Jacksonville Beach DUI Attorney
If you have been arrested for DUI in the Beach Cities area, put our experienced DUI lawyers to work for you. A conviction for driving while intoxicated can come with substantial fines, loss of your license, and even jail time.
Hiring a DUI lawyer quickly is important. You only have 10 days from the time of your arrest to apply for a hardship license and work permit. Many people are unaware that Florida law requires DUI convictions to remain on your record for 75 years. Given this, it’s critical that you hire the right defense attorney to protect you from the lifelong repercussions of a DUI conviction. We will evaluate every aspect of your case in our attempt to minimize the consequences or, depending on the circumstances, may prevail at getting charges dismissed.
Florida DUI Laws
Depending on where you have lived in the U.S., you may be familiar with different terms regarding alcohol and drugs while operating a vehicle.
Some of the most common drunk while driving terms are:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- DWI (Driving While Impaired)
- OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
- OUI (Operating While Under the Influence)
Some states have legal definitions for each of these terms and the consequences for conviction can vary. In Florida, DUI and DWI are sometimes used interchangeably, but DUI is the only legal term recognized in this state. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Florida for DUI is .08. Penalties are stiffer when BAC is .15 or higher.
DUI Penalties
The punishment for a DUI conviction is based on several factors, including whether you have prior DUI convictions. Loss of your driving license (revoked 180 days to permanent), mandatory treatment and DUI education programs, fines and imprisonment are just a few of the consequences. Below is a basic overview and is far from exhaustive. Florida’s DUI laws are complex. Our skilled Jacksonville Beach DUI lawyers can explain in more detail when you meet with us for a consultation.
- First DUI conviction fines reach up to $1,000 and can be sentenced to up to six months in prison.
- Second DUI conviction results in fines up to $2,000 and nine months in prison. After a second conviction, an ignition interlock device (where you must successfully pass a breathalyzer test in order to operate the vehicle) is placed in your car for a minimum of one year.
- Third DUI conviction penalties depend on whether more or less than 10 years has passed since the previous conviction but can include a third-degree felony; an ignition lock device is placed on your car for a minimum of two years.
- Fourth DUI conviction, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since the previous occurrence, commits a third-degree felony.
- Anyone guilty of DUI that causes the death of someone or an unborn child will be charged with DUI manslaughter. Statistics from 2018 show that about 26% of all vehicle fatalities in Florida involve DUI. The national average is closer to 29%.
Representing You Without Judgment
The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. knows a DUI arrest does not define you but also understands how devastating a DUI conviction can be to your work and relationships. Our DUI defense strategy centers on your specific circumstances and developing legal tactics that best serve you.
Call (904) 701-0591 today to schedule a consultation with a Jacksonville Beach DUI lawyer.
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A Guided, Hands-On ApproachStep-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
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A Compassionate TeamYour Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
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Extensive ExperienceApproximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
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Award-Winning CounselTop-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
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Trusted & RecommendedTrusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
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Top-Rated AttorneysTop-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004
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I retained The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. a few years back. They were honest, personable, reasonable, and effective. I would recommend a consultation for any legal matter. If it is out of their field of expertise, they will advise you of that as well.- Lido B.
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I have had several cases with Mr. Porter as my attorney. He went to bat for me and fought hard to get a great outcome every time! He is a top-notch attorney in Jacksonville and very professional & honest when dealing with each scenario of my cases. My life is in a much better place today because of Jason's integrity within the community and relationships with the judges & state attorneys.- Josh C.
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I recently worked with Jonathan Thacher and am very pleased with the outcome of the case. Throughout the whole process, he was responsive and dedicated and he made it seem like I was the only case he was dealing with. He was on top of getting the necessary measure taken and the end result was outstanding. I would definitely refer anyone to him! Thank you so much, Jonathan!!- Victoria B.
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Jason Porter has helped me on two separate occasions and both times his attention to detail really impressed me. His staff is wonderful and easy to work with. The second time I worked with Jason Porter, he turned what I thought was a hopeless situation into a miracle. He literally got me my life back by getting the charges reduced. His experience as a trial lawyer came in handy when he had to work with the district attorney to change the judge's mind on my case. Jason Porter has a calming demeanor and he instilled confidence when going over the details of my case. I tended to be pessimistic, but Jason Porter would always reassure me and keep me positive. I will never be able to thank Jason Porter enough for all that he has done for me and my family. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do I know I can count on Jason Porter to give me my best chance at a favorable outcome.- Michael C.
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I had contacted Mr. Porter’s office after being in a car accident and having no success on my own with the insurance adjusters. Mr. Porter and his entire staff were all very engaged, expedient and supportive while working on my case. Any questions that I had, I could make a phone call and Hildy or Dani would be on the other end making things make sense to me. Ultimately, they delivered a great outcome that I was happy with. It was a huge weight off my shoulders to have the knowledge and support of Mr. Porter and his staff while navigating through the stress of everything that must be handled after a car accident. In the unfortunate event that I find myself in another similar situation, I won’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call back! Thanks for everything!- D.
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My family has worked with Mr. Porter several times over the years. Each of our experiences were different but the outcome was the same. We all had extremely positive results. I have referred many friends and family to Mr. Porter for assistance, and I will continue to highly recommend the firm to anyone in need of legal services.- Anonymous
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Attorney Nicole Carlucci was exactly what I needed. I chose her because she is professional, compassionate and fair. She explained everything to me and was really looking out for my best interests. She made herself available to hear all my concerns and questions. Ms. Carlucci made me aware of points that needed to be addressed that I didn’t know about. I would not have been able to get what was needed without her. She went above and beyond which is why I’m recommending her. In addition, she continued to support me with additional needs after the fact. Nicole Carlucci is truly excellent in her profession.- Melissa H.
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The purpose of this letter is to express our appreciation for Jonathan Thacher's legal services associated with our daughter's case. Jonathan was and is always available for questions. If we left a message, he would always get back to us in a prompt fashion. It isn't easy to find such a capable lawyer who seems to be in the right job. He is caring and very attentive to us. No questions went unanswered. Jonathan made us feel comfortable and confident that he would work diligently on our behalf. In the end, we felt blessed that we had the right person to help us when we felt lost. I can't tell you how important it is to choose the right lawyers for your case. He certainly lifted a weight off our shoulder to know that Jonathan and the firm's staff were working for us and a good conclusion to our problem.- Edward & Sondra A.
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*Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
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$1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500
Bodily Injury Claim
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*Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
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Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka
Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.
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*Medical Malpractice - $500,000