DUI Penalties in St. Augustine, Florida
Your Rights Explained by Our St. Augustine DUI Attorney
If you are facing charges for a misdemeanor or felony DUI offense, you will need to speak with our St. Augustine DUI lawyer immediately. The penalties imposed upon DUI drivers in Florida are exceptionally harsh, and even a first time DUI conviction can carry serious repercussions. You will have the right to seek legal counsel and fight the charges against you.
When your future is at stake, you owe it to yourself to retain an aggressive, experienced, and skilled St. Augustine DUI defense attorney. At Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys, we inform our clients of their legal options, their rights, and what they should do in order to increase their chances of securing a favorable outcome. Due to our professional abilities, aggressive defense strategies, and extensive trial experiences, our defense team will work with you to develop a case strategy custom-tailored for your unique circumstances.
Talk to Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys today at (904) 204-6499 to learn how we can craft a winning strategy for your case!
Understanding the DUI Legal Process in St. Augustine
Navigating the legal landscape after a DUI charge can be overwhelming. At Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding the DUI legal process can significantly impact your case and help you make informed decisions.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Initial Arrest: After a DUI arrest, you will receive a citation and your vehicle may be impounded. Knowing your rights during this stage is crucial.
- Booking and Bail: Following the arrest, you will be booked and may have the option to post bail. We can guide you through this process to ensure your rights are protected.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase includes hearings where evidence is reviewed. Our attorneys will work to challenge any improper procedures or evidence against you.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, our experienced attorneys will present a robust defense, utilizing evidence and expert witnesses to advocate for your rights.
- Post-Conviction Options: If convicted, there may be options for appeal or alternative sentencing. We will explore all avenues to minimize the impact on your life.
Our goal is to demystify the legal process and provide you with the support you need every step of the way. With Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys by your side, you won’t have to face these challenges alone.
What happens after an arrest?
In the state of Florida, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the impairment of drugs or alcohol. Under Florida laws, driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense measured by the impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol content level (BAC) of .08% or above.
First Time DUI Penalties
- Up to $1,000 in fines (up to $2,000 if aggravated)
- 50 hours of court-ordered community service
- Additional fines of $10 for each hour of required community service, at the court's discretion
- Up to one year of probation
- Up to six months of jail time (up to nine months if aggravated)
- License revocation for 180 days up to one year
- 12 hours of mandatory DUI school
- Ten day vehicle impoundment at your own expense
Further, if you were driving with a BAC of .08% or higher with a minor in your vehicle, then you could face up to nine months in jail. Individuals driving with a BAC level of 0.15% or higher could also be subject to enhanced (aggravated) penalties.
Second Time DUI Penalties
- Fines up to $2,000
- Up to nine months in jail
- 30 days of vehicle impoundment at your own expense
- 180 days up to one year license revocation
- Completion of DUI school immediately following conviction
If your BAC was at 0.15% or higher, you could be subject to paying fines as high as $4,000 and a mandatory one-year jail sentence. If your prior conviction was within five years of your current conviction, there will be a mandatory sentence of at least ten days served in jail, 48 hours of which must be served consecutively.
Third Time DUI Penalties
- If your third conviction occurs more than ten years from your second conviction, you could be subjected to legal fines between $2,000 - $5,000
- Up to one year of jail time (or up to five years if charged as a felony third offense)
- 90 days of vehicle impoundment at your own expenses from the day you are released from jail
- 180 days up to one year license revocation (minimum ten years of license revocation if charged as a felony third offense)
- Completion of DUI school immediately following conviction
Fourth Time (or Subsequent) DUI Penalties
- Up to five years in state prison
- Designation as a habitual offender
- Fines no less than $2,000 and as high as $5,000
- Mandatory permanent license revocation
- Other consequences associated with a felony conviction
Common Myths About DUI Charges Debunked
Navigating the complexities of DUI charges can be daunting, and misinformation can add to the stress. At Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys, we believe in empowering our clients with accurate knowledge. Here, we debunk some common myths surrounding DUI cases that may affect your understanding and approach:
- Myth 1: A DUI conviction is unavoidable. Many individuals believe that once charged, a conviction is guaranteed. However, with the right legal representation, there are various defense strategies that can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal.
- Myth 2: You can’t contest a breathalyzer result. While breathalyzer tests are commonly used, they are not infallible. Factors such as calibration errors or medical conditions can affect results, and our attorneys can challenge the validity of the evidence.
- Myth 3: A first-time DUI offense won’t have serious consequences. First-time offenders may assume that leniency is guaranteed, but even a first offense can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
- Myth 4: You can’t get a DUI expunged from your record. While it’s true that not all DUI convictions are eligible for expungement, there are pathways available for certain cases. Our team can help you understand your options.
Understanding these myths is crucial in making informed decisions about your defense. Our knowledgeable attorneys at Taylor & Waldrop are here to provide you with the facts and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys: How We Can Defend Your Freedoms
At Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys, we work closely with our clients to defend their rights, interests, and freedoms. We understand that many of our clients are facing potentially life-changing circumstances and we pay careful attention to their needs or concerns.
Why have clients chosen Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys? We have established a reputation for:
- Hard-hitting, tenacious, and zealous trial presence in all levels of court
- Thorough investigations used to dismantle the prosecution's case
- Experience in state, federal, and appellate courts throughout Florida
- Proven record of trial success, including hundreds of cases being returned with not-guilty verdicts and settlements
No matter how incriminating the evidence against you may seem, no matter how complex your case, our St. Augustine DUI attorneys can employ aggressive DUI defense strategies to help safeguard your rights. Don't go into this battle alone. Choose Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys to be your trusted advocate.
To schedule your free case consultation in our private offices, please contact our St. Augustine DUI defense law firm today. We are ready to listen to your side of the story.
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