Florida DUI Penalties, Sanctions or Punishments
After a DUI arrest one of the first question many people as is "What are the possible sanctions I'm facing?" The answer to this question depends on the particular way that the criminal charge against you is charged. For DUI offenses, the State of Florida imposes certain mandatory minimum requirements.
Contact a criminal defense and DUI attorney at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss the possible criminal criminal penalties, sanctions, and punishments that you are facing under the particular facts of your case for any DUI arrest in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL.
Florida Statutory Minimum Mandatory Requirements
The minimum mandatory requirements provided by the Florida Statute are the minimum punishments that will be imposed by the Court in every case without exception. These minimum mandatory requirements depend on the particular charge for which you are convicted. Of course, the particular charge can often be negotiated with the prosecutor prior to entering the plea.
As you will see by visiting the links below, the minimum mandatory are more severe than most people would expect. Also keep in mind that the Court can imposes a sentence that is harsher than the minimum mandatory.
The information provided here about possible punishments is a general overview of Florida's DUI laws. For specific information pertaining to your particular facts and circumstances, contact a Tampa DUI Attorney at the Sammis Law Firm in Hillsborough County, FL. Call 813-250-0500 for more information.
Click on the link below for more information related to your particular DUI charge:
Jail Time or Imprisonment
Under Florida law, the Court may allow the the time an individual spends in a residential drug abuse treatment center or alcoholism program to be credited toward the term of imprisonment or jail time. Florida Statutes Section 316.193(2)(a), 2, 4(b), (6)(j).
- First DUI Conviction: Up to six (6) months. Penalty enhanced up to nine (9) months if the BAL was .15 or over or if a minor was in the vehicle.
- Second DUI Conviction within 5 years: Up to nine (9) months. Penalty enhanced up to twelve (12) months if the BAL was over .15 or if a minor was in the vehicle with at least 10 days mandatory jail time or imprisonment. Forty-eight (48) hours of the confinement must be served at one time or consecutive.
- Third DUI Conviction: At least thirty (30) days of mandatory jail time or imprisonment if the third conviction was within 10 years of the second conviction. If the third conviction is more than 10 years after the second conviction, then the jail or imprison term is up to 12 months.
- Fourth or Subsequent Felony DUI Conviction: Up to five (5) years or longer if provided by Florida Statute Section 775.084 as a violent / habitual offender.
DUI Fine Schedule
Pursuant to Florida Statute Section 316.193(2)(a) through (b), the following fines can be imposed after a DUI conviction.
- First DUI Conviction: Between $500 and $1,000. Enhanced fines between $1,000 to $2,000 if the BAL (blood or breath alcohol level) was .15 or higher or if a minor was in the vehicle.
- Second DUI Conviction: Between $1,000 and $2,000. Enhanced fines between $2,000 and $4,000 if the BAL was .15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle.
- Third DUI Conviction outside of 10 years: Between $2,000 and $5,000. Enhanced fines of not less than $4,000 if the BAL was .15 or higher of if a minor under the age of 18 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
- Fourth DUI Conviction (mandatory felony): Fines cannot be less than $2,000.
Driver's License Suspension after a DUI Conviction
Period of Probation after a DUI Conviction
After a DUI conviction in Hillsborough County, FL, the Court is required to impose a period of monthly reporting probation of not less than 6 months or more than 12 months.
Period of Vehicle Impoundment or Immobilization after a DUI Conviction
After a DUI conviction in Hillsborough County, FL, the Court is required to impose a period of vehicle impoundment or immobilization after a DUI conviction.
Conclusion
Call a Tampa DUI Lawyer at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss the particular facts and circumstances of your DUI case in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida.