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Understanding the Impact of DUI Charges on Your Orlando Driver’s License
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with significant consequences under Florida Law. In Florida, driving when under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances is determined by either impairment of normal functioning or a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. If you are charged with a DUI, it’s important to understand how it can affect your driving privileges and what steps you can take to reduce these effects.
Immediate Consequences
Administrative License Suspension
In Orlando, if you are arrested for a DUI, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) can administratively suspend your driver’s license before a DUI conviction. Under Florida law, when accepting the privilege of driving a vehicle, the driver has consented to submit to lawful alcohol testing. This is known as implied consent. A driver’s license can be immediately subject to an administrative license suspension if a driver’s blood alcohol level is .08 or higher or if they refuse to submit to a lawfully requested alcohol test.
An administrative suspension can only be avoided by taking a breathalyzer test and having a result under .08. If the test results are .08 or above, a 6-month suspension will be issued. Refusing to take the test results in a one-year driver’s license suspension. Drivers have ten days from the date of their arrest to request a formal review hearing to challenge this suspension.
Criminal Penalties
Understanding the penalties and durations of license revocation for DUI offenses in Florida is essential for individuals confronting such charges. These consequences extend beyond mere numbers; they substantially disrupt one’s everyday routines by influencing daily travel to professional responsibilities.
Court-Imposed License Suspension
If you are convicted of a DUI in court, you will be subject to additional penalties, including further suspension of your driving privileges.
First Offense without Bodily Injury: A conviction can result in a license suspension of six to twelve months.
First Offense with Bodily Injury: A minimum license suspension of three years follows a conviction.
Second Offense: If the second offense occurs within five years of the first, it can result in a minimum five-year license revocation.
Third Offense: A third DUI within ten years can lead to a ten-year license revocation.
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: These are considered felonies and permanently revoke your driving privileges.
Hardship License
After a certain period of your suspension or revocation has passed, you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license. The hardship license permits driving to and from work, school, and other necessary activities. Eligibility varies depending on the specifics of your case, such as the number of prior offenses and whether you have completed any required DUI programs.
Impact on Daily Life
Losing driving privileges can profoundly impact your daily life in several ways.
- Employment: Many jobs require a valid driver’s license, and commuting to work can become a significant challenge.
- Family Responsibilities: Managing family responsibilities, such as driving children to school or extracurricular activities, becomes more challenging without a valid driver’s license. It may require relying on others for transportation or finding alternative arrangements, adding stress and inconvenience.
- Social and Recreational Activities: Social activities and engagements may be limited due to restricted mobility. Attending gatherings, events or meeting friends may become less frequent or more difficult without the ability to drive independently.
- Personal Freedom: Losing driving privileges can impact personal freedom and independence. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, running errands, or visiting friends and family members become more reliant on others or alternative transportation methods.
- Impact on Future Opportunities: A DUI conviction creates a permanent record that may impact future opportunities, such as applying for certain jobs, professional licenses, or educational programs. Background checks routinely include driving offenses, potentially affecting opportunities for years to come.
Steps to Take After a DUI Charge
Following a DUI charge in Florida, taking immediate and appropriate steps is crucial to reduce potential consequences and protect your rights.
Consult an Attorney
Consult and retain a qualified DUI attorney who handles DUI cases in Florida. An experienced attorney will assess the details of your case, explain your legal options, and represent you effectively throughout the legal process. They can also navigate complex legal procedures, negotiate plea deals, or prepare a strong defense if your case goes to trial.
Request a Hearing
Within ten days of your arrest, you may request a review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This hearing is crucial for challenging the administrative suspension of your driver’s license. Failure to request this hearing within the allowed ten days can result in an automatic suspension of your license.
Attend Court Hearings and Comply with Legal Requirements:
It is important to appear at all scheduled court hearings and obey any legal requirements imposed by the court. This may include attending DUI education programs, completing community service, or adhering to probation terms if applicable. Failure to comply with court-ordered requirements can lead to additional penalties and prolong the resolution of your case.
Contact Panella Law Firm Today
Have you been charged with a DUI in Orlando? Protect your rights and future with the help of our dedicated DUI defense attorneys. At Panella Law Firm, we understand the serious implications of a DUI conviction and are here to provide you with expert legal representation. Let Panella Law Firm guide you through this challenging time and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Call 407-602-6559 to schedule a free consultation.
