DUI Law in St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, Florida, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, fines for DUIs in St. Petersburg can range from $500 to $5,000. However, a fourth DUI is classified as a felony, resulting in a minimum fine of $2,000 with no maximum.
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 St. Petersburg. 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.
Judges in St. Petersburg are required to place all first time DUI offenders on probation. The probation terms can include alcohol treatment, fines, and community service. In addition, you can be prohibited from possessing a weapon or leaving the state without permission. If you violate the terms of your probation, the judge can add stricter terms or even send you to jail. The Florida Department of Corrections has two offices in St. Petersburg where you may be required to check in with your probation officer.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a St. Petersburg 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.
DUI education programs for offenders in Florida are licensed and overseen by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For your first DUI, the program consists of 12 hours of classes and costs $300. For additional DUIs, the course is 21 hours, costs $450, and may also involve a referral for substance abuse treatment. St. Petersburg drivers can attend the Pinellas County program at Suncoast Safety Council in either St. Petersburg or Clearwater.
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 St. Petersburg, 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 DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced St. Petersburg 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
St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, 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.
Under Florida law, the officer will typically confiscate your license when you are arrested for DUI in St. Petersburg. You will also be provided with a notice of suspension. You then have 10 days to request a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There are 8 Bureau of Administrative Review hearing locations statewide. Although there is no location in St. Petersburg, you will likely be assigned to the location in Clearwater. Alternatively, you can request to have your hearing conducted by phone.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg, Florida
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced St. Petersburg 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!
