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.
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 ApproachStep-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
-
A Compassionate TeamYour Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
-
Extensive ExperienceApproximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
-
Award-Winning CounselTop-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
-
Trusted & RecommendedTrusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
-
Top-Rated AttorneysTop-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004
-
I met Jason 13 years ago in a case I had. He wasn't my first choice of lawyer originally. Our original lawyer was unable to perform the task needed at the time. Jason took our case over and worked his magic in the courtroom. People, the is no substitute for a court case. This firm is head and shoulders above anyone. If you want to go generic with your cereal that's fine. You can buy Fruit Rings instead of Froot Loops. But when choosing an attorney and your life is on the line, go with this firm. You get what you pay for. And by Picking Porter, you get so much more. Since then my entire family has used this firm for random cases. All of which we have prevailed. Most recently, Chris Craun family law attorney has helped us win yet another case. His outstanding outlook and attention to the details and knowledge of the law was the difference. Chris comes from this same tree. They know people and the law. Do not mess up by acquiring sub-par representation. You should pick Porter before your counterpart does!!!- Ken O.
-
Mr. Porter is an excellent attorney. He helped me and my teenage son through a very difficult situation. He was right there immediately ensuring we had representation. He even called to follow up to ensure we were ok. He is very passionate about helping his clients. He also does not try to charge you if he knows you don’t have a case. He’s very honest and a great person. Highly recommend him if you need legal advice. Kelley- K.H.
-
I have to go into detail here because there’s no way That I cannot give high praise for what Nicole Carlucci did for my daughter and I. I’ve learned the hardest way possible that men tend to be at a great disadvantage when dealing with a divorce and with custody problems. My ex-wife kidnapped our child and had every intention of destroying our bond and the great relationship we have. It’s the saddest thing in the world how some people take their own struggles and personal feelings out by using their children as pawns and manipulating to hurt others. Which is why I could not be happier and more grateful for the day I walked into Porter & Porter Law Firm. From day one, my story was heard, understood, and through a year and a half of what felt like full on war just so I could maintain my relationship with me daughter without us being ripped from each other’s lives, Nicole Carlucci supported me and used her expertise to get as close to the absolute best result possible. She never gave up or gave in and that helped me to stay strong, too, when there would be days or weeks my daughter and I would not see each other. If not for Nicole, I can only imagine how much more awful such a nightmare of a situation could have gotten. However, I am now divorced, continue to have an amazing relationship with my daughter, and have court orders to hold my ex responsible and accountable so that way certain things will hopefully never happen again, and if they do, I know who I am calling!! Nicole’s passion to help someone being taking advantage of and her drive to ensure justice be served when someone is manipulating the system is exactly what my daughter and I needed so we can live a happy life. Thank you Nicole and Firm!!- Robert B.
-
I unfortunately experienced a terrible accident and was hurt. I reached out to Jason Porter’s law firm, as he has helped my father in the past and is a trusted attorney in my family.
Unfortunately, the process had a slow start due to many moving pieces. Hildy stepped in and things got moving IMMEDIATELY! She is amazing. So sweet, so understanding, so educated and intelligent regarding her position. Because of her, I felt assured and heard.
Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!
- M.D. -
Many times when you meet attorneys to represent you, there are thoughts that reside in the back of your head...some good and some bad. "Are these guys REALLY going to help me," or "do they REALLY have my best interest," or "can I really trust them?" Those are the many thoughts, plus more, that I had--it did go away after my first initial visit with one of the attorney's at Jason's Porter's law office. For my case, I worked with two different attorneys which included Jason Porter himself. Both of those guys were with me 100% from the beginning, in court, after court, late in the evening by phone calls, text, and emails, it was a great experience. What was consistent and what I valued most is that I got to know both of them, what they like to do in their personal time with family, which felt like I could communicate openly and honestly. My case was a criminal case and because of them, I do not have to be viewed as a criminal. I want to share and express my gratitude for how they have helped me so others can choose Jason Porter.- JW
-
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.
-
Jason Porter has helped me on two separate occasions and both times his attention to detail really impressed me. His staff is wonderful and easy to work with. The second time I worked with Jason Porter, he turned what I thought was a hopeless situation into a miracle. He literally got me my life back by getting the charges reduced. His experience as a trial lawyer came in handy when he had to work with the district attorney to change the judge's mind on my case. Jason Porter has a calming demeanor and he instilled confidence when going over the details of my case. I tended to be pessimistic, but Jason Porter would always reassure me and keep me positive. I will never be able to thank Jason Porter enough for all that he has done for me and my family. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do I know I can count on Jason Porter to give me my best chance at a favorable outcome.- Michael C.
-
Jason and his legal team were great in handling my case, I was kept informed of everything that was going and had any and all questions answered.- Paul Maloney