20+ Years Handling DUI Cases in Pinellas County

First-Time DUI Penalties in Florida

Florida statutes detail the penalties for a first-time DUI conviction.

Florida First-Time DUI Penalties

• Jail Time: up to 6 months; if BAC is .15 or higher, up to 9 months max
• Fines: up to $1,000; if BAC is .15 or higher, up to $2,000 max
• Community Service: 50 hours; “buy-outs” can be made at $10/hour, with a typical max of one-half of the hours
• Probation: up to 12 months; probation of 12 months may be ordered instead of jail time, with an option of early termination after 6-months if all conditions are met
• Vehicle Impoundment or Immobilization: required for 10-days; not concurrent with incarceration; may be dismissed if the vehicle is driven only by employees of the defendant’s business

DUI school, alcohol or substance abuse counseling, victim impact panels, and investigative fees are commonly associated with DUI cases. Interlock ignition devices are required to be installed for a minimum of 6-months if the BAC was .15 or higher.

Why Hire an Attorney for My First DUI

A DUI conviction not only has immediate effects but also can have long-lasting effects too. It impacts your freedom and your future, and it can affect your personal and family life, as well as your career.

Do not simply plead without an attorney. A DUI attorney will thoroughly review the details of your case to develop the most appropriate strategy for your particular situation, working hard for the best outcome possible, such as:

• Get the charges dismissed
• Reduce charges to reckless driving
• Reduce charges to careless driving (which amounts to a civil infraction)

It’s important to contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest in Pinellas County, FL. A strategy can be implemented quickly and can make a huge difference in multiple factors of your case, including whether you can drive, have to face jail time, and more.

At The Denson Firm, we have the skills and experience to strongly advocate for you when facing prosecutors and judges. We work diligently through each aspect of the process, communicating with you regarding each step.

Contact a Pinellas County First-Time DUI Attorney Near Me

If you’re facing first-time DUI charges in Pinellas County, contact a DUI attorney you can trust. Contact Bruce Denson at The Denson Firm today to schedule a free consultation. As a Florida native with over 20+ years of experience handling criminal defense and DUI cases throughout St. Petersburg and Pinellas, he understands the process. He knows how to handle the legal issues you’re facing.