Florida Second Time DUI Offender

In almost every instance of DUI arrest in Okaloosa County, Florida, it is a serious mistake to not hire an experienced Okaloosa County, Florida DUI Defense Attorney.

When you get arrested for DUI, there are both administrative and criminal consequences that you must handle.

Administrative Consequences

When you get arrested for a DUI in the state of Florida, driver’s license suspension happens immediately upon arrest. The arresting officer will issue you a temporary permit that is only valid for 10 days from the date of arrest. You must act quickly to request an administrative review of your suspension, or your driver’s license will be administratively suspended for 1 year if your license has been previously administratively suspended. Okaloosa County Attorney Stephen G. Cobb has handled many administrative suspension hearings and can help you try to avoid administrative suspension of your driver’s license. Even if an administrative suspension cannot be avoided, Attorney Stephen G. Cobb can assist you in obtaining a hardship license if you are otherwise eligible to receive one.

Criminal Consequences

In the state of Florida, DUI can be proven in two ways: impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. Regardless of how the charge is proven, the consequences are the same

Incarceration: For a second time DUI conviction, the court has the discretion to impose incarceration for up to nine months. However, if your Blood/Breath Alcohol measures at .15 or higher or there was a minor in the car, the court has the discretion to impose incarceration for up to twelve months. If this is your second DUI conviction within 5 years or less, there is a mandatory 10 day imprisonment.

License Suspension: For a second time DUI conviction within 5 years, your license will be revoked for a minimum of 5 years, effective on the conviction date. You may be eligible for a hardship license after 1 year of license revocation. For a second time DUI conviction with more than 5 years between each conviction, your license will be revoked for a minimum of six months but no more than 1 year. You will not be eligible for a hardship license. You will have to complete the full term of your license revocation.

Vehicle Impound: For a second DUI conviction within 5 years, your vehicle will be impounded for 30 days unless your family has no other mode of transportation.

Fine: For a second DUI conviction, there will be a fine of not less than $1000 but not more than $2000. However, if your Blood/Breath Alcohol measures at .15 or higher or there was a minor in the car, the fine will be not less than $2000 but not more than $4000.

Attorney Stephen G. Cobb has handled hundreds of DUI cases in Okaloosa County, Florida. Please contact Mr. Cobb today for a confidential consultation about the specifics of your case and to navigate the often confusing world between the administrative and criminal consequences of a second time DUI arrest. Mr. Cobb will vigorously work to get the most favorable outcome available whether it is a dismissal of the charge, a favorable plea agreement, or a not guilty verdict.