DUI

Despite being potentially deadly for those involved, driving under the influence (DUI) is one of Naples, Florida’s most common criminal charges. A DUI is a severe criminal charge, and a conviction could have a lasting impact on your life, even if it was your first offense. Those convicted of a DUI could face fines, probation, and even lengthy imprisonment. If you have been charged with a DUI in Naples, all hope is not lost, and you have the right to fight the charges against you.

After getting arrested for driving under the influence, it is essential to reach out to an experienced Naples DUI attorney as soon as possible. Drunk driving defense attorney Robert H. Hanaford of the Law Office of Robert H. Hanaford has decades of experience defending clients’ rights in Naples and the surrounding areas. Attorney Hanaford is a former police instructor certified to administer sobriety field tests in Florida and will use his vast knowledge to develop the best defense strategy for your case.

Types of DUI Offenses and Penalties in Florida

In Florida, the severity of a DUI charge changes if you are a repeat offender and could take the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. The followings are the different types of DUI offenses in Florida and the penalties you could face for each:

• First Offense

  If it is your first time being charged with a DUI, the crime will likely be charged as a misdemeanor. Those convicted of a first-offense DUI could face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, convicted individuals must serve at least 50 hours of community service and expect their driver’s license to be suspended for one year.

• Second Offense

  In most circumstances, a second offense of DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. Convicted individuals could be sentenced to up to $2,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison. Those convicted of DUI for the second time could also face the following consequences:

  • Up to one year of probation
  • 30 days of vehicle impound
  • Ignition interlock device installation in their vehicle
  • Drivers license suspension for up to five years
  • Community service

  Those convicted of a DUI for the second time may also be required to attend a mandatory DUI course or an alcohol treatment program.

• Third Offense

  After a third DUI conviction, the penalties increase exponentially. A third DUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor unless you have a prior conviction within the last ten years, in which case the charge will escalate to a felony. Individuals convicted of a third DUI could face up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in state prison. Additionally, those convicted of a third DUI may be sentenced to:

  • Driver’s license suspension for up to ten years
  • 90 days of vehicle impound
  • Up to one year of probation
  • Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • DUI school or an alcohol treatment program
  • Community service

  Even if your third offense is classified as a misdemeanor, these hefty penalties could have a significant impact on your life.

• Fourth Offense or More

  If you are convicted of a DUI for the fourth time, the charge escalates to a felony, and the consequences are severe. Those convicted of a fourth or more DUI could face up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. The convicted individual will also face all of the consequences listed above, in addition to five years probation and a permanent suspension of their driver’s license. Those convicted of felonies face other long-term effects on their lives, such as trouble finding employment and housing.

  It is also essential to note that these penalties could increase significantly if the DUI resulted in any property damage or bodily harm. If someone was injured while you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be charged with a felony, even if it was your first DUI offense.

• How Can Our Naples DUI Attorneys Help You?

  Attorney Robert Hanaford understands how severely to even a single DUI conviction can affect your life and the stress facing such a severe charge can cause. He is dedicated to getting to know you and the details of your case personally to understand every detail and construct the best DUI defense strategy for your unique situation. Some of the many ways Attorney Hanaford can help you include:

  • Interviewing any involved parties
  • Negotiating a favorable plea bargain
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the case against you
  • Analyzing all evidence
  • Selecting a jury to ensure a fair trial
  • Negotiating severe penalties

  While facing drunk driving charges can be harrowing, it does not need to damage your life. An experienced and trusted DUI attorney could help you fight your charges and negotiate a fair deal so that you can move forward with your life.