We all know that driving under the influence is an idiotic thing to do. However, alcohol and other substances can cloud our judgment, and unfortunately, that causes us to sometimes get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
DUI laws can be a complicated and harsh jungle to navigate. Depending on your driving history, who was in the car, or how the judge feels that day determines the potential penalties you could face after a DUI conviction.
This article will examine what happens and what to do after receiving your first DUI in Florida. Continue reading below to learn more.
What is Considered a DUI In Florida
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence and is a criminal offense in the state of Florida. It is a common misconception that DUI only applies to driving while under the influence of alcohol. However, DUIs also apply to driving while under the influence of other chemicals and controlled substances.
For alcohol, the legal limit for your blood alcohol level is .08; anything over is a violation. And if you have any illegal substances on your system, it is a DUI. The penalties faced for getting a DUI depend on how many previous conditions you have received.
Penalties After Your First DUI In Florida
For your first DUI conviction, you will face fines of five hundred and two thousand dollars. Driving with a minor or having a blood alcohol level north of .15 will increase your minimum penalties by five hundred dollars.
Fifty hours of community service is required with a first-time DUI offense. If you wish to opt out of community service, you must pay ten dollars for every hour of community service missed.
Jail time is still possible if the presiding judge decides to act on it. Usually, external variables factor in the judge’s decision, such as if there was a minor in the car, if you were driving in a residential neighborhood, did you damage property or endangered a pedestrian.
Getting Your License Reinstated After Your First DUI In Florida
After getting a DUI, you might be subject to getting your license suspended or even revoked. In the state of Florida, you usually have to wait a hundred and eighty days before you can get your license reinstated. However, you can apply for reinstatement before this period. This usually requires completing DUI school and showing proof of substance abuse treatment.
When you apply for reinstatement of your license, regardless if you do it after or before the hundred and eight-day period, you will have to take and pass an exam.
A DUI Attorney Can Make Things Easier For You
DUIs are a complicated legal battle to fight. If you feel you have been overcharged for your first offense, a DUI attorney can fight for your rights. A DUI attorney can also help you file the appropriate paperwork to get your license reinstated and your life back on track after making this stupid mistake.
