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DUI Penalties Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Florida's DUI Penalties

Put Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side

If you are facing charges for a DUI in Jacksonville, it is in your best interests to speak with a lawyer from our firm at your earliest convenience. The penalties for even a first-time DUI can have an extremely damaging effect on one's life. It takes a skilled lawyer that has extensive experience defending DUI offenses to effectively protect your rights. In the United States, drunk driving is a serious crime with serious consequences. Although the specific penalties for a DUI conviction vary from state to state, one thing remains the same: DUI penalties are harsh.

One of the penalties you could face after a DUI conviction is higher insurance rates. While a law will not mandate an insurance company raise your insurance rates, insurance companies will do this on their own. The reason insurance companies do this is to protect themselves. Those who have had prior accidents on their record are seen as at a higher risk to be involved in an accident again. Insurance companies have to pay for your accidents, so if you are at a higher risk for accident then you will likely be charged more for insurance. If you do not hire a qualified attorney, you are far more likely to face harsh penalties such as:

First DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)

  • Up to six months in jail (up to nine months in special circumstances);
  • Fines ranging between $500 and $2000;
  • Six month driver's license suspension;
  • At least 50 hours of community service;
  • Up to a year of probation;
  • Mandatory counseling;
  • Level One DUI School;
  • Higher insurance rates;
  • Victim Impact Panel;
  • Minimum 10 day vehicle impoundment;
  • Possible deportation for Non-U.S. citizens; and
  • Six month ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

Second DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)

  • Up to nine months in jail (twelve months in special circumstances);
  • Fines ranging between $1000 and $2000;
  • Up to a five year driver's license suspension;
  • Up to a year of probation;
  • Mandatory counseling;
  • Level Two DUI School;
  • Community service;
  • Impoundment of vehicle;
  • Two year ignition interlock device installation;
  • Higher insurance rates; and
  • Possible deportation for non-U.S. citizens.

Probation

Your first DUI conviction is punishable by one year of probation. According to Florida Statute § 948.001, probation refers to a form of community supervision. It involves specific contact with parole and probation officers and may include other terms as well. Different offenses may merit different types of probation. For instance, you may be sentenced to drug offender probation if convicted of a drug crime. Unlike normal probation, drug offender probation involves intense supervision and individualized treatment programs.

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Additional DUI offenses can bring felony charges. A felony DUI conviction could damage your future irreparably. In addition, if you are involved in an accident and allegedly intoxicated your need for high-quality legal representation becomes even more significant. Our firm has helped many clients to overcome these serious penalties and fought for their ability to continue driving. Having a conviction on your record can be severely damaging to your future.

Don't allow one mistake to alter your path in life. If you do not hire an experienced Jacksonville DUI attorney, you could be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Our DUI team has approximately 100 years of combined legal experience. In addition, we have a former Division Chief who supervised DUI prosecutions and a former DUI Hearing Officer from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on our side.

For a case review, contact us online or call (904) 701-0591.

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    "He prepared our family through each and every step."

    "Bad things happen to good families and people” That is one of the first things Jason said to me and my son. The laws are set to protect us. However, the law can be black and white when there are several shades of grey. If a man has a beer in his own house after coming back from war but is only 20, should his dad be charged for contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Have you ever done something now looking back, it may not have been the best decision but nothing happened? That was not the case a few years ago to my family. A bad decision, one I am sure many of us have done in our younger days. A bad decision was made and it could have ruined a young man’s future. The courts are busy and things can fall through the cracks; I was making sure my son was not one of them. I knew Jason had worked for the District attorney’s office so he knew both sides of the law. He knew what the other side was going to do and say because he was there for many years. He prepared our family through each and every step. He made sure that we were proactive “getting ducks in a row” so to speak. If there was something mentioned, we had already taken care of it and showed no history and really no where for the other side to go. What could have been jail time ended up being a bump in the road. No one can promise anything is a sure thing. Jason did not make any promises he was not prepared to keep. He told us what normally happens, and what he was going to try for and he did. I rather have someone say there is a 70/30 chance than, “sure this is no problem, don’t worry about it”. We do worry about it. It is our lives or one of someone we love. Some cases may not be life or death, but they all are between a life that could be and a life that never will be. Jason understands that and approached it as if was his brother standing next to him. Every now and then, I will look at my son when eating dinner or something and think, if it was not for Jason and his group, I would have to visit my son to see him. I thanked God for Jason being there then, and have every day since.

