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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Hear From Our Happy Clients
Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004
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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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We had the absolute best experience working with Mr. Porter’s office. Our daughter was severely hurt last summer due to someone else’s negligence and we won our settlement! We were extremely happy with this law firm!!!!! Dani is also the best paralegal and she was wonderful to work with and very prompt with all my emails and questions I had! Thank you guys so much!!- M.M.
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I'd been accused of something I did not do. My situation was a total nightmare. I consulted with Attorney Porter and he assured me that my tough situation could be handled. Attorney Gary Shumar tirelessly worked my case, while showing patience and empathy when I felt frustrated. Needless to say, my charges were dropped. I highly recommend this firm.- Nikki
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Jason Porter and Nicole Carlucci are the best attorneys in Jax Beach! Listen, no one wants to hire an attorney, but if you need one- these are the people to call. I was able to schedule a same-day appointment and they were professional, courteous, and provided an excellent outcome to my case. 10/10 recommend- especially if you don’t want to leave the beach!- K.M.
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Jason Porter and his firm were great. From the beginning to the end they helped me with all my needs and fought for me. Thank you!- Anonymous
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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.- Anonymous
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First and foremost, everyone from staff to the attorneys are all great!! I first started with the firm in 2015 and due to my own circumstances, I was unable to complete the needed court requirements in order to finalize my case. The amount I paid to retain an attorney was placed in a trust and they assured me it would be there until I completed my requirements. 4 years later they kept their word and finalized my case once I completed my needed court requirement. Everything was professional and in a timely fashion on their behalf. They also found a second issue that needed to be resolved and also completed that for me. Although I hope to never need their services again, if I do, I will definitely be giving them a call. Thank you, everyone!- Erik R.
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I first met Jason Porter in 2003, when our children attended a Christian Preschool together. I saw what he did within our community. He helped many of the families from the preschool over the years so when it came time that my family needed a lawyer I chose him. Jason has helped my family and several of my personal friends, all with positive outcomes. He is a seasoned professional that is respected within the law community. You will be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. I don't know another lawyer of his caliber that offers free consultations and you speak to him personally. Pick Porter.
- Angie O.
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