What are penalties for a DUI conviction in Tampa, Fl?

Asked on
Tuesday, Jul 30, 2013

I was arrested for a DUI on Friday night and I was just wondering what possible penalties I could be facing and if it is even worth it for me to try and fight the charges?

Answers

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Jul 30, 2013
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It depends upon the facts, what the police report says, and what you say in response as to what happened, in making a decision to fight the charge. As you can see from my first answer the penalties can be quite obnoxious and it might be worth it to fight. The interlock device costs a ton of money, which most people simply cannot pay. What you need to do is get a copy of the police report if you can and take it to an attorney, or go see an attorney who has access to public records online and can get a copy. Find out how much it will be, learn what the attorney thinks he can do for you, and then make a decision.

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Jul 30, 2013
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Here is what I have compiled, which conveniently answers your question: First DUI Penalties Incarceration: Up to six (6) months in the County Jail (if the BAL is .15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle then the jail time is up to nine (9) months); Term of Probation: Up to twelve (12) months (however the total period of probation and incarceration may not exceed 12 months); DUI School: Level I twelve (12) hour class which includes a substance abuse evaluation and requires completion of any recommended follow up treatment before any hardship reinstatement (if reinstated after revocation period expires, failure to complete DUI school within 90 days after reinstatement will result in license cancellation); Community Service: Mandatory 50 hours of community service (but the court may allow you to buy out the community service hours at a rate of $10 per hour); Fine: The required fine for a first DUI in Florida is between $500 and $1,000 (with a BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000. Court may grant community service in lieu of DUI fines if defendant is unable to pay); Driver License Revocation Period: Minimum of six (6) months and maximum of twelve (12) months; Hardship Reinstatements: In order to reinstate the driver’s license for hardship purposes such as “business purposes” or “work purposes” the driver is required to complete DUI school. You must show proof of liability coverage or FR-44 insurance, pay $115 administrative fee, a $60 reinstatement fee, and a fee for the Florida driver’s license. Vehicle impoundment: Unless a hardship showing has been made, the  Court must immobilize any vehicle in the defendant’s name for 10 days after any jail sentence is completed Ignition Interlock Device: Not required unless Court ordered (except Court is required to order the ignition interlock device for six (6) months if the BAC was .15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle).