DUI Law in Orlando, 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 Orlando, 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 an Orlando, 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 Orlando 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 Orlando, 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 Orlando is $500. The maximum you could pay is $2,000. However, your fines will increase if you had a minor in the car, or had a blood alcohol content above 0.15 at the time of the incident.
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 Orlando. 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 in Orlando, 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 on the spot inspections of your residence. Orlando residents are also required to abstain from drug use, maintain employment, and follow all laws. In Orlando, there is a probation office located in the U.S. Marshals Service Courthouse.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following an Orlando 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 Florida Safety Council offers two DUI courses that meet all requirements for reinstatement. These courses focus mainly on prevention and treatment, as well as victim awareness. The lower level course carries a fee of $285. The more intensive course carries a fee of $430. You must complete and pay for your court mandated substance abuse courses before you can have your license 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 in Orlando, 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 Orlando, FL DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Orlando 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
Orlando, 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 Orlando, 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 make the request in writing, including your personal information, to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This must be within 10 days of the date of arrest or notice of your suspension. You must include in the envelope a check or money order totaling $25.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Orlando. 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 Orlando, Florida
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Orlando, 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!
