Driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, DUI, DWI, or even BUI (boating under the influence) whatever you refer to it as is always an unexpected situation and a life changing arrest.  It is important to know that two distinct legal proceedings commence upon arrest for DUI. A criminal case brought by the State Attorney and an Administrative Review Hearing conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend your license while the DUI case is pending.

Florida Statutes §316.193 makes it illegal for a person to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances or controlled substances, when his/her normal faculties are impaired.  

There are various methods to determine a person’s level of impairment but the most common are:

• The person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
• The person has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

A first time drunk driving conviction exposes an offender to a myriad of penalties or fines such as:

• Driver’s License Revocation/Suspensions: 6 months up to a year.
• Fines: A monetary fine between $500 to $1000.  If blood alcohol level was over 0.15 the fine range increases to $1000-$2000.
• Community Service: Mandatory fifty (50) hours of community service or $10 fine per hour.
• Jail: Up to six (6) months of incarceration.  If blood alcohol was above 0.15, up to nine (9) months in jail.
• Vehicle impoundment: 10 day impound unless hardship can be shown.

Once a DUI arrest occurs it is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately.  At the Law Office of Aston Wilson, P.A., our firm will help you fight for you when facing an arrest for driving while intoxicated.  Our firm knows how to prepare and challenge the various aspects of a very technical type of crime and will assist you at every step of the way.

Contact our firm today!  You have 10 days from the time of arrest to object to having your license suspended.  Time is of the essence!