Honest DUI Repeat Offenses Lawyer Serving Pasco and Hernando County
Being arrested and charged with drunk driving is often a wake-up call for many individuals. It serves as a sign to evaluate their habits and even their decision-making. If, however, an individual does not reconsider their past behavior, they could end up making the same mistakes again. The only difference in this situation will be an increase in the severity of the legal consequences they face.
At Karatinos Law, PLLC, we have helped many residents of Pasco County, Hernando County and the surrounding areas of the Sunshine State fight back and regain control over their lives when a second DUI or other related charge leaves them searching for answers.
Our founding attorney, Keeley Karatinos, realizes how difficult it can be for Florida residents with prior DUI convictions to make the necessary changes in their lives to break their pattern of behavior. She believes in working closely with her clients while offering compassionate and judgment-free legal representation. This practice allows her clients to open up about their past and prove that they are ready to change for the better. Attorney Karatinos makes herself readily accessible to her clients in order to address their legal matters effectively and efficiently. She has more than ten years of experience and is prepared to take action on her client’s behalf to protect their driving privileges and their freedom.
What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses in Florida?
The majority of people have a general understanding of the potential consequences of a drunk driving arrest, which often includes jail time, monetary fines and a license suspension. However, many people fail to grasp just how significantly the legal penalties can increase for repeat DUI offenses.
For a Florida resident to be charged with a second DUI offense, they must have a prior DUI conviction on their criminal record within the last five years. The penalties for a second DUI offense will force the accused drivers to spend a mandatory minimum of ten days in jail, but they could spend up to nine months behind bars. Additionally, accused offenders will have to pay a fine between $1,000 and $2,000 while possibly losing their license for up to five years as well. An ignition interlock device will also be a requirement for a convicted repeat DUI offender. Judges can also punish convicted repeat offenders further by requiring them to attend treatment programs, complete community service and be placed on probation.
The legal penalties can skyrocket even more when an individual is charged with a third DUI offense within a decade. First, the charges they face will increase to a third-degree felony, which can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years, fines between $2,000 and $5,000, a ten-year license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device for a minimum of two years.
When drivers continue to engage in illegal acts and fail to learn from their previous mistakes, they could end up facing a fourth drunk driving charge, no matter how much time has passed between their last conviction. Additionally, a fourth-time DUI charge will be classified as a third-degree felony, similar to a third-time DUI offense. Florida residents with four DUI convictions will potentially spend a maximum of five years in prison, be fined a minimum of $2,000 and have their license revoked permanently.
Furthermore, Floridians with pending felony drunk driving charges can face additional penalties that extend beyond jail time, fines and the loss of a license. Convicted felony DUI offenders will likely have future employment challenges and have difficulty with specific housing prospects.
Can A Lawyer Help Reduce the Consequences of A Repeat DUI Conviction?
Yes, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to reduce the penalties an individual faces by advocating on the accused driver’s behalf and scrutinizing the evidence available and how it was gathered. They will review the details of the traffic stop, the breathalyzer test and blood alcohol tests if one was conducted. A lawyer can also help identify if the officers correctly followed the procedure and did not violate the alleged offender’s rights during the arrest. These factors can compound and cause a judge to reduce the potential charges or even dismiss the case entirely.
How Can I Avoid a Harsh Sentence for Repeat DUI Offenses?
Repeat DUI offenders should promptly obtain legal support from an attorney they trust in order to possibly receive less stringent consequences or a lighter sentence. Legal professionals can work to secure a plea agreement to obtain an alternative sentence, such as attending an alcohol treatment program. This strategy is often utilized because substance abuse issues are commonly the cause of many repeat DUI offenses. Many judges will offer more lenient punishments for convicted repeat DUI offenders who are willing to resolve their addiction issues and make a permanent change in their lives. Some options for individuals searching for substance abuse help include attending DUI school or being placed in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Reliable Legal Advocates for Repeat DUI Offenders
Individuals with multiple DUI convictions on their criminal record can leave their future looking grim. There is reason to have hope, though, as repeat DUI offenders have numerous options to secure reduced penalties for their alleged crime. To speak with an accomplished and responsive attorney, do not hesitate to contact our office by calling 352-405-0537 or completing our online contact form at your convenience.