The outlined DUI charges present a graduated scale of penalties in Florida, reflecting the severity of offenses and the presence of aggravating factors. For a first DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.15, the total fines and costs amount to $983, with a 12-month probation period and a 6-month to 1-year driver’s license revocation. In contrast, a first DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher or involving a person under 18 in the car incurs higher fines at $1,518, a potential 9-month jail term, and an additional mandate of a 6-month Ignition Interlock.
Second DUI offenses within a 5-year span witness a substantial escalation in penalties. For those with a BAC below 0.15, the fines remain at $1,518, but the probation period extends to 12 months, and a mandatory 5-year license revocation is imposed. The jail time increases to a potential 9 months, with a 30-day vehicle impound and an obligation for the offender to undergo a year of Ignition Interlock. In cases of a second DUI within 5 years with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, fines rise to $2,558, the jail term can extend up to 12 months, and the Ignition Interlock period is extended to 2 years.
Notably, a second DUI occurring outside a 5-year timeframe, with a BAC below 0.15, incurs penalties similar to a first-time offense, but with an increased 30-day vehicle impound and an extended Ignition Interlock requirement of 1 year. These penalties collectively illustrate the state’s stringent approach to DUI enforcement, intensifying consequences for repeat offenses and instances of elevated impairment.
Comparing Different Types of DUI Charges
1. First DUI: BAC below 0.15
- Total Fines & Costs: $983.00
- Probation Period: 12 months
- License Revocation: 6 months to 1 year
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months
- Vehicle Impound: 10 days
- Other Penalties: DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation & Treatment, 50 hrs Community Service
2. First DUI: BAC 0.15 or higher or person less than 18 in the car
- Total Fines & Costs: $1,518.00
- Probation Period: 12 months
- License Revocation: 6 months to 1 year
- Jail Time: Up to 9 months
- Vehicle Impound: 10 days
- Other Penalties: DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation & Treatment, 50 hrs Community Service, 6 months Ignition Interlock
3. Second DUI within 5 years: BAC below 0.15
- Total Fines & Costs: $1,518.00
- Probation Period: 12 months
- License Revocation: Mandatory 5 years
- Jail Time: Up to 9 months (mandatory 10 days)
- Vehicle Impound: 30 days
- Other Penalties: Multiple Offender DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation & Treatment, 1 year Ignition Interlock
4. Second DUI within 5 years: BAC 0.15 or higher
- Total Fines & Costs: $2,558.00
- Probation Period: 12 months
- License Revocation: Mandatory 5 years
- Jail Time: Up to 12 months (mandatory 10 days)
- Vehicle Impound: 30 days
- Other Penalties: Multiple Offender DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation & Treatment, 2 years Ignition Interlock
5. Second DUI outside 5 years: BAC below 0.15
- Total Fines & Costs: $1,518.00
- Probation Period: 12 months
- License Revocation: 6 months to 1 year
- Jail Time: Up to 9 months
- Vehicle Impound: 10 days
- Other Penalties: Multiple Offender DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation & Treatment, 1 year Ignition Interlock
Comparison:
- Fines and costs increase for repeat offenses and for cases with a higher BAC.
- Probation periods remain consistent at 12 months for most cases.
- License revocation periods increase for repeat offenses, with mandatory 5-year revocation for second offenses within 5 years.
- Jail time varies, with longer sentences for repeat offenses and higher BAC.
- Vehicle impound periods increase for repeat offenses.
- Additional penalties, such as Ignition Interlock and longer treatment requirements, are imposed for repeat offenses and cases with higher BAC.
Summary
The provided information details various penalties associated with DUI offenses in Florida. The severity of consequences escalates based on factors such as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and whether it’s a repeat offense. Fines, probation periods, license revocation, jail time, and additional mandates like Ignition Interlock increase for higher BAC levels and repeated violations within a specified timeframe. The state employs a stringent approach, emphasizing escalating repercussions for elevated impairment and recurrent DUI offenses.
