Arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale?
Have you had a friend or family member who has spent a night in jail because of a driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Or has your friend’s problem with drugs or alcohol even led to more than one arrest. You are not alone. Here are some common themes:
- You were less than a mile from home. No worries.
- You waited quite a while after that last drink before you drove.
- You really thought you only drank the “legal limit.”
- You are special and totally capable of driving safely, even after a few drinks.
If you get pulled over for a DUI in Hollywood FL, Fort Lauderdale or other Florida cities, the officer has years of experience at attempting to gather evidence that your normal faculties are impaired. The officer is going to put you through a routine that he or she has practiced many times before.
According to DrivingLaws.org the Florida state law is as follows.
The State of Florida drunk driving laws prohibits driving any type of vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The .08 percent BAC limit is the standard measurement used across the United States for the “impaired” driver. This limit is lower for drivers of commercial vehicles (.04%) and virtually non-existent for drivers under the age of 21 (.02%).
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Florida?
It is safe to say that for every drink you take, your level of impairment increases, but there really isn’t a magic formula that can calculate exactly how much you can drink before you become legally impaired. Studies that have shown that you blood alcohol concentration level goes up approximately .05 percent for each drink taken. It takes very little alcohol to become legally drunk.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Florida has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Florida, you risk your freedom, finances and your future. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Florida, call the Law Offices of Gilbert and Smallman, PLLC. Both Harris Gilbert and Andrew Smallman are available 24/7 by personal cell phone to discuss your case.
Harris Gilbert 786-371-4431
Andrew Smallman 954-661-7371
A first time conviction of drunk driving in Florida may result in up to 6 months in jail. If a minor was
in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, or if the driver had a BAC of .15 percent or higher, a sentence of no more than 9 months in jail may be issued. Unless the family of the DUI has no other means of transportation the vehicle will be impounded for 10 days. The convicted driver will also receive a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $1,000 if convicted of DUI. If the driver’s BAC was .15 percent or higher or there was a minor in the vehicle the fine will be no less than $1000 and no more than $2,000. A drivers license suspension is required of 6 months or longer. You will also need to do 50 hours of community service or pay $10 for every hour of community service given if the judges allows. You must also complete DUI school as directed by the court if convicted.
A second drunk driving conviction in Florida may result in up to 9 months in jail. If a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, or the driver had a BAC of .15 percent or higher, a sentence of no more than 12 months in jail may be imposed. If the second conviction of drunk driving is within 5 years of the first date of conviction, the driver must be imprisoned for 10 days mandatory, 48 hours of the confinement must be consecutive. Unless the family of the convicted driver has no other means of transportation the vehicle will be impounded for 30 days. The convicted driver will also receive a fine of no less than $1,000 and no more than $2,000. If the driver’s BAC was .15 percent or higher or there was a minor in the vehicle the fine will be no less than $2,000 and no more than $4,000. If within 5 years, a minimum drivers license suspension of 5 years. If eligible, a hardship reinstatement may be issued after 1 year. You must also complete DUI school as directed by the court.
A third drunk driving conviction in Florida may result in up to 12 months in jail, 30 days of the jail sentence is mandatory and 48 hours must be served consecutively. Unless the family of the convicted driver has no other means of transportation, the vehicle will be impounded for 90 days. The convicted driver will also receive a fine of no less than $2,000 and no more than $5,000. If the driver’s BAC was .15 percent or higher, or a minor was in the vehicle during the DUI, the fine will be no less than $4,000. A minimum drivers license suspension of 10 years. If eligible, a hardship reinstatement may be issued after 2 years. You may be charged with a Felony for a 3rd offense.
A fourth drunk driving conviction may result in up to 5 years in prison as provided in the State of Florida statutes as a habitual DUI offender. On your fourth drunk driving conviction, your license will be revoked for life, without any possibility of receiving a hardship reinstatement. The fine will be no less than $2,000. You may be charged with a Felony for a 4th offense.
Please do yourself a favor, call either Harris Gilbert or Andrew Smallman now to know your options. The phone call is free and we are here to help no matter how bad the situation.
Harris Gilbert 786-371-4431 Cell Phone 24/7
Andrew Smallman 954-661-7371 Cell Phone 24/7
