense lawyers.
