1st Time DUI

First-Time DUI in Florida

Even as a misdemeanor, a first-time DUI in Florida carries serious consequences that can disrupt your daily life. If convicted, here’s what you could face:

• Fines: $500–$1,000 for a standard DUI. If your blood alcohol level (BAL) is .15 or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the fine increases to $1,000–$2,000.

• Probation: Up to 12 months.

• Community Service: A minimum of 50 hours.

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months. This increases to 9 months for BALs over .15 or with a minor present.

• Vehicle Impoundment: Mandatory 10-day impoundment.

• License Revocation: Minimum 180 days, up to 1 year.

• Hardship License: To qualify, you must complete DUI school and request a DMV hearing. For BALs of .15 or higher, an ignition interlock device is required for up to 6 months.

Completing DUI school is mandatory to restore driving privileges. If you wait out the full revocation and apply for reinstatement, you’ll still need proof of DUI school enrollment or completion. Failing to finish the course within 90 days of reinstatement will result in another license suspension.

Beyond penalties, losing your license is often the most life-altering consequence. To convict, the State must prove you were in actual physical control of a vehicle in Florida and that your normal faculties were impaired. They can use a breathalyzer test showing .08+ BAL, dashcam footage, field sobriety exercises, or the officer’s observations as evidence.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Sanford or the surrounding areas, it’s critical to act fast. Early intervention by a skilled attorney may help reduce charges or penalties.

Contact Sanford Criminal Defense Attorney Ryan Yadav anytime — 24/7 — for a free consultation.