The Fines A Defendant Should Expect To Pay Under Florida DUI Law
Monday, May 9th, 2011Getting arrested for a DUI in Tampa, Florida is a serious offense which can result in harsh implications for the driver. It is highly recommended that any person accused of a DUI meet with a knowledgeable Tampa DUI attorney shortly after the arrest. The punishment enforced under Florida DUI law will differ depending on whether the defendant has prior convictions for a DUI. Furthermore, the penalties will be more rigorous if property or bodily harm was caused while driving under the influence. The consequences for DUI in Florida can be a fine, revoked or suspended driver’s license, community service, probation, imprisonment, and impoundment of the car. An experienced Tampa DUI lawyer may help lessen the consequences associated with a DUI accusation by implementing a legal defense or bargaining with the prosecutor for a reduced sentence.
If a defendant is convicted of a DUI in Tampa the court could impose a fine under Florida DUI Law. The fine for a driver with no prior DUI convictions will be between 0 and ,000. However, if there was a minor in the car or if the driver had a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the penalty ordered by the court will be between ,000 and ,000.
If the defendant has one prior conviction of a DUI the penalty will be between ,000 and ,000. However, if there was a child under 18 in the car or if the blood alcohol level of the defendant was .15 or higher the fine will be between ,000 and ,000. If it was the defendant’s third conviction of a DUI the fine will be between ,000 and ,000. If during the third conviction the defendant had a child under 18 in the car or a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the fine will be no less ,000. For the fourth or any subsequent DUI conviction the fine will be no less than ,000.
A skilled Tampa DUI attorney may help save you money in fines stemming from a DUI arrest in Florida. Regardless whether the DUI arrest is the first charge or the defendant has many DUI arrests the driver should always contact a trained Tampa DUI lawyer to develop a legal strategy.