Florida drivers convicted of more than one DUI offense face harsh consequences. These consequences can include steep fines, loss of license and even time in jail. Driving under the influence can also cause serious injury or death to the driver and others.
DUI offenses and corresponding penalties
With just one DUI conviction, a person can be charged a fee of up to $1,000. This is on top of any DUI defense attorney fees and court fees. The person also faces the possibility of incarceration for up to six months, vehicle impounding for up to 10 days, loss of driver’s license for up to one year and permanent loss of a professional driver’s license such as for Commercial Motor Vehicles.
Each subsequent DUI conviction carries more severe penalties. For example, a fourth DUI conviction holds a minimum $2,000 fee, incarceration for up to five years and permanent loss of driver’s license. Additional penalties at any number of DUI convictions can include:
- Required installation of ignition interlock device on the vehicle
- Requirement to attend DUI school
- Higher fees and longer incarceration if children were present in the vehicle or BAC was above 0.15
DUI crash with bodily injury or property damage
In the event that a DUI crash damaged personal property, the driver faces a first-degree misdemeanor including up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If a DUI crash caused the serious injury of another person, the driver faces a third-degree felony with up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
If the crash results in the death of another person, the driver can be charged with DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide. Both are second-degree felonies that can result in up to a $10,000 fine and 15 years in jail. If the driver leaves the scene of the accident, jail time can be increased to 30 years.
Being convicted of driving under the influence can result in many harsh penalties. A criminal defense attorney may help an individual accused of DUI understand their options, such as accepting a plea deal for reduced charges.
