A drunk driving arrest and conviction can disrupt your entire life. Florida has some of the steepest fines and most rigid penalties for this offense. Additionally, the state does not allow anyone the option of having a DUI conviction expunged or sealed from their permanent record.
Not allowing individuals to seal their records means that once a court finds you guilty of drinking and driving, that conviction remains on your permanent criminal record forever. For these reasons, you must find a skilled attorney if you are facing Boca Raton DUI penalties.
DUI Conviction with Enhancements
A DUI with enhancements occurs when a person faces charges for a driving under the influence, and there are aggravating factors present. Aggravating factors can include having an accident causing property damage, having a minor in the car or driving with a BAC higher than .15 percent.
Among other penalties, a DUI conviction with enhancements for a first-time offense raises fines from $1,000 to $2,000, and for a second offense raise the fines from $2,000 to $4,000. For a third drunk driving offense, aggravating factor increase the penalties by a minimum of $4,000. An attorney in Boca Raton could answer questions that someone may have about how aggravating factors may impact the DUI/DWI penalties they are facing.
DUI Conviction Penalties
For a first-time DUI conviction without enhancements, there is not a mandatory minimum jail sentence. However, the law requires probation for up to one year. One condition of DUI probation is that the driver must complete a minimum of 50 hours of community service. The court will also suspend this person’s driver’s license for up to one year.
A second drunk driving arrest and conviction within five years will require a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days, with a maximum jail sentence of up to nine months. In some situations, there may be an option to substitute the mandatory jail sentence with a residential treatment program. This driver may also face fines of up to $4,000.
A third and any subsequent DUI conviction within 10 years may result in:
- Third-degree felony conviction
- Mandatory minimum 30 days in jail with a maximum of five years
- 10-year license revocation
- 90 days impoundment of their vehicle
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Two-year minimum Ignition Interlock Device
- Substance abuse treatment and psychological evaluations
The fourth arrest brings the possibility of a habitual felony offender, a five year prison sentence and a lifetime revocation of your Driver’s License with likely no possibility of getting a restricted or hardship license.
Anyone who faces conviction and penalties for these serious DUI charges should reach out to a knowledgeable attorney in Boca Raton.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
One of the most costly and inconvenient penalties for a DUI conviction in Boca Raton is the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Under Florida Statutes 316.1937, drivers with drunk driving convictions will face a mandatory Ignition Interlock Device placement. It is important to note that for first-time DUI arrests and convictions, a driver will not face this requirement unless aggravating factors ( such as a Breath Test of .15 or above ) are present during the arrest. Still, there are mandatory minimum Ignition Interlock Device requirements for second, third, and subsequent DUI arrests.
The statute requires the driver to pay a deposit and fee for the installation of the device. There also will be a steep monthly maintenance fees for device calibration. If there are any violations, the driver will have to pay a fine of $250 to $500 for each violation. If you are caught driving without this device installed when it is required, you can lose your hardship/restricted license and face new criminal charges and/or a violation of probation (VOP).
Contact an Attorney to Discuss the DUI Penalties in Boca Raton
Whether this is your first DUI arrest or your fourth and beyond, you need experienced representation to advocate on your behalf for the best potential outcome.
A dedicated and seasoned lawyer could fight for your rights and protect you from the harsh Boca Raton DUI penalties. Call today to get started. You do not have to let a DUI arrest define your life and future.
