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.
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