While a night out on the town with your friends may be fun, the quickest way to sour the mood is by getting a DUI. Those individuals who defy proper sense and decide to drive while intoxicated are putting their own life and the lives of others at danger. Even if you think you’re sober, it’s important to remember that it only takes a few drinks within an hour to push you up and over the federally mandated 0.08% blood alcohol content. Once you’re over this limit, you can expect to have a severe decrease in decision making and motor skills. Whether you’re in Florida or California, a first time DUI conviction will have serious implications. Those people being caught for multiple offenses will be even harder pressed to find any silver lining in the ordeal, as the consequences grow exponentially for each subsequent DUI. In case you’re pulled over, a proper Orange County DUI lawyer may be the only thing standing between you and serious punishment.
If you find yourself pulled over for a first time DUI in Florida and are found guilty, you can expect to face the following consequences:
· 50 Hours of Community Service
· Up to 6 Months of Jail Time
· Up to 9 Months of Jail Time if there’s a Minor in the Vehicle
· Fines Ranging from $250 to $500
· Up to 12 Hours of DUI Schooling
· At Least 180 Days License Revocation
As you can see, the potential consequences for a first time DUI can add up quickly. These consequences don’t even factor in the additional penalties you’re likely to receive if any damage was done to property or another individual. Minors have even less leeway, as the state of Florida considers any minor with a BAC of .02 or higher to be driving under the influence, resulting in an automatic license suspension of 6 months. Florida law dictates that all DUI offenses stay on an individual’s record for 10 years, during which time any subsequent DUI arrests will result in increasingly severe punishment. If ever a Florida driver compiles 4 DUI offenses, they will have their license permanently revoked, with no chance of reinstatement.
The smartest thing to do is to plan your night out before actually going out. Discuss modes of transportation and have a designated driver. If you find that your designated driver is unfit to drive, don’t hesitate to explore other modes of transportation, whether it means calling a friend to pick you up, getting a taxi, or taking the bus. Ultimately, the hassle of picking your car up the next morning is far less than the hassle associated with a DUI conviction. An Orange County DUI Lawyer, whether it be Orange County, California or Orange County, Florida will be able to help sort out your case. If you happen to be the perpetrator, don’t hesitate to contact an Orange County DUI lawyer immediately. A proper Orange County DUI lawyer may be able to get your sentence reduced, particularly if you’re a first time offender.