Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In the state of Florida, law enforcement officers reserve the right to make a traffic stop anytime they have reasonable suspicion a law has been broken. It is usually during these traffic stops that officers detect the smell of alcohol and begin a DUI investigation.Some traffic stops are specifically targeted at suspected DUI drivers. Certain driving behaviors are indicative of intoxication, such as: speeding, swerving, ignoring traffic signs, and/or erratic stopping. When law enforcement officers observe these behaviors on the road, they will most likely make a "DUI traffic stop," and attempt to look for further physical and mental signs of impairment.
Law enforcement officers will usually ask possible DUI offenders to consent to a voluntary breath alcohol test and field sobriety tests to determine if the person should be arrested for DUI. If the person is believed to be under the influence, law enforcement will immediately arrest the person, and the criminal process will begin. For example, if a person consents to the breath alcohol test, and his/her test result is 0.08% or higher, he/she will be placed under arrest. Once a person has been arrested for DUI, he/she may feel devastated and without hope. Being arrested is an extremely frightening experience that can alter a person’s life for years to come.
All too often, people are under the assumption that they do not have many legal options after they have been arrested for DUI in Florida. However, this could not be further from the truth. People do have legal options after they have been arrested for DUI, and they are in fact innocent until proven guilty.
In order to protect their rights and best interests, people who have been charged with DUI should always do everything possible to obtain the services of a qualified and experienced DUI defense attorney. A DUI defense lawyer can immensely change the outcome of a person’s case for the better by utilizing reliable resources, looking into all of the person’s legal options, and providing upstanding representation throughout the entire legal process.
Florida DUI Penalties
If you have been charged with DUI in Florida, it is imperative that you consult with a professional criminal defense attorney immediately. If convicted of DUI, you can be sentenced with jail time, fines, probation, community service, and mandatory drug/alcohol treatment. Additionally, your vehicle may be impounded and you may lose your Florida driving privileges. With the legal consequences being so adverse, you cannot afford to be without representation from a skilled DUI defense lawyer, like the lawyers at The Law Office of Lowell J. Kuvin.
Below is a list of standard legal penalties for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th DUI offenses:
1st DUI Offense
- 0-6 months jail time
- $250 - $1,000 in monetary fines
- 6 months – 1 year driver’s license suspension
- up to 1 year probation
- up to 50 hours of community service
- DUI school
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible vehicle interlock device (dependent upon blood alcohol concentration)
2nd DUI Offense
- 10 days – 9 months jail time
- $500 - $2,000 in monetary fines
- approximately 5 years driver’s license suspension
- up to 1 year probation
- up to 50 hours of community service
- DUI school
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible vehicle interlock device (dependent upon blood alcohol concentration)
3rd DUI Offense – FELONY
- 30 days – 5 years jail time
- $1,000 - $5,000 in monetary fines
- approximately 10 years driver’s license suspension
- up to 5 years probation
- up to 50 hours of community service
- DUI school
- vehicle impoundment
- vehicle interlock device
4th Offense – FELONY
- up to 5 years jail time
- $1,000 - $5,000 in monetary fines
- permanent driver’s license suspension
- up to 5 years probation
- up to 50 hours of community service
- DUI school
- vehicle impoundment
- vehicle interlock device
Your Defense Starts By Contacting Us!
The sooner you contact our office the sooner we can start your defense. In order to put pressure on the State Attorney's Office we move very quickly and file the necessary paperwork to preserve your rights. Those rights include your right to continue driving during the duration of your case and your right to a speedy trial.The State of Florida will automatically suspend your driver’s license 10 days after the date of your DUI arrest unless you request a special administrative hearing.
From Your First Hearing to Trial
From your first hearing to your jury trial our office will be there for you; using every possible resource for your defense. Our office is always available to speak with you about your case and your attorney will promptly return return your phone calls.We understand the stress and uncertainty that is associated with being arrested and we will help you to understand your options. |