Driving under the influence, most commonly referred to as a DUI, is a charge that can result in fines, driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and possible jail time. This charge is most common for individuals who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that impairs their ability to safely operate a vehicle. The severity of DUI punishments also depends on the person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether there were others involved, injuries, property damage, and whether any minors were in the car. So, exactly what happens if you get arrested for a DUI?
As a luxury drug and alcohol rehab in Palm Beach, we understand the cognitive impairment that can result from excessive alcohol consumption. While some can control their drinking, a few drinks a week can quickly progress into alcoholism.
What Happens if You Get a DUI in Florida?
If you’ve never driven under the influence of alcohol, then you probably aren’t aware of what happens when you get arrested for DUI charges in Florida. The reality is it can be a long and arduous process, with a variety of consequences that can reach practically all aspects of a person’s life.
License Suspension
If it’s the person’s first DUI, then their driver’s license suspension can range from six to twelve months. However, this refers to the criminal penalty. An administrative driver’s license suspension occurs when the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) suspends the person’s license when their BAC is at .08 percent or higher.1 A first-time DUI offender who refuses any chemical testing upon arrest will have their license suspended for a year. Individuals who have their license suspended as a result of a DUI charge can often obtain a hardship license. This allows the person to drive to and from work, school, church, and doctor appointments. This kind of license suspension applies to people who had a BAC of .08 or higher and completed a 30-day suspension.
Fines
Fines for people with first-time DUI charges in Florida can range from $500 to $2,000. These depend on the person’s BAC. If it was .15 percent or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle at the time of arrest, the fine would be between $1,000 and $2,000.1 A first-time DUI offender in Florida may also be subject to additional fines in addition to the ones already listed. These may include the placement of an ignition interlock device in their car, probation, community service, and required participation in a DUI education program.
Imprisonment
The duration of jail time depends on the circumstances of the incident. For first-time offenders, six months of jail time is standard. If the person’s blood alcohol level (BAL) was .15 percent or higher, then they would most likely serve nine months of jail time. If property damage or personal injury resulted from the accident, then they would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, which requires a maximum fine of $1,000 or a year of jail time. When vehicular homicide or manslaughter is involved, the fines can go up to $10,000 and jail time up to 30 years.1 In some cases, judges allow defendants to serve their sentencing in alcohol addiction treatment.
Vehicle Impoundment
Unless the defendant’s family has no other available form of transportation, the first-time offenders will have their vehicles impounded or immobilized for 10 days. The 10 days cannot overlap with their jail time, meaning that defendants will have to complete their sentence before the impoundment period can begin. The defendant will also be liable for all fines and charges related to the impoundment of their car, including towing and storage fees. It should be noted that if the defendant is unable to pay these fines on time, the impoundment or immobilization period may go beyond 10 days.
First-time offenders must fully comprehend all potential repercussions, particularly because they may have a substantial negative influence on their personal and financial lives. For those that have been charged with a DUI, it is essential to get legal advice and comprehend the particular rules and regulations that apply to them.
Interlock Devices
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a small breathalyzer that is installed in the defendant’s car. It detects any traces of alcohol on the person’s breath. To start the car, the person must first take a breathalyzer test. When you’re arrested for DUI in Florida for the first time, an IID will be installed in your vehicle for up to six months if your BAL is 0.15 percent or higher.1 Sadly, knowing what happens if you get arrested for a DUI does not always keep people from attempting to drink and drink themselves.
How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record?
Like any other legal charge, a DUI goes on your record, limiting certain personal freedoms. Depending on the jurisdiction and the particular rules in effect, the amount of time a DUI remains on your record may change. A DUI conviction generally has long-term effects and stays on your record for a long time. A DUI conviction normally stays on your criminal record permanently in the US, including Florida. It is thus possible for employers, law enforcement officials, and other parties running background checks to see it. Even after fulfilling all of the requirements, many individuals may experience difficulties in obtaining a passport, obtaining a firearm, renting a home, or working with children.
It’s crucial to remember that while the conviction itself can stay on your record forever, the significance and exposure of the DUI offense may lessen over time. Some states might provide options for record sealing or expungement, which can lessen the long-term effects. A person can have certain qualifying offenses expunged from their criminal record, which essentially erases the conviction. However, depending on the jurisdiction and the particulars of the case, the eligibility and availability of expungement can vary greatly.
A DUI can be a sign of hitting rock bottom. Drug or alcohol abuse can affect behavior and judgment to the point where a person may put themselves and others at risk. For those ready to learn from these experiences and build a happier, healthier future, Seaside Palm Beach offers a variety of holistic treatment programs that can aid in the healing journey. Every service offered by our high-end rehab is designed to help patients learn the ins and outs of their disorders and reclaim control of their lives.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, get help before it’s too late. You can avoid the repercussions of drug and alcohol abuse by calling us at 561-677-9374 to find out more about our options for residential addiction treatment in Palm Beach.
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