Will I Lose My License After Being Charged With a DUI?
Being charged with a DUI in Florida can be a very serious offense. It is important to understand the consequences of DUI charges, including the possibility of losing your license. If you are worried about not being able to drive to and from work or other places after being charged with a DUI, you might want to speak with an attorney.
Our skilled DUI attorneys at Gutin & Wolverton: Harley I. Gutin know how the legal system in Florida works and understands the ins and outs of how to represent your case to minimize or avoid the penalties you are facing. From our office in Cocoa, Florida, we serve clients charged with DUI and other criminal offenses throughout Brevard County, including Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville. For legal support, reach out today for guidance.
DUI License Penalties in Florida
In Florida, a DUI can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The period of suspension or revocation generally depends on a few factors such as prior DUI convictions and if there was any additional violation, such as causing an accident or injuring another person.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, DUI license penalties are as follows:
It is your first DUI offense, and no bodily injury was caused: The revocation period ranges from 180 days to one year.
It is your first DUI offense, and you caused bodily injuries: The revocation period is at least three years.
It is your second DUI offense within five years from your previous conviction: The revocation period is at least five years with the eligibility to apply for a hardship license after one year.
It is your third DUI offense within 10 years of the second conviction: The revocation period is at least 10 years with the eligibility to apply for a hardship license after two years.
It is your fourth DUI offense (no matter when your prior convictions occurred): The revocation is permanent and mandatory with the eligibility to apply for a hardship license after five years.
Someone died during the DUI accident (DUI manslaughter): The revocation is permanent and mandatory, with the eligibility to apply for a hardship license after five years as long as there were no prior DUI-related convictions.
Someone suffered a serious bodily injury during the DUI accident: The revocation period is at least three years.
As you can see, you can – and most likely will – lose your driver’s license after being charged with a DUI in Florida. However, the revocation period depends on how many prior DUI convictions you have and whether someone suffered a serious injury or died in the accident.
What Other Penalties Can You Face for a DUI in Florida?
The loss of license is not the only penalty you can face when being charged with a DUI in Florida, even if it is your first-time offense. Possible penalties for a first-time DUI that did not involve any deaths, bodily injuries, or other violations include:
Your license can be revoked for at least 180 days but no longer than one year;
A fine of at least $500 but no more than $1,000 (if your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or higher or there were minor children in your vehicle, the fines are increased to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $2,000);
Up to six months in jail (if your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or higher or there were minor children in your vehicle, you can face up to nine months in jail);
Vehicle impoundment for 10 days;
Probation;
Community service; and,
Alcohol or drug treatment program.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Cocoa, Florida, or other parts of Brevard County, our criminal defense attorneys at Gutin & Wolverton: Harley I. Gutin can help you fight to mitigate the penalties or avoid a conviction altogether.
Hardship License
Drivers whose license was revoked may apply for a hardship license if they are eligible to do so. As mentioned earlier, you become eligible to apply for a hardship license after a specified number of years have passed after the DUI conviction. For example, if it is your second DUI offense within five years from your previous conviction, you will be eligible to apply for a hardship license after one year.
Persons disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle are not eligible to apply for a hardship license to operate a commercial vehicle. In order to obtain a hardship license, eligible drivers must complete an Advanced Driver Improvement school and pay applicable reinstatement fees. When obtaining a hardship license, you need to understand that you are restricted to driving for employment and business purposes with this license.
Our DUI defense attorneys at Gutin & Wolverton: Harley I. Gutin can assist in applying for a hardship license so you can continue to drive for essential purposes.
Getting Your License Reinstated
One of the first things you will need to do to get your driver’s license reinstated after a DUI is to complete DUI school. This program is designed to educate individuals who have been convicted of a DUI about the dangers of driving under the influence.
After completing the DUI school, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The DHSMV office will review your case and determine what steps you need to take to have your license reinstated.
You will also need to pay all fines and fees associated with the DUI conviction before your license can be reinstated. The DHSMV will tell you the exact amount you owe, which you can pay online or in person at a DHSMV office.
Results-Oriented Legal Counsel
Losing your license is one of the many consequences of being charged with a DUI in Florida. If you were charged with DUI, do not try to fight the charges on your own. Reach out to Gutin & Wolverton: Harley I. Gutin to get results-oriented legal counsel and prepare a strong defense to reduce the penalties or dismiss the charges altogether. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.