Florida DUI Information
DUI, which is shorthand for "driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances or controlled substances," is a serious offense in any state, and Florida is no exception. Strict penalties are in place for those who are convicted of DUI in Florida, and getting your driver's license reinstated isn't automatic. If you are facing a DUI charge, you should consult a qualified attorney to represent you in the case.
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Fines
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A fine of $500 to $2,000 will be imposed for the first DUI conviction, depending on the exact blood or breath alcohol level. A fine of $1,000 to $4,000 will be imposed for the second DUI conviction, again depending on your impairment when arrested. A fine of $2,000 to $5,000 will be imposed for the third DUI conviction that happens more than 10 years after the second. An individual who has a third DUI conviction within 10 years--or those who have been convicted of a fourth or subsequent DUI--face a penalty of $2,000 to $5,000.
License Suspension
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For the first DUI conviction, your driver's license is suspended for 180 days to one year. You'll lose your license for five years for the second DUI conviction within five years. Second DUI convictions after five years face a suspension period of 180 days to one year. A suspension period of 10 years is imposed for the third DUI conviction that happens with 10 years of the second conviction. Your license will be permanently revoked on the fourth DUI conviction, regardless of when your other convictions occurred.
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Incarceration
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You'll serve a jail sentence of no more than nine months for the first DUI conviction and a jail sentence of no more than 12 months for the second, though these sentences are not mandatory. A second DUI conviction within five years of the first will result in a mandatory 10 days in jail. For the third DUI conviction, you will serve a mandatory jail sentence of 30 days. A third DUI conviction that happens 10 years after the second conviction will be limited to 12 months. Fourth or subsequent DUI offenses will result in a sentence of no more than five years.
Other Penalties
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Those who are convicted of their first DUI offense face a mandatory 50 hours of community service as well as a probationary period of no more than one year, including incarceration.
DUI Program
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You'll be required to attend a Florida DUI program if you are convicted of a DUI offense. Level 1 classes, meant for first-time offenders, consist of 12 hours of classroom instruction. Level 2 classes, meant for repeat offenders, consist of 21 hours of classroom instruction. Your specific course must be completed in its entirety before a driver's license will be reinstated.
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References
Resources
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