Consequences Of A DUI In Florida

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Alcohol Responsibility Month: Understanding Florida’s DUI Laws

April is Alcohol Responsibility Month. Whether you’re a parent with kids in elementary school, a new teen driver, or an adult with plans for a happy hour tonight, we’re asking everyone to learn more about the importance of alcohol responsibility this month.

While Florida is not among the states with the highest rates of drunk driving, the statistics remain sobering. In 2013, 676 Floridians lost their lives due to drunk driving, accounting for 28% of all driving fatalities in the state that year.

Florida’s Implied Consent Law

If you drink alcohol and drive, you dramatically increase your chance of being in a crash. In addition, if you are pulled over and the officer asks you to take a blood, urine, or breath test, you are required to comply. Florida has the “Implied Consent Law.” When you sign your driver’s license, you have agreed to take these tests upon request. Refusal to take any of the tests will result in an immediate suspension for one year. A second refusal will result in an 18-month suspension.

Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under 21

Florida has a Zero Tolerance law for drivers under 21. This means that any driver under 21 that is stopped by law enforcement and has a blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their Florida driver’s license suspended for 6 months. The .02 limit really means that you cannot have a single drink and drive. And that’s the idea.

Penalties for Drivers Over 21

For drivers over 21, the legal limit in Florida is .08. Regardless of your age, be aware that drinking and driving is considered a serious offense. Below we have summarized the penalties in the state of Florida for a first offense DUI, but the average cost including legal defense, fines, and auto insurance increases is $8,000.

1. 1. Fine: Up to $500

   2. Community Service: 50 hours

   3. Probation: Up to 1 year

   4. Imprisonment: Up to 6 months

   5. License Revocation: Minimum of 6 months

   6. DUI School: 12 hours

Legal Support When You Need It

A DUI charge is an emotional and serious event that threatens your freedom and essential rights. The attorneys at Bauer Crider Kindel & Parry are here to navigate this difficult process with you. With over 30 years serving the Tampa area and 130 combined years of legal experience, we provide aggressive and effective criminal defense. Never believe you can’t win.

A DUI in Florida and the potential loss of freedom and other essential rights is an emotional and serious event for anyone. The attorneys at Bauer, Crider, Kenny, and Parry are here for you during this difficult process and will aggressively and effectively handle every aspect of your DUI defense. We have provided the Tampa area with over 30 years of strong criminal defense, stronger results, and over 130 combined years of legal experience. Never believe you can’t win.