subject: What Are The Drunk Driving Charges In Florida? - First, Second, and Third Offense [print this page] What Are The Drunk Driving Charges In Florida? - First, Second, and Third Offense
The minimum statutory sanctions in Tampa are governed by Florida Statutes 315.193. Although the procedures that lead to the arrest are basically the same in every DUI arrest, the sanctions differ in accordance with whether it is a first, second or third offense.
If this is your first arrest then you may expect any of the following to occur:
You can be found guilty
Be fined anywhere from $500 to $1,000
Go to jail for 6 months
Your car can be locked if the breathalyzer registered more than 1.5 and you had a minor in the car with you
Complete DUI Level 1 School and get counseling
Probation of up to 12 months
Fifty hours of community service
10 day vehicle impound based on specific facts
Your second conviction:
Can find you guilty
A fine of $1,000
Your vehicle will be locked for one year
If your second conviction is within five years of the first one, you can be imprisoned for ten days
Complete DUI Level II School
Your vehicle will be impounded for thirty days
Twelve month probation
Third conviction:
If the third conviction comes within ten years after the second conviction, there will be a felony conviction
The vehicle will be locked for two years
There will be a fine of $2,000
If this conviction occurs within ten years of the second conviction, a jail sentence of thirty days many be imposed
A ninety day vehicle impound based on specific facts
Probation
Based on these facts regarding drunk driving convictions in Florida, if you are looking at a drunk driving conviction, you need to have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney on your side offering your defense. Find an attorney who has the knowledge and experience in criminal defense to see that you obtain the best possible defense against your drunk driving arrest record. Many offices offer free consultations.
