A 2nd or 3rd driving under the influence charge has very serious consequences in Tampa. The risks are high for anyone who is facing this kind of charge, as it has the potential to damage professional and personal lives, jobs, future employment opportunities, and more.
The State of Florida has no tolerance for drunk drivers in Tampa or any other county. The punishments are harsh for those who are caught drunk driving, and they will face hefty fines, jail time, and even a license suspension. It is very important that you are aware of your legal rights under Florida law if you are facing a second DUI or a third DUI conviction.
The Law Place has over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to fighting DUI convictions, and we have helped hundreds of clients in Tampa and across the State of Florida. We have a dedicated group of criminal defense lawyers who have a complete understanding of the law on DUI and will help to guide you through the legal system.
A criminal defense lawyer will investigate your charges, gather facts and evidence, and develop a strong DUI defense strategy to take into the courtroom. Rest assured that we will work hard together to reduce your charges and decrease the severity of your penalties in Tampa.
Don’t delay. Talk to The Law Place today – our phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A Tampa criminal defense lawyer will be waiting to take your call.
Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation, and we will fight your second DUI or third DUI offense together in Tampa.
Definition of Driving Under the Influence
The Law Cornell Legal Information Institute describes driving under the influence (DUI) as a criminal driving offense in all states. The offense encompasses dangerous driving impairment caused by alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.
Penalties for a Second DUI Conviction
Jail time – A second conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred within five years of the last DUI offense) will result in spending up to 9 months in jail. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, or there was someone under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, then it will result in spending up to 12 months in jail.
Probation – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in spending between 6 to 12 months on probation.
Fines – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in paying between $1,000 and $2,000 in fines. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, or there was someone under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, then it will result in paying between $2,000 and $4,000 in fines.
Driver’s license revocation – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the revocation of their driver’s license for up to 5 years.
Ignition interlock device – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 1 year. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, then it will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 2 years.
Vehicle impoundment – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the driver’s vehicle being impounded for up to 30 days.
DUI school – A second conviction for a DUI charge will mean that the driver has to attend DUI school and complete a DUI course.
Community service – A second conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred within 5 years of the last DUI offense) will mean that you have to perform community service.
Penalties for a Second DUI Conviction (5 Years After the Last DUI Conviction)
Jail time – A second conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred after five years have passed from the last DUI offense) will result in spending up to 9 months in jail. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, then it will result in spending up to 12 months in jail.
Probation – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in spending between 6 to 12 months on probation.
Fines – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in paying between $1,000 and $2,000 in fines. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, or there was someone under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, then it will result in paying between $2,000 and $4,000 in fines.
Driver’s license revocation – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the revocation of your driver’s license for between 6 to 12 months.
Ignition interlock device – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 1 year. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, then it will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 2 years.
Vehicle impoundment – A second conviction for a DUI charge will result in the driver’s vehicle being impounded for up to 10 days.
DUI school – A second conviction for a DUI charge will mean that the driver has to attend DUI school and complete a DUI course.
Community service – A second conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred after five years have passed from the last DUI offense) will mean that you have to perform community service.
Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction
Jail time – A third conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred within 10 years of the last DUI offense) will result in spending up to 5 years in jail.
Probation – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in spending up to 5 years on probation.
Fines – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in paying up to $5,000 in fines. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, or there was someone under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, then it will result in paying up to $4,000 minimum in fines.
Mandatory adjudication of guilt – A third conviction for a DUI charge will mean that the court is required to adjudicate the driver guilty in order to convict them of a felony crime.
Driver’s license revocation – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the revocation of your driver’s license for up to 10 years.
Ignition interlock device – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 2 years.
Vehicle impoundment – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the driver’s vehicle being impounded for up to 90 days.
DUI school – A third conviction for a DUI charge will mean that the driver has to attend DUI school and complete a DUI course.
Community service – A third conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred within 10 years of the last DUI offense) will mean that you have to perform community service.
Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction (10 Years After the Last DUI Conviction)
Jail time – A third conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred 10 years after the last DUI offense) will result in spending up to 1 year in jail.
Probation – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in spending up to 12 months on probation.
Fines – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in paying up to $2,000 minimum or $5,000 maximum in fines. However, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver was at .15 or above, or there was someone under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, then it will result in paying up to $4,000 minimum in fines.
Driver’s license revocation – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the revocation of your driver’s license for between 6 to 12 months.
Ignition interlock device – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to 2 years.
Vehicle impoundment – A third conviction for a DUI charge will result in the driver’s vehicle being impounded for up to 10 days.
DUI school – A third conviction for a DUI charge will mean that the driver has to attend DUI school and complete a DUI course.
Community service – A third conviction for a DUI charge (which occurred 10 years after the last DUI offense) will mean that you have to perform community service.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you are being accused of committing a second DUI or third DUI offense in Tampa, then you will need to understand your legal rights under Florida law before you make your next move. It is very important that you seek qualified representation as soon as possible, as this will increase your chances of securing a reasonable outcome for your case in the State of Florida.
The Law Place has over seventy-five years of combined experience in helping clients who are facing second DUI or third DUI charges, and we want to be the ones to help you too. Our law firm has the necessary knowledge and skills to handle your case and win a favorable outcome if you put your faith and trust in us.
If you choose The Law Place to represent you in court, then a criminal defense lawyer will get to work on managing your case, conducting an investigation, gathering facts, discussing with the prosecutor, and building a strong DUI defense method to tackle your charges in the State of Florida. The criminal defense lawyer on your case will do everything in their power to reduce the charge and minimize the damage to your personal and professional life.
Get in touch with The Law Place today. A Tampa criminal defense lawyer will be waiting to speak to you and discuss your case.
Contact us now on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation, and we will fight your second DUI or third DUI offense together in Tampa.