DUI Criminal Defense Attorney - Jacksonville, Florida

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Jacksonville?

Pursuant to Florida law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Florida driving privileges, but it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Florida DUI lawyer today for a quick and easy consultation.

Being arrested for DUI in Jacksonville, Florida can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is important that anyone facing a DUI charge in Florida understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DUI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

Florida DWI - DUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Florida law, an individual has 10 days to request a hearing from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a "DUI Citation," providing you are eligible for the 7 day temporary driver's permit (hold a valid driver's license, sign the DUI citation, and submit to the chemical test). If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Contact a competent and skilled DUI lawyer to help, but do not delay.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Florida Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of Florida driving privileges for a minimum of 180 days, up to a maximum of 1 year.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI or DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Community Service for DUI - First time DUI offenders in Jacksonville, Florida face a mandatory 50 hours of community service, or a fine of $10.00 for each hour of community service assigned by the court.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.
• Time in Jail - In Jacksonville, Florida, a first time DUI offender faces jail time of up to 6 months.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DUI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Florida driving privileges.
• Fines - Fines for a first time DUI can range between a minimum of $500.00, up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
• Vehicle Impoundment and Immobilization - Provided that the offender's family has another form of transportation, a first time DUI offender's vehicle will be impounded for 10 days, and will not take place at the same time as incarceration.
• Probation - Probationary periods and incarceration may not exceed 1 year for first time DUI convictions.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Florida, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a capable and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Florida DUI or DWI attorney for a fast, free consultation.

DUI Costs

Costs for DUI go beyond what you pay in fines...

• DUI Treatment Program Fees
• Tow/Impound Fees
• Insurance Increase
• Licene Reissue Fees

Florida DWI - DUI Testing

If law enforcement in Florida reasonably believes that a person has been driving under the influence they may request the driver to submit to:

• a breath alcohol test.
• a blood test for controlled substances or blood alcohol content.
• a urine test for controlled substances - the urine test will be administered in a manner to ensure privacy and accuracy.

Refusal to submit to a required breath, urine, or blood test will result in:

• prosecution for DUI
• at least 6 and possibly 12 months suspension of the Florida driver's license

What does a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08 mean in Florida?

The term ".08 BAC level" is commonly referred to as the legal limit, but this is not entirely accurate. Pursuant to Florida Law, .08 BAC is the presumptive level of impairment. If you have consumed enough alcohol to reach a .08 BAC level, you are automatically considered impaired. Even if you are below .08 BAC, you can still be convicted of DUI. If your driving ability is proven to be impaired.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.