Skip to Content
Top
DUI Penalties Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Florida's DUI Penalties

Put Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side

If you are facing charges for a DUI in Jacksonville, it is in your best interests to speak with a lawyer from our firm at your earliest convenience. The penalties for even a first-time DUI can have an extremely damaging effect on one's life. It takes a skilled lawyer that has extensive experience defending DUI offenses to effectively protect your rights. In the United States, drunk driving is a serious crime with serious consequences. Although the specific penalties for a DUI conviction vary from state to state, one thing remains the same: DUI penalties are harsh.

One of the penalties you could face after a DUI conviction is higher insurance rates. While a law will not mandate an insurance company raise your insurance rates, insurance companies will do this on their own. The reason insurance companies do this is to protect themselves. Those who have had prior accidents on their record are seen as at a higher risk to be involved in an accident again. Insurance companies have to pay for your accidents, so if you are at a higher risk for accident then you will likely be charged more for insurance. If you do not hire a qualified attorney, you are far more likely to face harsh penalties such as:

First DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)

  • Up to six months in jail (up to nine months in special circumstances);
  • Fines ranging between $500 and $2000;
  • Six month driver's license suspension;
  • At least 50 hours of community service;
  • Up to a year of probation;
  • Mandatory counseling;
  • Level One DUI School;
  • Higher insurance rates;
  • Victim Impact Panel;
  • Minimum 10 day vehicle impoundment;
  • Possible deportation for Non-U.S. citizens; and
  • Six month ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

Second DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)

  • Up to nine months in jail (twelve months in special circumstances);
  • Fines ranging between $1000 and $2000;
  • Up to a five year driver's license suspension;
  • Up to a year of probation;
  • Mandatory counseling;
  • Level Two DUI School;
  • Community service;
  • Impoundment of vehicle;
  • Two year ignition interlock device installation;
  • Higher insurance rates; and
  • Possible deportation for non-U.S. citizens.

Probation

Your first DUI conviction is punishable by one year of probation. According to Florida Statute § 948.001, probation refers to a form of community supervision. It involves specific contact with parole and probation officers and may include other terms as well. Different offenses may merit different types of probation. For instance, you may be sentenced to drug offender probation if convicted of a drug crime. Unlike normal probation, drug offender probation involves intense supervision and individualized treatment programs.

Continue Reading Read Less

Pick Porter™ Today!

Additional DUI offenses can bring felony charges. A felony DUI conviction could damage your future irreparably. In addition, if you are involved in an accident and allegedly intoxicated your need for high-quality legal representation becomes even more significant. Our firm has helped many clients to overcome these serious penalties and fought for their ability to continue driving. Having a conviction on your record can be severely damaging to your future.

Don't allow one mistake to alter your path in life. If you do not hire an experienced Jacksonville DUI attorney, you could be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Our DUI team has approximately 100 years of combined legal experience. In addition, we have a former Division Chief who supervised DUI prosecutions and a former DUI Hearing Officer from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on our side.

For a case review, contact us online or call (904) 701-0591.

  • A Guided, Hands-On Approach
    Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
  • A Compassionate Team
    Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
  • Extensive Experience
    Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
  • Award-Winning Counsel
    Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Trusted & Recommended
    Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
  • Top-Rated Attorneys
    Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "Mr. Porter was so nice and explained everything in a way that I could understand."

    When I got into an accident, I didn't think I needed a lawyer. However, everything was so confusing and the insurance company was being very pushy. Once I decided I needed to contact a lawyer, I wasn't sure who to call. On the recommendation of a friend who had used him in the past and had a very good experience, I called Jason Porter. I was given an appointment the next day and it was during that appointment I knew I had contacted the right law firm. Mr. Porter was so nice and explained everything in a way that I could understand. He assured me that I would not need to do anything but to get better and he was right! He and his amazing paralegal handled everything so I didn't have to deal with all of the confusion of the insurance company while trying to heal from the injuries I sustained in the accident. Ultimately my case was settled with the insurance company and I received a very fair settlement. I am hoping I never have to use a lawyer again, but if I do, I will definitely be contacting Mr. Porter again.

