Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) once is stressful, but facing a second-offense DUI in Jacksonville means harsher penalties, stricter conditions, and less room for error. Florida law treats repeat DUI offenses seriously, with mandatory jail time, longer license suspensions, and a higher risk of a permanent criminal record.
At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we know how overwhelming this situation could feel. Regardless of whether your first DUI occurred years ago or recently and is still affecting your life, our skilled DUI attorneys are ready to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
What Can You Expect After a Second DUI Arrest?
After a second DUI violation in Jacksonville, you are likely to face aggressive prosecution and limited plea options. If your second offense occurred within five years of the first, you may risk mandatory jail time and a five-year driver’s license suspension. Even if the offenses occurred more than five years apart, a second conviction still carries increased penalties.
Here is what you may experience:
- Arrest and booking at the local jail
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
- Immediate license suspension
- Increased bond amounts and court supervision
Our legal team could review the stop, arrest, and chemical test results immediately to build your defense and ensure your rights were not violated.
Penalties for a Second DUI
Florida law allows Jacksonville prosecutors to increase penalties for a second DUI violation. The severity of such penalties depends mainly on the amount of time that has passed between offenses.
If your second DUI occurs within five years of the first, you may face:
- Jail time: Mandatory 10 days, up to nine months (or up to 12 months if the blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher or if a minor was in the vehicle)
- Fines: $1,000 to $2,000 minimum
- License suspension: Minimum of five years
- Ignition interlock device: Mandatory for at least one year
- Vehicle impoundment: 10 days
- DUI school and probation: Required
If your second DUI is more than five years after the first, the mandatory minimums do not apply. However, the judge still has the discretion to impose harsh penalties, and your conviction may still be considered when determining future offenses.
At Problems? Pick Porter!™, we examine every aspect of the arrest to determine whether the charges could be reduced or dismissed and to help you avoid unnecessary jail time or long-term consequences.
Protecting Your License: The 10-Day Rule
After a second DUI arrest in Jacksonville, you have a short time frame to act to protect your driving privileges. Under Florida law, you have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
If you do not request this hearing, your driver’s license may be automatically suspended, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. While this administrative process is separate, it is equally important.
We could file the necessary paperwork, prepare your defense, and represent you at the hearing to give you the best chance at retaining or restoring your driving privileges.
Call a Jacksonville DUI Lawyer for Legal Help With a Second Violation
A second-offense DUI in Jacksonville could impact your life for years. It could affect your insurance, job, ability to drive, and future. However, being arrested is not the same as being convicted. You deserve the strongest possible defense.
At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our DUI attorneys could guide you through the legal process and fight to protect your rights at every stage. We bring over 100 years of combined experience and a commitment to getting results. Call now to speak with a seasoned lawyer about your legal options. Consultations are free and there is no obligation.