Now that the spring semester has come to a close, many college students have packed up their dorm rooms and made their way home for summer vacation. While this ability to spend time with family, earn some much-needed money and just relax in comfortable surroundings is certainly enjoyable, many young people eventually start to feel restless, missing their college cohorts and the comfort of their campus.
Indeed, this summertime malaise often leads many college students to meet up with peers — often work friends or high school friends who have returned to similar situations — and hit the area bars and clubs in an attempt to liven things up.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with this provided that anyone consuming alcohol is 21 or older, problems can arise if any young person consumes too much alcohol and makes the decision to get behind the wheel.
That’s because the drunk driving laws here in Florida are especially strict, calling for the following penalties for a first-offense DUI:
- A fine of no less than $500 and no more than $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- License revocation of at least 180 days
- Completion of DUI school as a condition of securing a hardship license
- An ignition interlock device if the court finds it necessary
In addition to these penalties, a young person convicted of a first-offense DUI will have a permanent criminal record, something that can jeopardize everything from future employment to educational opportunities.
At Cantwell & Goldman, PA, we understand that young people can make mistakes and believe that they shouldn’t see their future compromised because of a one-time lapse in judgment. As such, we do everything in our power to fight drunk driving charges, pursuing all legal alternatives on their behalf and, if necessary, preparing a compelling legal defense.
To learn more about how we can help during these trying times, please visit our website.