Titusville DUI Defense Lawyers

Penalties for DUI Conviction in Florida

In Florida, the penalties for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction can vary depending on several factors, including the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are the general penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida:

First DUI Conviction

• Fine: The fine can range from $500 to $1,000.
• License Suspension: The driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of 180 days up to one year.
• Probation: A period of probation may be imposed, typically for up to one year.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): The court may require the installation of an IID for a minimum of six months if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.15% or higher or if there was a minor in the vehicle.
• Community Service: The court may order a mandatory 50 hours of community service.
• DUI School: Completion of a DUI school, which is a substance abuse education and treatment program, is mandatory.

Second DUI Conviction

• Fine: The fine can range from $1,000 to $2,000.
• License Suspension: The driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of five years if the second offense occurs within five years of the prior conviction.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): The court may require the installation of an IID for a minimum of one year.
• Probation: A period of probation may be imposed, typically for up to one year.
• Mandatory Imprisonment: There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days, which can be increased to nine months if the second offense occurs within five years of the prior conviction.
• DUI School: Completion of a DUI school is mandatory.

Third DUI Conviction

• Fine: The fine can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
• License Suspension: The driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of ten years if the third offense occurs within ten years of the prior conviction.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): The court may require the installation of an IID for a minimum of two years.
• Mandatory Imprisonment: There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days, which can be increased to five years if the third offense occurs within ten years of the prior conviction.
• DUI School: Completion of a DUI school is mandatory.

Our Titusville DUI defense attorneys can help you fight your charges and try to get your penalties reduced. We know how to challenge the state's evidence, and we know how to negotiate with the prosecutor to try to get your penalties reduced.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests in FL

There are three types of field sobriety tests that the police may use to try to prove that you are driving under the influence of alcohol:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
• Walk and Turn Test
• One-Leg Stand Test

Challenging a Breath or Blood Test

If you have been pulled over and the police have probable cause to believe that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, they may try to administer a breath or blood test. If you refuse to take this test, the state may try to use your refusal against you in court. However, if you take the test and fail, you may be able to use the results against the state in court.

Both the field sobriety tests and breath and blood tests are not 100% accurate, and the police must follow specific procedures when administering them. If they fail to follow these procedures, our Titusville DUI attorneys may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced.

• For example, the police must have the suspect stand in a straight line, and they must administer the tests in a controlled environment.
• For example, the police must have the suspect stand in a straight line, and they must administer the test in a controlled environment.