Every DUI case has a possible range of punishment that will impact your daily life. The amount of fine you have to pay, the possible jail term, and how your driver’s license is affected all vary depending on whether this is your first offense. As the number of DUI charges against you increases, so do the consequences. It is important to understand how subsequent offenses are treated, so you can effectively defend the case against you.
DUI in Florida is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. The short list of possible punishment for repeat offenders is as follows:
- A second DUI is a misdemeanor with a fine of $1,000.00 to $2,000.00. With a second case you also face jail of up to 5 years for a second DUI within 5 years, and suspension of your driving privileges for 180 days to one year.
- A third DUI is a felony with a fine of between $2,000.00 and $5,000.00 and jail time of at least 30 days, and up to 10 year for a subsequent DUI within a 10 year period. Loss of the right to drive with a third DUI is for a period of a whopping 10 years!
- A fourth or higher DUI carries a fine of at least $2,000.00 and the amount could be much more. You will face incarceration of up to 5 years and lose your license permanently.
Given the severity of punishment for subsequent DUI cases, it is critical that you aggressively defend the charges. Seeking dismissal will help keep the case off your record as a repeat offender, and will likely require an attack on the field sobriety test result. Effective challenges to the test results requires thorough examination of the test itself as well as the equipment used. It is not uncommon for a test result to be a “false positive”, due to circumstances such as improperly maintained equipment or a flaw in the testing procedure. Call a skilled DUI attorney for a review of your case.
If you have questions about subsequent DUI cases, call our office for answers. Call an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. We aggressively defend you and work to maintain your driving privileges. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.