If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, you know it can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a record of such offenses. It may seem as though you have few options after two arrests for the same offense, but this may not necessarily be the case.
Working with a reputable Florida DUI lawyer may result in a better outcome than you may have expected. Criminal defense attorney Brian P. Gabriel brings to the table in-depth knowledge of Florida DUI law and savvy legal strategy, the combination of which has helped countless clients overcome even the bleakest of legal circumstances.
Penalties for Multiple DUI Arrests in Florida
In Florida, the punishment for multiple DUI arrests can be severe, depending on the circumstances of each arrest. Not only do those arrested for DUI face stiff fines and possible jail time, but also license revocation dependent on conviction.
First Florida DUI Conviction
In Florida, a first DUI conviction is punishable by up to six months in jail or nine months if a minor was in the car. The fine for an initial Florida DUI conviction is a $500 minimum but should not exceed $1,000. The exception is if your blood alcohol level was .15 or higher, or a minor was in the car, at which point the fine would be a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $2,000.
Second Florida DUI Conviction
In Florida, a second DUI conviction is punishable by up to nine months in jail or a year if a minor was in the car. The fine for a second Florida DUI conviction is a $1,000 minimum but should not exceed $2,000. The exception is if your blood alcohol level was .15 or higher, or a minor was in the car, at which point the fine would be a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $4,000.
Third Florida DUI Conviction
A third DUI conviction in Florida is punishable by a mandatory 30-day sentence if it took place within ten years of a prior conviction, with at least 48 hours of consecutive incarceration. The fine for a third Florida DUI conviction is a $2,000 minimum but should not exceed $5,000. The exception is if your blood alcohol level was .15 or higher or a minor was in the car, at which point the fine would be a minimum of $4,000.
Fourth Florida DUI Conviction
In Florida, a fourth DUI conviction is punishable by up to five years in jail. The fine for a fourth Florida DUI conviction is a $2,000 minimum. The exception is if your blood alcohol level was .15 or higher, or a minor was in the car, at which point the fine would be a minimum of $4,000.
If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI, Retain the Services of a Florida DUI Lawyer Immediately
The bottom line is that DUI arrests are not convictions. This means that even if you have been arrested for a second or third time for DUI, if you weren’t convicted in previous cases, you still have a chance to garner a positive outcome.
An experienced Florida DUI lawyer can be instrumental in helping you to address the situation without incriminating yourself or allowing your past DUI arrests to work against you if they did not result in a conviction. Mounting a strong defense in the aftermath of a subsequent DUI arrest is the best way to maintain your freedom and your driving privileges.
Schedule a Free DUI Defense Consultation Today
If you have had multiple arrests for DUI in Florida, your first phone call should be to a DUI lawyer with experience helping individuals in your situation. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has spent more than 30 years helping those accused of subsequent DUIs to successfully defend against the charges. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career.
Start with a free consultation today by calling The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete a online contact form to learn more.