
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.
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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.
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Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004
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Very knowledgeable and experienced Law Firm! Stress, Depression, Anxiety relief 🥲!
I would use again myself if needed and recommend Porter Law Firm 💯 %- H.Y. -
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.
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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
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I am so incredibly grateful for picking Porter. Jonathan Thacher was definitely there when I needed a lawyer.- Sharon F.
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The Law Offices of Mr. Jason K.S. Porter has exceeded all expectations and have gone well above and beyond. They made this unfortunate event less painful and were very open and honest throughout this difficult time. Kudos to Mrs. Darlene, Mrs. Shawna Abbatiello and Mr. Porter for their extreme professionalism and care. Thank you for representing me and changing the results of my case completely. I am 100% satisfied with the outcome and am grateful for your support, care, and services. Thank you 🙏🏽- N.J.
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Mr. Porter and his staff were wonderful. They treated me like family and did not stereotype me. They fought a long and hard case for me and got the best results! Now I'm skippin down the road with no worries, back to regular life!- Calvin W.
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I used Jason Porters services after a bad roll over accident involving myself and my ALMOST 1 year old daughter when I lived in Jacksonville. Within 24 hours of contacting the office, I was seen by 2 physicians and my case was in full motion. My husband was deployed, and I was scared at first. However, Mr. Porter and his ENTIRE staff had me at immediate ease. I could email or call his assistant at any hour with any concern, and would have a response very quickly. I would highly recommend this office to anyone at any time. The compassion of the entire staff was more than I could have expected.- Robyn S.
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My wife and I would like to thank Jason K.S Porter and his staff, I was accuse of a crime. From the initial consultation to the end of the case the Porter firm was there to answer all my questions. I was told what to expect, everything was accurate. Thanks to the Porter firm all charges was drop. I will always be grateful, I will recommend this excellent, hardworking law firm to anyone who has a criminal issue that needs to be resolve. Thank you so much.- S.W.
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