What are the penalties for drunk driving in Florida?

On Behalf of | Nov 12, 2022 | Firm News

A single instance of drunk driving can have a major impact on multiple areas of your life. For example, the penalties for DUI in Florida include jail terms, fines, and other forms of punishment.

It is important for people in the state to understand these penalties and what they entail. Doing so ensures you know what to expect after a conviction, but it can also help you identify possible violations of your rights.

Jail time

Jail time usually depends on the number of prior offenses on record. For first offenses, the maximum possible term is six months. The maximum term for a second offense is nine months unless the previous offense happened within five years of the second. In this case, there is a mandatory 10-day term, with at least 48 hours of consecutive jail time.

Third offenses have a maximum term of 12 months if the previous conviction was ten or more years ago. If the previous conviction occurred within the last ten years, there is a mandatory 30-day term, with at least 48 hours of consecutive jail time. Extenuating circumstances, such as riding in a vehicle with a minor, can also increase terms regardless of previous offenses.

Fines

People convicted of DUIs will also face fines. Fines for first offenses range from $500 to $1,000, while second offenses can receive a fine between $1,000 and $2,000. As for third offenses occurring within ten years of the previous one, fines range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Subsequent offenses entail a fine of $2,000 or more. Fines can also elevate based on a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when it is .15% or greater.

Additional penalties

The police can also impound your vehicle after a conviction. For the first offense, the vehicle will remain in police custody for a period of ten days. As for second offenses that take place within five years of the prior one, the police will retain your vehicle for 30 days. When it comes to third offenses within a ten-year period of the previous one, the vehicle will remain in custody for 90 days.

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