    - Satisfied Client
    "This firm is head and shoulders above anyone."
    I met Jason 13 years ago in a case I had. He wasn't my first choice of lawyer originally. Our original lawyer was unable to perform the task needed at the time. Jason took our case over and worked his magic in the courtroom. People, the is no substitute for a court case. This firm is head and shoulders above anyone. If you want to go generic with your cereal that's fine. You can buy Fruit Rings instead of Froot Loops. But when choosing an attorney and your life is on the line, go with this firm. You get what you pay for. And by Picking Porter, you get so much more. Since then my entire family has used this firm for random cases. All of which we have prevailed. Most recently, Chris Craun family law attorney has helped us win yet another case. His outstanding outlook and attention to the details and knowledge of the law was the difference. Chris comes from this same tree. They know people and the law. Do not mess up by acquiring sub-par representation. You should pick Porter before your counterpart does!!!
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    I have worked with Mr. Lorimier and Ms. Adams and they are both phenomenal. They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done. I highly recommend them both.
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    Hi my name is Nina and I am writing this review for the public to know that Marlene Hordkin she is an excellent attorney she will go to bat for you. She is compassionate , intelligent , has morals and values she will go the distance to see that your voice is heard and that your case is presented clearly before a judge and that all the evidence is brought into light. Mrs. Hordkin is an amazing woman and an attorney and if you ever need help I suggest that you call her immediately. I want to personally thank you again Marlene you are amazing and the world needs more like you. God bless you!
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    My divorce litigated for close to two years as it was highly contentious and involved more complexities. Ms. Carlucci did a wonderful job of helping me understand and navigate the legal system. Ms. Carlucci set realistic expectations and was willing to listen to my concerns, questions, and thoughts. Divorce can be a very grueling and hard process. Ms. Carlucci provides great support and promotes collaboration with her clients.

    - Former Client
    "The best attorney out there by far!"
    I was rear-ended in an auto accident when I was pregnant and Mr. Porter assured me he would take care of everything and he did. I was very pleased with the response and the time he put into my case and how quickly it was settled. The office staff is the best. They are very outgoing and kind and they are always friendly! If your looking for an amazing attorney look no further. I know that in the future if I will need an attorney I will not hesitate to use The Law Offices of Jason K. Porter. They will not let you down.
    - Jessica Oyoque
    "He definitely knows his stuff and because of that, we were able to get a fair and reasonable outcome in the matter."
    Mr. Jason Porter was very professional and detailed throughout the entire process. He was always available for any questions and if he wasn't sure about something, he would provide a quick turnaround time with the follow-up answer. He definitely knows his stuff and because of that, we were able to get a fair and reasonable outcome in the matter. His staff was very nice and professional as well. I would definitely refer anyone to him. Thanks again, Mr. Porter!!!
    - Humeshia B.
    "He is our family attorney forever."
    There are times when you may need unforeseen legal assistance and your scared and don't have a clue if youre making the right choice. The decision is not an easy one when it's based on your family and life. You worry if they have your best interest at heart, if they know enough, if they know the right people and it's very emotional & confusing. Ten years ago my family was faced with the worst nightmare any mother could ever imagine & I prayed to God to make the right decision and I did. Meeting Jason Porter & his assistant Darlene C. (she's been with him longer than that), was the best in my life in my family's life. Jason doesn't have a big office turn around, in fact I have watched his office grow to the success it is today. His staff stays because they know they are with a terrific guy & great attorney. I can go on and on and mean every word from the bottom of my heart but the are truly no words to describe the great outcomes he has had for 2 of my sons on separate occasions. Unfortunately, we don't live in a society anymore where "boys will be boys". There are way too many laws and not enough of societal morality (due to a change of the times). Boys may get in trouble, they did get in trouble but with their unfortunate choices, my choice was the better in retaining Jason and his law firm. He is our family attorney forever.
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