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Jacksonville Beach DUI Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Jacksonville Beach DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested for DUI in the Beach Cities area, put our experienced DUI lawyers 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 at 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 while 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 lawyers 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 less than 10 years has 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 that 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%.
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Representing You Without Judgment

The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. knows a DUI arrest does not define you but also understands how devastating a DUI conviction can be to your work and relationships. Our DUI defense strategy centers on your specific circumstances and developing legal tactics that best serve you.

Call (904) 701-0591 today to schedule a consultation with a Jacksonville Beach DUI lawyer.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "Glad We Picked Porter!"
    Jason and Gary have been a tremendous help and provided relief in a time of worry for my family. They kept us informed and went above and beyond for us! I will recommend this firm to everyone!
    - Anonymous
    "Jason is the most diligent attorney"
    He went all out to help me and never gave up. I owe him all my thanks. He honestly cares and doesn't make you feel less than special.
    - C.
    "Jonathan made us feel comfortable and confident that he would work diligently on our behalf."
    The purpose of this letter is to express our appreciation for Jonathan Thacher's legal services associated with our daughter's case. Jonathan was and is always available for questions. If we left a message, he would always get back to us in a prompt fashion. It isn't easy to find such a capable lawyer who seems to be in the right job. He is caring and very attentive to us. No questions went unanswered. Jonathan made us feel comfortable and confident that he would work diligently on our behalf. In the end, we felt blessed that we had the right person to help us when we felt lost. I can't tell you how important it is to choose the right lawyers for your case. He certainly lifted a weight off our shoulder to know that Jonathan and the firm's staff were working for us and a good conclusion to our problem.
    - Edward & Sondra A.
    "Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job!"
    Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job! I would strongly recommend Mr. Porter, he is very easy to work with and does everything he can to help you in your situation.
    - N.B.
    "Attentive, patient and caring service."
    Attentive, patient and caring service by skilled attorneys. Richard Watson and Jason Porter are absolutely first-rate!
    - Melanie M.
    "This Legal Team is Wonderful!"
    One night I was awaken by a phone call that my son was in jail, I thought I was having a nightmare. I knew the charges were false but knew we faced a difficult road ahead to prove his innocence. The charges against him could have been enough to have caused him to lose his children, as well as his job and ruin any further career opportunities. He could have served time and had a felony on his record. . We were so lucky to find the law offices of Jason Porter. They came highly recommended and were rated high on the AVVO site. We were scheduled for an appointment the day we called and greeted openly but candidly with the facts of what could happen. He already had the police report and had a pretty good picture of what happen before we even opened our mouth. Jason put us at ease and explained how things would work and assured my son he would do his best to protect him and his good name and to get the charges dropped or reduced to the minimum he assured him he would not make him settle for something he did not do. He was not afraid to take it to trail if that’s what needed to happen. We felt good after hearing his trial record. Gary Shumard also in the office was involved in the day to day dealing of the court appearances and trying to keep it out of trial. He spoke for my son and there were several court appearances. My son was able to work and carry on his normal day because of Gary. During the six month process my son only had to attend one court appearance and that was only because the other side tried again to file additional fraudulent charges against him however, they were immediately dismissed thanks to Gary. In the end they wanted to drop the charges to a misdemeanor; but my son didn’t want anything on his record because he was not guilty! Gary had reviewed their evidence and my son’s evidence and in the end, after six months Gary was able to keep my son’s a record clean. Gary fought hard, gathering evidence and challenging the opposing side with professionalism and knowledge. I feel sure that due to his expertise we were able to avoid a long drawn out trail and more legal expenses. Gary works hard and is at the court house it seems almost every day working for his clients, he is a dedicated attorney with knowledge, and proficiency in handling the law he gathers evidence astutely and reviews both sides he has the ability to present his findings in a very comfortable but clever way. The day the findings came down I think he was almost as happy as we were. He had a right to be it’s like climbing a mountain and getting to the top you know you deserve the view. This law office is wonderful from the secretary who answers the phone, the legal assistants, and everyone in between. We trust this law firm and believe in them with any legal matter they we may have ever!! Richard & Diane Bornstein
    - Diane and Richard
    "They were honest, personable, reasonable, and effective."
    I retained The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. a few years back. They were honest, personable, reasonable, and effective. I would recommend a consultation for any legal matter. If it is out of their field of expertise, they will advise you of that as well.
    - Lido B.
    "I give them 5-stars!"
    I have always been anti-lawyers, but I love this law firm. I give them 5-stars! The lawyer in my case was Nicole Carlucci and her assistant Brenda. They would always take the time to talk to me and help me to understand whatever questions I had. She actually cared about my situation and there aren't enough stars for them. Brenda was very helpful. I would most definitely use them again and I recommend them to anyone that wants someone to fight for you in court. Thank you!
    - Diego R.

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