If you get caught driving under the influence, you will be charged with a criminal case and will have to appear in court. This is something you can try and fight on your own, however, it is not recommended. Driving Under the Influence cases are very serious and the laws surrounding them can be quite confusing. 

The State of Florida is tough on drunk driving penalties and depending on the severity of your DUI, you could be potentially facing jail time. Even if it was your first DUI, there can be more severe penalties for instances of causing serious bodily injury, property damage, or death.  For any of these instances, jail time is a real possibility.

Your license will also be suspended after you are convicted of a DUI. Anyone under 21 or holding a CDL may have their license suspended immediately. Some other consequences can include an alcohol treatment program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The court can also order you to install an Ignition Interlock Device for at least 6 continuous months on all vehicles that are individually or jointly leased or owned and routinely operated by the convicted person.

In Florida, you have 10 days from the time of the arrest to save your driver’s license. First-time offenders can either request an administrative hearing or forgo the hearing to obtain a hardship license immediately. 

The hearing is to determine whether the DMV correctly suspended your license for either being over the legal limit or refusing a breath test. Prior to the hearing, you will also receive a hardship license. If you don’t win at the hearing, you will have a waiting period of up to 90 days to get a hardship license. If you win the hearing, your license is reinstated with no waiting period.  

 If you forgo the hearing, your license will be suspended and you will have to enroll in the DUI school prior to getting a hardship license. 

A Florida DUI attorney can be very beneficial in fighting a DUI case. Consulting with an attorney can help give you peace of mind and will usually produce better results in the courtroom. To ensure you get the best results, you should hire a law firm that focuses on DUI cases. Not only do they have an understanding of DUI law, but they also can minimize the time you spend in court.