Tampa 2nd Offense DUI Lawyer

Tampa 2nd Offense DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is illegal in all 50 states. While it may be a common crime, a conviction comes with significant penalties. A first offense in Florida can be damaging to your reputation, your employment status, your personal relationships, and your finances. Subsequent offenses could be even worse, resulting in consequences like more time in jail and larger fines.  Reach out to a Tampa 2nd offense DUI lawyer to learn more.

At Jeff Marshall Law, we’ve helped many clients overcome DUI charges, including second and subsequent offenses. We know that you’re going through a difficult time, and we guide you through the legal process with compassion. We can build a strong defense, whether it involves negotiating with prosecutors, challenging the legality of your traffic stop, or asserting that evidence was collected incorrectly.

Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Florida

Florida law enforcement takes DUIs very seriously. An experienced Tampa DUI lawyer can help you develop a defense to lessen the consequences or even have the charges dropped. However, it is vital that you understand the potential consequences of a first-offense DUI, which can be:

• If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least 0.08%, you could be charged a fine of up to $1,000 and face jail time of up to six months.
• If your BAC is at least 0.15%, the charge increases to a possible $2,000, and jail time increases to a potential nine months.
• If you are found to be over the legal limit with a minor in the car, you could face a fine of up to $2,000 and jail time for up to nine months.

When it comes to underage DUIs, Florida is considerably harsher. Any minor under the age of 21 who is driving and found to have a BAC of at least 0.02% will be considered impaired and could face significant penalties, such as a six-month license suspension for a first-time offense.

Penalties for a Second Offense DUI in Florida

Repeat DUI offenders in Tampa, Florida face serious consequences for a second offense. Following a first offense, subsequent offenses increase the penalties for each DUI conviction. For a second offense, the penalties can include the following:

• If your BAC is at least 0.08%, you could be charged up to $2,000 and face potential jail time of nine months.
• If your BAC is at least 0.15%, the charge increases to a possible maximum of $4,000, and jail time increases to a maximum of one year.
• If you are found to be over the legal limit with a minor in the car, you could face a charge of $4,000 and jail time of up to one year.
• If your second conviction for a DUI was within five years of your first offense, you could face mandatory prison time of at least ten days.

For second offenders, per Florida state law, an ignition interlock device will be fitted to your car for a required period of at least one year and at your expense. An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a small breathalyzer that’s installed on your car’s ignition. You will need to breathe into it and wait for the results, and if the IID reads your BAC as under the legal limit, you will be able to start your car.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a 2nd DUI Cost in Florida?

A: A 2nd DUI can cost quite a bit in Florida, as the state places significant penalties on repeat DUI offenders. If you are charged and convicted of a second offense DUI, you could be facing a maximum fine of up to $2,000 if your BAC is between 0.08% and 0.15%. If it’s above 0.15%, the maximum fine increases to $4,000. A DUI can also have a significant impact on your reputation.

Q: Is There Mandatory Jail Time for a 2nd DUI in Florida?

A: No, time in jail is not automatically mandatory for a 2nd DUI in Florida, though it is often a penalty ordered by a judge. For a 2nd DUI offense, jail time is only mandatory if your second conviction is within five years of your first, in which case you will face mandatory jail time of at least ten days. If your DUI resulted in bodily harm or someone’s death, you may be looking at substantial jail time.

Q: Can You Get a Hardship License on a Second DUI in Florida?

A: No, you cannot get a hardship license on a second DUI in Florida. If your second offense DUI is within five years of your first conviction, you will have your driver’s license revoked for a minimum period of five years. After those five years are up, you may be eligible for a hardship license reinstatement after one year. If you are convicted of DUI manslaughter, your license is permanently revoked, and you may be eligible for a hardship reinstatement after five years.

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: There is no telling how much a DUI lawyer costs in Florida. Every lawyer charges a different amount for their services based on their personal skill set, their success rate, their popularity, their caseload, their resources, and other factors specific to each individual DUI defense attorney. DUI attorneys who handle these types of crimes, may charge you hourly, on a flat rate, or even on a contingency fee basis. This is something you will need to work out with a lawyer before you decide to retain their services.

Reach Out to an Experienced DUI Lawyer Today

Facing the aftermath of a second offense DUI can be overwhelming and stressful. The consequences could be dire, and you will want someone in your corner who knows how to help. The legal team at Jeff Marshall Law is prepared to help you develop your case, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, and advocate on your behalf in court if it comes to that.

DUIs can be destructive to your personal and public life. It is important that you retain counsel quickly to build a case. Contact us to schedule a free consultation as soon as you can.