Pinellas County DUI: How To Protect Yourself Against Criminal Penalties
A DUI arrest in Pinellas County can have serious legal and financial consequences, from license suspension to jail time and hefty fines, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions. If you are facing these charges, our Seminole DUI lawyer wants you to know how to protect your rights and the potential penalties.
Florida’s DUI Laws and Penalties
Under 316.193 of the Florida Statute, you can face DUI charges in Pinellas County if you get pulled over by police and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 percent or more, or if you are otherwise under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescribed medications while behind the wheel.
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Pinellas County have the potential to be severe. They vary based on any prior offenses and aggravating factors in the case:
- For a first DUI offense, penalties include up to 6 months in jail, a $500 to $1,000 fine, and up to a one-year driver’s license suspension;
- For a second DUI offense, penalties include up to 9 months in jail, a $1,000 to $2,000 fine, and a 5-year license suspension (if within 5 years of the first DUI);
- For a third DUI offense within 10 years of the first, you face felony criminal charges, up to a $5,000 fine, up to 5 years in prison, and revocation of your driver’s license for 10 years;
- Penalties for a fourth or any additional DUIs include heavy fines, a lengthy prison sentence, and permanent license revocation.
Additional penalties may apply if there was a minor in the vehicle at the time, your BAC level was 0.15 percent or higher, or you caused a crash that injured others.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Pinellas County
Prosecutors with the Pinellas County Criminal Court are tough on DUI drivers. If you get arrested for DUI in Seminole, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Provide your name and identification, but do not answer police questions, as anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Refuse Field Sobriety Tests: These tests provide compelling evidence against you. However, refusing may result in an automatic license suspension.
- Request a Formal Review Hearing: You have 10 days from a DUI arrest in Pinellas County to challenge your driver’s license suspension.
- Get Legal Help Immediately: Our Seminole DUI lawyer can challenge evidence presented by police, fight with prosecutors, and help get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Pinellas County DUI Lawyer
A Florida DUI conviction carries potentially severe criminal penalties and can have lifelong consequences, affecting your job, finances, and freedom. If facing DUI charges in Pinellas County, get the experienced and highly skilled local legal representation you need from The Reep Law Firm.
Our office fights for clients in these cases and takes legal action to protect you against Florida DUI penalties, including fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension. Give our office a call or contact us online. Schedule a consultation today with our Seminole DUI lawyer.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html
mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/Criminal-Juvenile
