Drivers can get arrested for drunk driving in a number of different situations. Some people get pulled over for unrelated issues, only for an officer to determine that they seem visibly impaired. Some people get arrested because they fail tests after a car crash. Others have the misfortune of encountering sobriety checkpoints. Those who appear to have compromised driving abilities and those who are over the legal limit are at risk of arrest and prosecution.
No matter why a driver has been arrested for a driving under the influence (DUI) offense, they probably face the same general penalties. The courts can incarcerate someone or sentence them to probation. They may also order them to pay fines. A driver’s license suspension is also a standard DUI penalty in Florida.
How long can someone lose their license after a DUI conviction?
Suspensions reflect the severity of the case
Every DUI case is unique. Factors ranging from the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to their prior driving record can influence the penalties the courts impose. A first-time DUI without bodily injury to others can cost a driver their license for between 180 days and a year. If someone gets hurt because of a DUI incident, the impaired driver could lose their license for a minimum of three years.
A second DUI within five years of the first leads to a five-year license revocation. Third offenses that occur within 10 years of the second DUI carry a minimum 10-year license revocation. Fourth DUI convictions lead to a mandatory permanent revocation.
In some cases, those who have served a portion of the suspension or revocation period can apply for a hardship license. They likely still have to give up their driving privileges for months before they can secure a hardship license.
Being without a license for months can impact an individual’s employment and their finances. They could lose their job because they cannot get to work reliably, or they may incur thousands in additional expenses by using on-demand services for transportation.
The only sure way to protect driving privileges after a DUI arrest is to defend against allegations successfully in Florida criminal court. Reviewing the state’s evidence with a skilled legal team is an important starting point for those facing DUI charges. A successful defense can prevent a criminal record and the various penalties the courts might impose in the wake of a conviction.
