If you have been convicted of first-offense driving under the influence in Florida, it’s important to understand that a conviction will result in consequences that extend beyond possible incarceration and large fines.
Indeed, state law dictates that anyone convicted of first-offense DUI can have their driver’s license suspended for anywhere from 180 days up to one year starting on the day they are found guilty.
While this may seem like the least of a person’s worries, it can rapidly become problematic once they attempt to resume their everyday activities, including going to work or school.
Consider that even though a person is free to apply for a hardship license granting them limited driving privileges during the course of the license suspension, they may first be required to complete both treatment and DUI School.
In addition, at the time the hardship license is granted, they may be required to take an examination, provide proof of bodily injury liability insurance ($100,000 per person) and cover a host of expensive charges, including revocation reinstatement fees, administrative fees and other license fees.
Even those who elect to hold off on a hardship license, waiting to reinstate their driver’s license until the suspension is complete, will not escape these onerous fees.
In fact, they will also not escape the need to complete court-ordered DUI school and/or treatment, with the failure to complete the former within 90 days of their license reinstatement resulting in cancellation until such time as it’s completed and the failure to complete the latter simply resulting in cancellation.
The point in sharing all this information is not to be discouraging, but rather to reinforce just how high the stakes are in DUI cases and how imperative it is for anyone facing these charges to consider speaking with an experienced legal professional as soon as possible after their arrest.