If you or a loved one has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), it does not have to ruin your life. The DUI defense attorneys at Richardson Law Group can help get your charges reduced or dismissed.

The impact of a DUI conviction can vary and the long-term consequences include: a permanent criminal record, bad driving record and time in prison.

A sharp, aggressive Florida DUI defense attorney gives you your best chance of avoiding the consequences of a conviction. We invite you to meet with us and explore options for fighting your  DUI case. Call 305-570-2271 to get advice now about DUI criminal defense in Florida.

Most Florida DUI arrests begin with a traffic stop or a checkpoint. The officer asks you to perform a series of field sobriety tests and to blow twice into a handheld breathalyzer.

After the arrest, the cop usually will ask you to take a blood or breath test at the police station, jail or hospital. Refusing the breath test may result in tougher Florida DUI penalties and an automatic one-year driver's license suspension.

Under Florida law, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.

DUI fine schedule, per section 316.193, Florida Statutes.

• First conviction:
  • Not less than $500 or more than $1,000.
  • If blood/breath alcohol level (BAL) was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000.
• Second conviction:
  • Not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $2,000 or more than $4,000.
• Third conviction (within 10 years from the second offense):
  • Not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $4,000.
• Third conviction (more than 10 years from second):
  • Not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $4,000.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction: 
  • Not less than $2,000.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $4,000.

At the court’s discretion, sentencing terms may be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program and credited toward the term of imprisonment.

• First conviction:
  • Imprisonment for not more than six months.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment for not more than nine months.
• Second conviction:
  • Imprisonment for not more than nine months.
  • If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment for not more than 12 months.
  • If second conviction was within five years of a prior conviction, mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
• Third conviction:
  • If third conviction is within 10 years of a prior conviction, mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
  • If third conviction is more than 10 years of a prior conviction, imprisonment for not more than 12 months.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction:

• • Imprisonment for not more than five years, or as provided in section 775.084, Florida Statutes, if habitual/violent offender.

• DUI Manslaughter: Second degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment).
• DUI Manslaughter/Leaving the Scene: A driver convicted of DUI manslaughter who knew/should have known the crash occurred, but failed to give information or render aid is guilty of a first degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment).
• Vehicular Homicide: Second degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment).
• Vehicular Homicide/Leaving the Scene: A driver convicted of vehicular homicide who left the scene of a crash is guilty of a first degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment).