subject: The Fines A Defendant Should Expect To Pay Under Florida DUI Law [print this page] The Fines A Defendant Should Expect To Pay Under Florida DUI Law
Getting arrested for a DUI in Tampa, Florida is a serious offense which can result in harsh implications for the driver. It is highly recommended that any person accused of a DUI meet with a knowledgeable Tampa DUI attorney shortly after the arrest. The punishment enforced under Florida DUI law will differ depending on whether the defendant has prior convictions for a DUI. Furthermore, the penalties will be more rigorous if property or bodily harm was caused while driving under the influence. The consequences for DUI in Florida can be a fine, revoked or suspended driver's license, community service, probation, imprisonment, and impoundment of the car. An experienced Tampa DUI lawyer may help lessen the consequences associated with a DUI accusation by implementing a legal defense or bargaining with the prosecutor for a reduced sentence.
If a defendant is convicted of a DUI in Tampa the court could impose a fine under Florida DUI Law. The fine for a driver with no prior DUI convictions will be between $500 and $1,000. However, if there was a minor in the car or if the driver had a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the penalty ordered by the court will be between $1,000 and $2,000.
If the defendant has one prior conviction of a DUI the penalty will be between $1,000 and $2,000. However, if there was a child under 18 in the car or if the blood alcohol level of the defendant was .15 or higher the fine will be between $2,000 and $4,000. If it was the defendant's third conviction of a DUI the fine will be between $2,000 and $4,000. If during the third conviction the defendant had a child under 18 in the car or a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the fine will be no less $4,000. For the fourth or any subsequent DUI conviction the fine will be no less than $2,000.
A skilled Tampa DUI attorney may help save you money in fines stemming from a DUI arrest in Florida. Regardless whether the DUI arrest is the first charge or the defendant has many DUI arrests the driver should always contact a trained Tampa DUI lawyer to develop a legal strategy.
