Jacksonville Beach DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI in the Beach Cities area, put our experienced Jacksonville Beach DUI lawyer to work for you. A conviction for driving while intoxicated can come with substantial fines, loss of your license, and even jail time.

Hiring a DUI lawyer quickly is important. You only have 10 days from the time of your arrest to apply for a hardship license and work permit. Many people are unaware that Florida law requires DUI convictions to remain on your record for 75 years. Given this, it’s critical that you hire the right defense attorney to protect you from the lifelong repercussions of a DUI conviction. We will evaluate every aspect of your case in our attempt to minimize the consequences or, depending on the circumstances, may prevail in getting charges dismissed.

Florida DUI Laws

Depending on where you have lived in the U.S., you may be familiar with different terms regarding alcohol and drugs while operating a vehicle.

Some of the most common drunk driving terms are:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• DWI (Driving While Impaired)
• OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
• OUI (Operating While Under the Influence)

Some states have legal definitions for each of these terms and the consequences for conviction can vary. In Florida, DUI and DWI are sometimes used interchangeably, but DUI is the only legal term recognized in this state. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Florida for DUI is .08. Penalties are stiffer when BAC is .15 or higher.

DUI Penalties

The punishment for a DUI conviction is based on several factors, including whether you have prior DUI convictions. Loss of your driving license (revoked 180 days to permanent), mandatory treatment and DUI education programs, fines, and imprisonment are just a few of the consequences. Below is a basic overview and is far from exhaustive. Florida’s DUI laws are complex. Our skilled Jacksonville Beach DUI attorneys can explain in more detail when you meet with us for a consultation.

• First DUI conviction fines reach up to $1,000, and can be sentenced to up to six months in prison.
• Second DUI conviction results in fines up to $2,000 and nine months in prison. After a second conviction, an ignition interlock device (where you must successfully pass a breathalyzer test in order to operate the vehicle) is placed in your car for a minimum of one year.
• Third DUI conviction penalties depend on whether more or fewer than 10 years have passed since the previous conviction, but can include a third-degree felony; an ignition lock device is placed on your car for a minimum of two years.
• Fourth DUI conviction, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since the previous occurrence, commits a third-degree felony.
• Anyone guilty of DUI who causes the death of someone or an unborn child will be charged with DUI manslaughter. Statistics from 2018 show that about 26% of all vehicle fatalities in Florida involve DUI. The national average is closer to 29%.