DUI Law in Boca Raton, FL

What Is a DUI?

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.

Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in  Boca Raton, Florida who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.

Possible Consequences of a Boca Raton, Florida DUI Conviction

Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a  Boca Raton law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Boca Raton, Florida, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. According to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the minimum fine you can receive for a first offense DUI in Boca Raton is $500. The maximum you could pay is $2,000. However, if you had a minor in the car, or have a blood alcohol content above 0.15, fines increase substantially.

However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage to property while driving under the influence
  • If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • Cases that include child endangerment
  • Any court costs associated with your case

Jail Time

Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in  Boca Raton. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

It is extremely important that while on your probationary period you check in with your probation officer at the appointed times. Probation also requires you to pass random drug screenings, and the probation officer may make spot inspections of your residence. Residents of Boca Raton are also required to abstain from drug use, maintain employment, and follow all laws during the probationary period. Appointments with probation officers can be held at the U.S. District Court in Boca Raton. There is a probation office located within the courthouse.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a  Boca Raton DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.

The Boca Recovery Center offers classes to those seeking to have their license reinstated, as well as those simply trying to overcome addiction. These classes treat substance abuse as a disorder to be overcome through knowledge, self-care, and positive reinforcement. They aim to establish a support system to help when you feel overwhelmed. It also highlights how substance abuse affects not just you, but trickles down through everyone in your life. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you’ll have to perform community service. You may also have anywhere from 12 to 24 hours of safety education before your license can be reinstated.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI inBoca Raton, Florida?

If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Boca Raton, FL  DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced  Boca Raton DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws

Boca Raton, Florida has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case. 

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Boca Raton, Florida you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.

To request a DMV hearing, you must submit a written request to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Included in the request must be your personal information, and a check or money order totaling $25. This must happen within 10 days of the arrest, or notice of suspension.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in  Boca Raton. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.

Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced  Boca Raton, Florida lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Florida state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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