Driving under the Influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Florida, carrying heavy legal consequences. A DUI conviction can lead to the loss of driving privileges, severely affecting daily life. This impact is especially harsh for drivers under 21. Ticket School offers guidance and support to underage drivers charged with DUI in Florida, explaining penalties for both older and younger drivers.
Penalties for Drivers 21 and Older in Florida:
Florida DUI laws assign penalties based on the number and severity of previous offenses. Here’s what drivers aged 21 or older face with their first DUI:
- Fines: Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000. If the blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.15, or if a minor is in the vehicle, fines increase to between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Community Service: Mandatory 50 hours of community service, or pay an additional $10 for each hour required.
- Probation: The total time of probation and imprisonment cannot exceed one year.
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in jail. This increases to 9 months if the BAC is over 0.15 or a minor is in the vehicle.
- Driver’s License Revocation: Minimum of 180 days up to a year for a first offense.
- Vehicle Impoundment: If no other family transportation is available, the vehicle must be impounded for 10 days.
Penalties escalate with subsequent DUI offenses. For first-time offenders with a BAC over 0.15 or those driving with a minor, consequences are even more severe, including higher fines, longer jail terms, and mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.
Penalties for Underage Drivers in Florida:
The legal BAC limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02. Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
- License Suspension: A first DUI offense results in a six-month suspension of the driver’s license. If the BAC is 0.05 or higher, the suspension extends until the driver completes a substance abuse course.
- Mandatory Education and Evaluation: Drivers with a BAC of 0.05 or higher must take a substance abuse course to regain driving privileges.
- Community Service: Often required as part of the penalty for underage DUI.
Drivers under 21 with a BAC above 0.08 face the same penalties as those over 21.
This post was written by a professional at Ticket Shield. Ticket Shield understands that life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges your way. That’s why Ticket Shield is here to help you navigate through legal roadblocks when you need it most. Their team of experienced lawyers specializes in a range of traffic-related legal matters, ensuring you have the best defense possible. Types of teams available:
- Traffic Ticket Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
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- Red Light Ticket Lawyer
- Stop Sign Ticket Lawyer
- Seat Belt Ticket Lawyer
Don’t let traffic tickets or driving-related charges weigh you down. Contact our Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Broward County today for a free consultation, and let Ticket Shield be your shield in the legal arena. Your peace of mind is their priority!