    - Elizabeth E.
    "You really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind."
    Over the past month or so I had made a call to the Law offices of Jason Porter because I needed to resolve an issue that occurred over 7 years ago. Once I explained the situation the secretary sent me directly to Jonathan Thacher. All I can say is that Thacher did an amazing job handling my case and I am extremely happy right now. I no longer have to worry about that problem ever again thanks to Thacher. The work was effective and everything went through perfectly. Thank you so much man you really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind.
    - Joshua S.
    "Although I hope to never need their services again, if I do, I will definitely be giving them a call."
    First and foremost, everyone from staff to the attorneys are all great!! I first started with the firm in 2015 and due to my own circumstances, I was unable to complete the needed court requirements in order to finalize my case. The amount I paid to retain an attorney was placed in a trust and they assured me it would be there until I completed my requirements. 4 years later they kept their word and finalized my case once I completed my needed court requirement. Everything was professional and in a timely fashion on their behalf. They also found a second issue that needed to be resolved and also completed that for me. Although I hope to never need their services again, if I do, I will definitely be giving them a call. Thank you, everyone!
    - Erik R.
    "Excellent attorneys and staff"
    My family has worked with Mr. Porter several times over the years. Each of our experiences were different but the outcome was the same. We all had extremely positive results. I have referred many friends and family to Mr. Porter for assistance, and I will continue to highly recommend the firm to anyone in need of legal services.
    - Anonymous
    "Jonathan Thacher made me feel like I had someone on my side from beginning to end."
    I am so happy and grateful that I picked Porter!! Jonathan Thacher made me feel like I had someone on my side from beginning to end. He told me he would fight for me, and I am thrilled to say he did just that! I was always able to reach him, and he made sure to reach out to me as well...and that means a lot. I highly recommend The Porter Law Firm to any and everyone who needs legal help! They will fight for you!!! I can say, without a doubt, they have been my "Dream Team" and if I ever need any kind of legal help, I will be calling them again!!!
    - Lindsi W.
    "Jason Porter is superb."
    This is my personal experience with Jason porter. I was in need of an attorney. I didn't have a clue on where to go...who to call . or even if they would take the time to listen to my case. Jason porter was extra observative Very calm .. cool.. and collective. Very laid back . But don't let that fool ya. He's a very good attorney. He took our case and since the 1st visit he has lived up to everything he said he could do. Since every case is different. I truly feel as if he took our case personal This is so rare to see in attorneys nowdays Having a attorney that puts aside the so called business mentality to put people first is what I received even tho our case was small I'm sure there will be someone with a need for a attorney and I'm not some rich guy . I live paycheck to paycheck every week but I was treated like royalty respect . And I felt like my case was important I will never forget what he done with my case and the personal decision he made at the end that showed me beyond a doupt that Jason porter is a attorney on our side . Fighting for the clients not a paycheck . not afraid to stand up n fight and never break a sweat his cool demeanor breaks it all down so it's very understanding ... I can't tell you who to call for your attorney but if u read this. then u need to stick with Jason . I'm sure you'll love him and I'm sure you'll be happy Thanx again Jason porter you won my vote for attorney of the year 2015 and I hope I can help someone with there decision on choosing an attorney With Jason's law firm you won't go wrong
    - Tyron B.
    "Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer."
    Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer. He helped me out. Highly recommend.
    - Cynthia J.
    "Every time I have "Picked Porter" I have received ethical advice and excellent legal representation."
    I have been a client of the law firm since 2003. Every time I have "Picked Porter" I have received ethical advice and excellent legal representation. There has been times I have been referred outside of the law firm and the referrals have always been sound and very appropriate to the overall situation. The law firms family law, personal injury and criminal defense attorneys are well versed in their specialty and are very professional. If you have a problem, Pick Porter.
    - Nicholas H.

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • *Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
  • $1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500

    Bodily Injury Claim

  • *Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
  • Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka

    Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.

  • *Medical Malpractice - $500,000