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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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This was my first time ever getting a lawyer, and I am extremely pleased with the service I received. They moved fast, and my case was dropped. I will definitely go back to them and highly recommend this great Firm!!!! Jason himself is a pleasure to speak with!!! He’s very nice, understanding, and down-to-earth. Thanks so much you guys!!!!- B.M.
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Mr. Porter helped me in 2010 with a Breach of Contract case in which he was able to recover my earned commissions from my former employer. Mr. Porter was very friendly and knowledgeable in the area of Non Compete agreements which allowed for a quick settlement from my former employer. The staff was great and addressed my issues and questions in a timely fashion. I would recommend Mr. Porter to anyone that has a case in the areas he practices in.- John
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Jason Porter is an excellent attorney. I'm very happy with the results. he saved me money and solved my problem.- John P.
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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.
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I used them for a personal injury case. They were professional, attentive, and got me an acceptable settlement in a timely manner. This helped greatly to get me back on my feet financially. Thank you very much.- Jonathan E.
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Jason and his firm came highly recommended by my family member. My son's case would have eventually ended up with negative consequences if not for Jonathan Thatcher. Jonathan was supportive, knowledgeable and kept us informed at all stages of the case. Great firm and appreciate all your hard work in the success of my son's case. I would use this firm again and again.- Kim J.
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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.
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