If you are convicted of drunk driving in the state of Florida, you will face a number of penalties. Many people have no idea what their rights are when they are stopped for suspicion of drunk driving. There are procedures that police officers have to follow during the investigation, and if the officer neglects to perform any of these, your case could be dismissed.
A skilled Lawyer will help in a drink driving accusation
It is important that you hire a skilled lawyer as soon as you can. You only have 10 calendar days from the date of your arrest in which you can request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. This hearing is critical: if you win, you will get your driver's license reinstated. An experienced DUI attorney can determine if the arresting officer made any mistakes that would result in the suspension of your license being lifted, will prepare the paperwork necessary to request a hearing, and will gather all subpoenas necessary to bring in the arresting officers for the hearing.
Definition of DUI (Drinking Under Influence)
A DUI is defined as a driver with a blood or breathalyzer result of 0.08 or greater, or impairment of normal faculties. A first conviction carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 unless the breath/blood alcohol level is 0.15 or higher, or there was a minor child in the vehicle, in which case the fine is $1,000 to $2,000. A first conviction also requires 50 hours of community service or an additional fine of $10 per hour of community service required. After a first conviction, the court may sentence the guilty party to serving a sentence in a residential alcohol or drug treatment program that is credited toward the term of imprisonment.
Consequences of drink driving convictions
These are only some of the potential consequences of a first time drunk driving conviction. For second, third, or greater offenses, the penalties upon conviction are even more serious. An arrest for drunk driving is not trivial, and you should obtain legal help at the first opportunity. A skilled DUI defense attorney will be able to determine if you were improperly arrested, or if the arresting officers made mistakes that could either get the case dismissed, or make it more likely you'll have your license reinstated while you await a trial.
