DUI Variations

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DUI lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have seen many variations of DUI offenses in the state of Florida. We know that if proven guilty of a DUI (driving under the influence) charge, there may be significant consequences. Excessive fines, community service, training courses, driving license suspension and even jail time may serve as possible penalties. Ultimately, the type of punishment that is assigned to an individual for a DUI charge depends on several factors ranging from the presence of previous convictions to the severity of damages and injuries that are caused.

Levels of DUI Offenses

Different levels of DUI offenses result in different levels of penalties. If you have been charged with a DUI in the state of Florida, DUI attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. can defend you so that you regain your driving privileges. No matter what level of offense you are convicted of, it is best to allow an Orlando DUI defense attorney to assist you.

First DUI Offense

A first-time DUI offense is considered a misdemeanor. Unlike felonies, misdemeanors allow for no more than one year of incarceration. Based on the findings of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test, which is usually authorized during the time that an individual is stopped by a police officer and/or at a police station, a first-time DUI offense may require any, if not all of the following:

  • Jail time (totaling up to six to nine months depending on the results of the BAC test)
  • Fines (ranging from $500 to $1,000)
  • Up to 50 hours of community service
  • Drug/alcohol training course and/or any other instructional driving course

If you have been convicted with a first DUI offense and are concerned about the severity of the penalties that you will be assigned, a DUI attorney in Orlando, FL can help you predict what your punishment may be, as well as fight for you to gain a more lenient consequence.

Second DUI Offense

A second DUI offense is perceived as a red flag by Florida law enforcers because it demonstrates that an individual may not have fully learned the importance of avoiding drugs and alcohol while operating vehicles. For higher levels of offenses, it is especially necessary to contact an Orlando, FL DUI lawyer because these are punished much more severely. A second defense may result in any of the following:

  • Fines ($1,000 to $2,000, or $2,000 to $4,000 if there was a minor in the vehicle)
  • Driver’s license suspension and/or revocation for 180 days to a year
  • Jail time totaling up to no more than nine months
  • DUI program

Third DUI Offense

A third DUI offense, especially one within 7 years, may result in any of the following penalties:

  • Fines of $2,000 to $5,000
  • Driver’s license suspension and/or revocation for up to 180 days to a year (if the previous offenses were within 5-10 years, then an individual’s license may be suspended/revoked for 5-10 years respectively)
  • DUI program
  • Jail time totaling up to no more than nine months

DUI with Property Damage

When an intoxicated individual operates a vehicle and damages the property of others on the road, he/she may be charged with a DUI with property damage offense. A DUI with property damage is classified as a misdemeanor. It typically requires jail time and fines.

DUI with Bodily Injury

If any physical harm is done to innocent bystanders, drivers, and pedestrians because of the impaired driving skills of an intoxicated driver, a DUI with bodily injury charge is assigned.

DUI with Serious Injury

Any type of permanent disability, disfigurement or bodily/organ loss is categorized as a serious injury in the state of Florida. A DUI with serious injury may incur up to five years worth of jail time, license revocation/suspension, and extensive community service hours and fees.

DUI with Manslaughter

A DUI with manslaughter is classified as any sort of impaired driving that results in the death of another individual. A DUI with manslaughter is extremely serious in the state of Florida. It can result in a permanent loss of driving privileges and up to five years of jail time (among other penalties such as excessive fines and alcohol training). If you have been charged with a DUI with manslaughter, a DUI defense lawyer in Orlando, FL can aggressively advocate on your behalf.

Orlando DUI Defense Law Firm

At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., our Orlando defense lawyers are very familiar with the levels of DUI offenses in the state of Florida and how the penalties for such offenses may negatively impact drivers. Driving under the influence of drugs strongly impairs the judgement and skills of a driver. It places numerous people and their property at risk. Florida law recognizes this and offers strict penalties to keep the overwhelming majority safe. At our Orlando DUI defense law firm, we understand that some individuals make mistakes and are in desperate need of representation. We are happy to offer a strong legal defense.