Nothing will turn your life upside down quite like a DUI in Florida. These cases are prosecuted extremely aggressively even before the case reaches the courthouse. Once you are arrested for DUI you will be fighting 2 separate cases simultaneously. The first case happens immediately and it is against the DMV. The DMV will suspend your driver license for a period of 6 months for a first offense if your breath alcohol level is over the legal limit, and 1 year if you refuse to provide a breath sample.
The amount of information thrown at you when you are arrested for DUI is astounding! Overwhelming feelings of helplessness, confusion and fear are very common. This is why you should reach out to the attorneys at the office of Attorney Grant Schwarz . We have been representing clients since 1979 and we are available 24 hours a day to speak to you regarding your DUI case. While any DUI charge is potentially a very big problem but you also need to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
As if the arrest for DUI wasn’t bad enough, a conviction for DUI will have very serious consequences on your life, career, relationships and future. The system starts working against you the minute you are arrested. Contact a Broward County DUI Lawyer today.
Types of DUI Offenses
While you simply face charges right now, if you are convicted of drunk driving, Florida DUI law provides for jail time in certain circumstances. In serious DUI cases, such as DUI property damage, DUI bodily injury or DUI manslaughter a conviction will most likely result in you spending time incarcerated in county jail or even state prison. Even a first time offenders face a maximum of up to 6 months in jail. Due to the severe consequences the State of Florida has put into place for a DUI, it is important to take action immediately to protect yourself against the potentially severe penalties of a conviction on your record. Some DUI offenses include:
- DUI
- DUI Property Damage
- DUI Bodily Injury DUI
- DUI 2nd or 3rd Offense
- DUI Felony Level
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury
- DUI Manslaughter (Fatality)
Whichever type or degree of DUI charge you or your loved one is currently facing, if convicted you will receive a permanent mark on your criminal record. The State of Florida does not permit convictions for DUI to be expunged or sealed form your record. The best decision you can make is to contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately to start protecting your rights from the very first consultation! Attorney Grant Schwarz has been representing DUI defendants since 1979 and knows what it takes to formulate a strong and effective defense on your behalf. Call right now to speak to an attorney, 800-403-3887. We guarantee you will speak to a lawyer and get all the information you need to start defending your case.
Penalties for a DUI Charge in Florida
DUI First Offense
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- Maximum 6 months in jail
- Minimum 6 months probation – Maximum 1 year
- MinimumFine of $500 – Maximum $1,000
- Mandatory 50 hours of community service
- Level 1 DUI School
- 10 days vehicle immobilization
- Minimum 6 month Driver License Suspension – 12 month maximum
- *6 month minimum engine interlock device (for breath over .15)
DUI Second Offense within 5 years
- Minimum 10 days Jail – Maximum 1 year (if DUI involves crash)
- Maximum 1 year probation
- Minimum Fine of $1,000 – Maximum $4,000
- Level 2 DUI School
- Vehicle immobilization minimum 30 days
- License revocation for 5 years
- Engine Interlock 1 year minimum – 2 year maximum
DUI Second Offense outside of 5 years
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- Maximum 9 months in Jail – 1 year if Crash
- Maximum 1 year probation
- Minimum $1,000 Fine – $2,000 Maximum
- Minimum 6 month Driver License Suspension – 12 month maximum
- Level 2 DUI School
- Vehicle immobilization minimum 30 days
- License revocation for a minimum of 6 months – 1 year maximum
- Engine Interlock 1 year minimum – 2 year maximum
Third Offense
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- Minimum 30 days Jail – Maximum 5 years
- Maximum 5 years probation
- Minimum $2,000 Fine – $5,000 Maximum
- Minimum 6 month Driver License Suspension – 12 month maximum
- Level 2 DUI School
- Vehicle immobilization minimum 90 days
- License revocation for 10 years
- Engine Interlock 1 year minimum – 2 year minimum
Felony DUI’s:
- DUI Recidivist Offender (4 or more DUI’s) – 3rd DegreeFelony Penalties: Up to 5 years of probation, 5 years prison and fine of $5,000.
- DUI Manslaughter – 2nd Degree Felony Penalties – Up to 15 years of probation, 15 years prison and fines up to $10,000 and Lifetime Revocation of Drivers License.
- Manslaughter/Leaving the Scene—First Degree Felony Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison, up to 30 years of Probation, Fines of up to $10,000 and lifetime revocation of Driver License.
Along with these consequences, you may have to face others that include installation of and paying a monthly fee for an Ignition Interlock Device as well as completion of DUI School along with attending and paying for any recommended follow up treatment. Conviction for DUI can have disastrous effects on your present and future ability to find a job. Loss of work is usually the first and most significant effect an arrest or DUI conviction has on a person. This can create a downward spiral effect on that person’s life from lack of income on top of the thousands of costs and fees associated with a DUI.
Further, South Florida is not known for its stellar public transportation services. Talk to anyone who has had to deal with getting around without a car and you will hear horror stories of late busses, expensive taxi rides. This is in addition to the inconvenience it will cause your family, friends and loved ones when you are constantly in need of a ride.
Contact a Broward County DUI Attorney
DUI is a crime that everyone with a car is capable of committing. It affects the wealthy, poor, young, old, professionals, laborers, doctors, lawyers and even Judges! Just read the local newspaper from time to time. Nobody wants to face charges of DUI or any other crime for that matter.
Since 1979 the Law Office of Attorney Grant Schwarz has been representing DUI clients. We believe in tirelessly seeking opportunities to avoid a DUI on your record. We leave no stone unturned while investigating your case and we will make sure you are informed of everything involving your case.
Your life, career and education depend on it. Do not leave your rights to an inexperienced lawyer who is only interested in increasing his/her case count. Take the time to speak to an experienced attorney today, call 954-620-8320 to speak to a lawyer today and tell your side of the story. We will do everything possible under the law to protect you and fight for your rights.
