Hiring a Tampa Bay DUI Attorney for DUI Charges & Penalties in Tampa, Florida

In Florida, a DUI is defined as “driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances or controlled substances.” Florida law says that DUI charges will be imposed if: (1) a person has a blood or breath alcohol level of .08 or more, or (2) if the arresting officer believes the driver’s “normal faculties” are impaired. Due to the wording of this law, it is possible to face DUI charges when your alcohol level is below the .08 limit, as long as a police officer believes you are too impaired to drive. Whether you are in the Tampa Bay area or in another part of Florida, DUI charges are difficult to fight without a keen understanding of the law. You are, however, innocent until proven guilty. Andrew Spicola is an experienced, aggressive Tampa Bay DUI attorney of counsel at Clark & Martino, P.A. who can help you understand your DUI charges and recommend ways to protect your rights.

Below is a partial list of DUI charges and penalties in Florida. The following DUI penalties are subject to change at any time, and penalties can also vary according to your individual circumstances. You should always consult with a Tampa Bay DUI attorney before you make assumptions in your DUI case.

First Conviction
Community service: mandatory 50 hours (or a fine of $10 for each hour)
Probation: not to exceed 1 year
Fine: $500-$2,000
Imprisonment: 0-9 months
Impoundment of vehicle: up to 10 days
DUI License suspension: 180 days-1 year

Second Conviction
Fine: $1,000-$4,000
Imprisonment: 0-12 months (10 days mandatory jail time for the second conviction within 5 years)
Impoundment of vehicle: up to 30 days
DUI License suspension: 180 days-5 years

Third Conviction
Fine: $2,000-$5,000
Imprisonment: 0-12 months (30 days mandatory jail time for the third conviction within 10 years)
Impoundment of vehicle: up to 90 days
DUI License suspension: 180 days-10 years

Fourth Conviction
Fine: at least $2,000
Imprisonment: 0-5 years
DUI License suspension: Mandatory permanent revocation; no hardship reinstatement

The Florida DUI penalties listed above are general. DUI defendants should keep in mind that DUI penalties vary for different situations such as DUI charges for drivers under the age of 21, DUI charges for commercial vehicles, and DUI accidents with property damage, injury, or death. If you are charged with a DUI in the Tampa Bay area, there is also a chance you will be required to participate in a state approved DUI school and/or substance abuse rehabilitation program. Once again, an experienced Tampa Bay DUI attorney will be able to advise you on the possible penalties and the best DUI defense for your charges.

Before you make any decisions about the DUI charges you’re facing in greater Tampa, Florida, we encourage you to call Mr. Spicola for a free consultation with a Tampa Bay DUI attorney who will explore every possible angle in your case. From preparing motions for dismissal to investigating the circumstances of your arrest to analyzing the results of your breathalyzer tests, we will aggressively defend your legal rights. We welcome clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including the communities of St. Petersburg, Odessa, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Largo, Lutz, Pasco County, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, and beyond.