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DUI arrests are on the rise, and the state of Florida is no exception. Every day, ordinary law abiding citizens have their lives ruined because they had a few drinks before driving home at night.

Florida State DUI Laws

If you have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or more, you can be arrested for a DUI. Police can test your BAC with urine, blood, or breath tests. It is also important to remember if you are under the influence of drugs, you can receive a DUI as well.

First Offense

Florida imposes the following penalties for first time offenders:

• 1st degree misdemeanor for violations that cause property damage

• 3rd degree felony for violations causing serious bodily injury

• Manslaughter charges when an individual is killed

• Maximum jail time of 6 months; 9 months with a BAC over 2.0

• $250-$500 fine; $500-$1,000 if BAC is over 2.0

• Suspended license for 6 months to a year

• Vehicle impounded for 10 days

• Completion of 12 hours of DUI school

• Up to 1 year of probation

• 50 hours of community service; you will be fined $10 for every hour of service you fail to complete

Second Offense

All felony and misdemeanor charges remain the same. However, the other penalties are a bit steeper:

• Mandatory 10 days-9 months in jail; 12 months if both convictions occur in a 5 year period

• $500-$1,000 fines; $1,000-$2,000 if BAC is over 2.0

• Suspended license for 6 months to a year; minimum 5 year suspension if both convictions occur in a 5 year period

• Vehicle impounded for 30 days if both offenses are within 5 years of each other

• Completion of 21 hours of DUI school

• 1 year of probation

Insurance Consequences

Your insurance company will respond to your DUI conviction in one of two ways. They will either raise your rates or cancel your policy. Generally, the rate increase will be substantial. If your policy is canceled, you will need to find another insurance company that is willing to cover you as a “high-risk driver.” Again, your premiums will be high.

In order to have your license reinstated, you will need to provide the DMV with an SR-22 form stating that you have valid insurance. Some insurance companies do not offer SR-22 policies, and as a result they may be forced to cancel your policy.

The Consequences are Severe

Many people who have never gotten in trouble with the law have seen their lives ruined by a DUI offense. If you work in education, medicine, government, or childcare, you may have trouble finding future employment, and your current job may be jeopardized.

I have personally experienced this first-hand. I received a DUI in 2000 when I was 23 years old. Later on, I got my Master’s Degree in education and applied for middle and high school teaching positions in my area. I had a job offer revoked once the district’s HR department learned of my DUI conviction.

Unfortunately, DUIs remain on your record for the rest of your life. If you make a stupid mistake at a young age, you might have to pay the consequences for decades. Therefore, you must consult an experienced DUI attorney in order to minimize the damage caused by your mistake.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the Umansky Law Firm today.