Jacksonville DUI Lawyer

Client-Focused. Comprehensive. Responsive.

Because driving under the influence is so dangerous, the penalties for doing so are extremely harsh in Florida. The state is serious about lowering alcohol-related crashes, particularly those that result in injury and/or death. As a result, the more DUIs you receive, the worse the penalties become. However, just one DUI can have very real and serious consequences.

Penalties for DUI in Florida

In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by a chemical substance, by a controlled substance, or with a BAL of .08% or higher.

The penalties for your first conviction may include:

• Fines of $500 to $1,000. If your blood alcohol level (BAL) was .15% or higher, or you were driving with a minor in the car, the fines may be from $1,000 – $2,000.
• Community service of at least 50 hours. There may be an additional fine equaling $10 per required community service hour.
• Probation of up to one year.
• Jail time of up to six months. For a BAL of .15% or higher, the sentence could increase to nine months.
• Vehicle impoundment for 10 days (not counted during your incarceration).
• Driver license revoked for up to one year.

Florida Implied Consent Law

With Florida’s implied consent law, anyone who has a Florida driver’s license and is lawfully arrested for a DUI is deemed to have consented to a breathalyzer test, urine test, or blood test. In order for the DUI arrest to be considered “lawful,” the offer must have probable cause to believe that the driver was physically driving the vehicle was under the influence. Drivers may refuse the tests, however, there are consequences.

Call a Jacksonville DUI Attorney at (904) 478-9255

If you are facing DUI charges, you may be wondering what to do next, whether you might need to spend time behind bars, and how this entire situation could affect your future. To answer these questions and potentially avoid severe consequences, you must have an advocate on your side who will defend your rights, inform you regarding your rights and options, and treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve during this difficult time. At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., our Jacksonville criminal defense attorneys are the experienced professionals you need. We are ready to guide you through this complicated and extensive process.

Call (904) 478-9255 or send us an online message to request your free initial consultation today.