Florida DUI Penalties: The Criminal and Administrative Consequences

In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime. DUI laws were more lenient in the early days of motorized vehicles due to a lack of public awareness and advocacy. Over time, societal norms changed, and advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving pushed for more stringent DUI laws.

Between 2009 and 2018, 7,573 deaths in Florida were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDL), there were less than 30,000 DUI arrests across the state in 2020, the most recent year reported. These statistics remind us how prevalent DUI is and highlight the need to educate the public about the legal issues surrounding DUI.

DUI in Florida: The Basics

The term “driving under the influence” (DUI) carries significant implications. Florida law defines DUI as driving a car while “normal faculties are impaired” due to alcohol or controlled drugs.

Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, defines two ways to be under the influence of alcohol:

1. By Impairment of Normal Faculties: This is a subjective assessment based largely on observed behaviors, such as erratic behavior, slurred speech, or failing a field sobriety test.
2. By Blood Alcohol Level (BAC): Florida law says that a person is considered legally to be driving while under the influence of alcohol if they have a BAC greater than 0.08%. This test is based on actual blood or breath samples collected.

Florida DUI Penalties

Florida DUI penalties are governed by Florida Statutes. These penalties are mandatory and cannot be negotiated upon conviction by judges. However, they are only applicable upon conviction. This means that not all those charged will face them. Penalties can be avoided if the case is dismissed or the charges reduced to a less serious offense, such as reckless driving. The judge has no discretion in reducing or modifying DUI penalties.

This post was written by a professional at Ticket Shield. Ticket Shield understands that life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges your way. That’s why Ticket Shield is here to help you navigate through legal roadblocks when you need it most. Their team of experienced lawyers specializes in a range of traffic-related legal matters, ensuring you have the best defense possible. Types of teams available:

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• DUI Lawyer 
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer
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Don’t let traffic tickets or driving-related charges weigh you down. Contact our DUI Lawyer in Broward County today for a free consultation, and let Ticket Shield be your shield in the legal arena. Your peace of mind is their priority!