Michael J. Griffith, P.A.

Call For A Free Consultation 24/7 – 850-433-9922

Text Us – 850-712-6301

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Personal Injury
    • Family Law
  • About
    • Michael J. Griffith
    • News and Articles
  • Client Resources
    • Court Resources
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Client Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact
Michael J. Griffith, P.A.

Free Consultation 24/7 – 850-433-9922

Text Us – 850-712-6301

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Personal Injury
    • Family Law
  • About
    • Michael J. Griffith
    • News and Articles
  • Client Resources
    • Court Resources
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Client Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact

What are the consequences of a DUI charge?

On behalf of Michael J. Griffith, P.A. | Mar 30, 2020 | Uncategorized |

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense. When a person operates a vehicle after having a few drinks, they could face criminal charges. If a person’s blood alcohol level (BAL) is .08 or higher, they are considered impaired and incapable of properly operating a motor vehicle.

Drunk or drugged drivers are a danger to themselves and others. Drunk drivers are often involved in car accidents. If an intoxicated driver is lucky enough to avoid a collision, they are not in the clear. Law enforcement can stop and apprehend an inebriated driver.

First-time DUI penalties in Florida

For a first-time DUI offender, who doesn’t cause any property damage or harm another person, the penalties are:

  • At least $500 yet no more than $1,000
  • If there was a minor in the vehicle, or if the person’s BAL was higher than .15, there may be an additional $1,000 to $2,000 fee
  • Up to six months in a penitentiary
  • Up to nine months imprisonment if a minor was present or the person’s BAL was higher than .15
  • Driver’s license revocation for a minimum of 180 days, with a maximum of one year

The police will impound the driver’s vehicle and arrest the driver. If a drunk driver harms or kills anyone, the consequences will be much more severe.

How can an attorney help you?

Often, people elect not to fight DUI charges, which is a mistake in most cases. Whether law enforcement made a mistake, or the driver is facing reckless endangerment or manslaughter charges, every person deserves a strong defense.

In many DUI cases, the offender is remorseful or simply didn’t realize they were over the legal limit. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the DUI charge, it may be wise to minimize the repercussions; an experienced criminal defense attorney can do just that.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Recent Posts

  • Subsequent DUIs result in harsher penalties
  • Admissibility issues with certain evidence
  • A woman has been charged with stealing lottery tickets
  • Common drunk driving defenses
  • The role fatigue plays in truck accidents

Archives

  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020

Categories

  • Criminal Defense
  • Defendant rights
  • DUI
  • Firm News
  • Personal Injury
  • Uncategorized

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

FindLaw Network

How Can We Help?

Office Location

Michael J. Griffith, P.A.
304 E Government Street
Pensacola, FL 32502

Phone: 850-433-9922
Map & Directions

Located in Pensacola, Florida, the law firm of Michael J. Griffith, P.A., represents people in Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle area, including Gulf Breeze, Pace, Milton, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Cantonment, Crestview, De Funiak Springs, Panama City, Jay, Century, Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, Walton County and Bay County, Florida.
Review The Firm
  • Follow

© 2021 Michael J. Griffith, P.A.. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters