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How Serious Is a DUI Charge?

By Bia Pendelton, California Business Journal

A DUI charge (driving under the influence) is a serious matter. The negative impacts of DUIs leave a wave of challenges in their wake. Courts tend to levy harsh penalties against those convicted of this offense. The societal stigma of DUI charges is also known to follow people for years.

If you or someone you love are facing DUI charges, a DUI lawyer can help. The risk of a felony conviction simply isn’t worth taking. Your attorney will study your case and let you know what legal options you may have to defend against these charges and maintain your innocence.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI?

Florida law is harsh on DUI convictions. While misdemeanor convictions can bring harsh penalties, felony convictions nearly guarantee severe consequences. Outside of the legal arena, the societal penalties for such charges tend to also be brutal. Penalties include, but aren’t limited to:

Legal Penalties
- Alcohol education or treatment programs
- Fines
- Ignition interlock devices on cars
- Jail time
- Revocation of your driver’s license
- Vehicle impounded

Societal and Personal Ramifications
- Constant judgment
- Guilt
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Ostracization
- Shame
- Verbal and emotional abuse

On the legal side, the penalties get harsher as the nature of the offense grows more heinous. Situations involving habitual offenders, collisions, child endangerment, and injuring or killing innocent bystanders are all likely to invite the most severe sentencing provisions. Of all of the 50 states, Florida has earned the reputation as the sternest regarding DUI punishment.

The Dangers of DUI

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous things people do. Automobile accidents are consistently a top cause of death and serious injury. A sizable portion of auto accidents involve DUIs.

Substances like drugs and alcohol are known to impair your judgment and coordination, two of the main skills needed to operate a motor vehicle. Specifically, one’s reaction time, depth perception, and motor skills are all dulled by the use of alcohol. With effects like these on the human body, driving under the influence is a dangerous game with deadly outcomes.

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record?

Florida stands out from other states in how it handles DUI convictions on someone’s record. In most states, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years. In a few states, it’s five, six, or seven years. In Florida, however, a DUI conviction stays on your record for 75 years. The Sunshine State doesn’t believe in expungement for this particular offense.

DUI convictions on your criminal record can seriously limit you in many capacities. These convictions can disqualify you from many activities, like employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing, gun ownership, and voting. That’s on top of the biggest loss of all; the loss of your freedom due to incarceration.

Seeking Help for DUI Charges

You can take action against this criminal charge. A DUI charge doesn’t have to amount to the loss of your liberties and reputation. You can hire a DUI attorney today to help you combat these charges and preserve your freedom. Qualified legal professionals are waiting to hear from you. Contact us today to have your case evaluated.