Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is most commonly associated with alcohol, but also covers drug use as well. The State of Florida defines a DUI crime as physically controlling a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol during which your normal faculties, being able to see, hear, walk, balance, and talk, are impaired. You can also be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit of .08. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact our Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer for help on your case.
DUI is a serious offense, especially in South Florida. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you face the possible penalties.
First Offense
- $500-2000.00 fine depending on circumstances (If there was a minor present or if your BAC was higher than .08, you’re likely to pay a larger penalty).
- 6-month maximum prison sentence
- Community service of up to 50 hours.
- 10-day vehicle impoundment
- Driver license revoked by up to one year.
Second Offense
- $1000-4000.00 fine depending on circumstances (if there was a minor present or if your BAC exceeded .08, you’re likely to pay a larger fee)
- 9-month maximum prison sentence (12 months if there was minor present or if your BAC was higher than .08)
- If this is your second DUI offense within 5 years, you’ll have a mandatory jail sentence of 10 days.
- 30 day vehicle impoundment if this is your second offense within 5 years.
- Risk of revoking driver license for up to 5 years if it’s your second offence within 5 years.
Third Offense
- $2000-$5000.00 fine depending on circumstances (if there was a minor present or if your BAC exceeded .08, you’re more likely to pay a larger fee)
- 1 year maximum prison sentence (mandatory 30 day sentence if it’s your third conviction within 10 years)
- 90 day vehicle impoundment if this is your third DUI offense within 10 years.
- Risk of driver license revoked for minimum of 10 years depending on previous convictions
Fourth Offense
- $2000.00 minimum fine
- Prison sentence of up to 5 years
- Driver License revoked
As shown above, a DUI charge in South Florida is serious and the penalties severe. Penalties are even more severe if damage to property is done while you’re under the influence and even more severe if you injure or cause the death of someone. If you’ve been charged with a DUI in South Florida, time is of the essence. You need to act quickly and contact the Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorneys at Seidman Law.
Whether you’re a first time offender or repeat offender, the stakes are high. A DUI charge will affect you for the rest of your life. DUI cases are complicated and technical and it’s important to immediately contact a South Florida DUI lawyer to help you with your case. At Seidman Law, our DUI lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have handled hundreds of DUI cases and have the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful DUI Defense.
