DUI Defense Attorney in Jacksonville Beach, FL
If arrested and charged with DUI in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, serious consequences are a very real possibility and formulating a good defens as early as possible is critical. Florida takes Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges very, very seriously. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney to represent you is highly recommended.
Contact Lockett Law, P.A. to talk with an aggressive and experienced DUI defense lawyer in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Initial consultations are free. We look forward to discussing your case, how we can defend your rights, and pursuing the best possible outcome for you.
DUI Law in Florida
According to Florida Statute . § 316.193, DUI is defined as an individual who is in control of a motor vehicle and having your faculties impaired by a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or even under the influence of drugs.
If the someone is charged with DUI and is under the age of 21, their legal blood alcohol limit is much lower, at 0.02. If someone is under the age of 21, they are considered a minor and possessing alcohol is illegal.
In the state of Florida, the penalties for a DUI escalate with each subsequent DUI charge. First-time DUI offenders will get the most leniency. However, once an individual is convicted of three-or-more DUI, further DUI charges are viewed as a felony DUI.
What are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Florida?
Florida increases the penalties for each additional DUI an individual gets. Incarceration and jail time is a very real possibility, even for a first-time DUI offense. If you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, you will almost certainly have to pay fines and the threat of losing your driving privileges for a certain amount of time is very real. Penalties to be expected for DUI convictions include:
First-Offense Dui
- up to 6 months in jail
- up to $1000 fine
- 180 suspension of driver’s license
Second-Offense DUI
- up to 9 months in jail
- fine of up to $2000
- 5 year driver license suspension (If the second offense is within 5 years of the previous offense)
Third DUI
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to $5000 in fines
- 10 ear driver’s license suspension (If third conviction is within 10 years of second conviction)
Fourth DUI
- up to 5 years in prison
- up to $5000 in fines
- Permanent suspension of driver’s license
The consequences of these DUI charges can be escalated if your BAC exceed 0.15, double the legal limit in Florida of 0.08. If anyone is injured, or even killed, in an accident while the driver is impaired, those are additional charges with extreme and severe consequences. If charged with driving under the influence, contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Administrative Penalties and Driver’s License Suspension
In Florida, there are consequences outside of the criminal case that must be addressed. There is an administrative component to a DUI case that must be very carefully navigated by an experienced DUI Defense Lawyer. Whether convicted or not these penalties will apply simply by being charged with a DUI in Jacksonville Beach. If anyone is charged with a DUI, they will lose their driving privileges within 10 days of the arrest. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer will also result in a 12-month suspension of your driver’s license. The DUI lawyers at Lockett Law, P.A. can help you fight this suspension and fight to keep your driving rights.
When arrested for DUI, an experienced DUI defense attorney can help you maneuer these administrative processes. You have the right to request a formal hearing to dispute the suspension. Failure to request a formal hearing will result in a license suspension for 6 months.
Criminal and DUI Defense in Jacksonville Beach, FL
If you or a someone you know has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, an experienced DUI defense lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the judicial and administrative processes that will ensue. Our criminal defense attorneys not only fight for the best outcome, we fight to beat the case! Contact the experienced defense team at Lockett Law. P.A. today to schedule your free, initial consultation.
