First Offense DUI
Before you drink and drive, you may want to consider the many penalties you will face if you are arrested for DUI. Many people each day get behind the wheel while they are drunk because they feel that they have to drive home or are convinced that they will not get caught. Whatever the reason, driving while drunk is illegal and can result in an arrest, criminal charge, and conviction.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, consider contacting a Florida criminal defense lawyer immediately. It may be in your best interest to avoid talking to anyone until you have had a chance to consult with a lawyer. He or she can help you decide what would be the best action to take and can assist you in preparing a defense for your case. Contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800 for assistance with your DUI case.
DUI Penalties Under the Law
The penalties you face for a first offense DUI conviction are severe and extensive, affecting all aspects of your life. For a first offense you will face a combination of the following penalties from the court and from the Florida DHSMV:
- Jail sentence: Up to 6 months for a BAC .08 to .20. Up to 9 months for a BAC higher than .20 or if a minor was riding in the car at the time of the DUI.
- Fines: $250 to $500 for a BAC .08 to .20. $500 to $1000 for a BAC higher than .20 or if a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the DUI.
- Driver’s license suspension: 6 months to 1 year. If someone was seriously injured during the DUI, a minimum of 3 years.
- Community Service: 50 hours required. $10 in fines can be paid in lieu of each hour of community service.
- Vehicle impounded: 10 days, unless there is no other means of transportation for the offender’s family.
- DUI school: May be required by the court. DHSMV requires DUI school for DUI offenders who apply for a hardship license while their driver’s license is suspended.
- Probation: Up to 1 year.
Clearly even a first offense DUI is an extremely serious charge with heavy penalties. In addition to the penalties mandated by Florida law, as a DUI offender you will have a criminal record and will face long-term personal, professional, educational, and financial consequences as a result of your DUI.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with a DUI, don’t enter the courtroom feeling that you are unprepared to defend against the charges you face. Be sure to consult with a criminal defense attorney to advise you on your case and to help construct your defense for court. Don’t hesitate to contact the aggressive, experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
