Multiple Offense DUI Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL Aggressively Defending Your Freedom in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida
Have you gotten arrested for DUI in South Florida after a prior DUI conviction? A second or subsequent intoxicated driving conviction can carry significant penalties, including substantial fines, incarceration, and suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. You need seasoned legal representation that can help you pursue a favorable resolution to your charges. Let West Palm Beach multiple offense DUI lawyer Brandon Dinetz advocate for your rights and interests; his extensive experience as a former prosecutor gives him insights into how the state prepares and pursues DUI cases, allowing him to tailor an effective defense in your case. Contact BD Law for an initial case evaluation to learn how our firm can help you when facing a second or subsequent DUI offense.
Understanding the Consequences of Multiple DUI Offenses Under Florida Law
Florida law treats multiple DUI offenders harshly to deter motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially after a prior DUI conviction. Penalties for a second or subsequent DUI conviction can increase significantly from a first DUI offense.
For example, penalties for a second DUI in Florida include:
- Fines of $1,000 to $2,000 (or $2,000 to $4,000 for cases involving a BAC of 0.15 percent or more or a minor passenger in the defendant’s vehicle)
- Jail terms of up to nine months (or up to one year for cases involving a BAC of 0.15 percent or more or a minor passenger in the defendant’s vehicle); sentences must include a mandatory minimum of 10 days (48 hours of which must be served consecutively) for a second DUI conviction within five years of a prior DUI
- 30-day vehicle impoundment for a second conviction within five years of a prior DUI
- Minimum five-year license suspension for a second conviction within five years of a prior DUI (with offenders becoming eligible to apply for a hardship reinstatement after one year)
Penalties for a third DUI conviction increase to:
- Fines of $2,000 to $5,000 (but not less than $4,000 for offenses involving a BAC of 0.15 percent or more or a minor passenger in the vehicle)
- Up to 12 months in jail (or up to five years in prison for a third conviction within ten years of a prior DUI conviction)
- Mandatory two-year ignition interlock device requirement
- 90-day vehicle impoundment for a third offense within ten years of a prior conviction
- Minimum 10-year license suspension for a third offense within ten years of a prior conviction, with offenders becoming eligible to apply for hardship reinstatement after two years
Penalties for a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction in Florida include:
- Minimum fine of $2,000 (or $4,000 for offenses involving a BAC of 0.15 percent or more or a minor passenger in the vehicle)
- Up to five years in prison
- Permanent license revocation (offenders may become eligible to apply for hardship reinstatement after five years without another DUI conviction)
Facing DUI Charges? BD Law Can Help.
Speak With Our Top-Rated
DUI Defense Attorney
Defense Strategies in Multiple DUI Offense Cases
Because a second or subsequent DUI conviction can have severe consequences, developing a robust defense strategy can help you protect your freedom and future. Depending on the facts of your case, defenses you might raise against a DUI charge include:
- Challenging the reliability of field sobriety testing, including noting environmental and medical conditions that could affect test performance
- Challenging the reliability of blood or breath testing, including due to failure to follow testing protocols, calibrate testing equipment, or maintain the chain of custody of testing samples
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop by showing that police lacked reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity
How an Attorney Can Help You After Multiple DUI Offenses
Following an arrest for a second or subsequent DUI in South Florida, let a multiple offense DUI attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, from BD Law advocate for your rights and interests by:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest to obtain evidence favorable to your defense
- Identifying potential case strategies to reduce the severity of your charges or seek dismissal
- Explaining your rights and options to you so you can make informed decisions at each stage of your case
- Vigorously advocating on your behalf, including moving to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence and challenging the state’s case at trial if you choose to fight your charges.
Contact a West Palm Beach Multiple Offense DUI Lawyer Today
A second or subsequent DUI conviction can have devastating consequences on your life, including significant fines, jail or prison time, and long-term loss of driving privileges. You need experienced legal counsel who can help you present a compelling defense against your current DUI charge. Contact BD Law today for a confidential consultation with a multiple offense DUI attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, to discuss your legal options when facing a second or subsequent DUI charge.