We all can have a bad night, and unfortunately, sometimes we have more than one. If you are being charged with a second DUI in Palm Beach County or Broward County, contact our office immediately so our experienced DUI defense attorney can protect you from the harsh consequences of a second DUI.
Consequences of a Second DUI Offense in Florida
In the state of Florida, there are typically two sets of consequences for DUI. These consequences include an administrative suspension and a court suspension. Yes, your license can be suspended twice for one DUI. If you were arrested for a second DUI in Florida and blew over the legal limit of 0.08 or refused to provide a breath sample, additional consequences can incur such as increased fines and jail time. In most second-offense DUI cases in Florida, one can expect to face a minimum of 10 days in jail and mandatory probation if the second DUI was within five years of the first conviction. Aside from increased fines, license revocation, and impoundment, the maximum jail terms for a second DUI can be:
- Nine months for a standard second DUI
- One year for a second DUI with a BAC of .15% or more
- One year for a second DUI with a passenger under 18 years old
- One year for all DUIs (including a second) if there was an accident involving property damage or minor injuries, and
- Five years for all DUIs where there was an accident involving "serious bodily injury."
If it is a first-time refusal, your license will be suspended for up to one year. If it is a second-time refusal, your license can be suspended for up to 18 months and can lead to additional criminal charges for refusing twice. If you do not refuse to provide a breath sample, but just blow over the legal limit, you can still face a 6-month license suspension.
Reinstating a License After a Second DUI Offense in Florida
Unlike a first DUI offense in Florida, if you are charged with a second DUI, you are no longer eligible for a hardship waiver hearing. A Florida hardship hearing can provide a special license to a driver whose license has been suspended or revoked. A hardship license allows for limited driving privileges based on daily necessities such as work, school, food, and medical needs. Driving around for leisure is strictly prohibited with a hardship license.
To obtain a hardship license after a second DUI, you must challenge the suspension via the formal review process. The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky are well-equipped to guide you through this process. Hiring a Palm Beach Gardens DUI defense attorney can be one of the most important decisions you will make in your DUI case whether you are in Palm Beach or Broward County.
Will I Need an Interlock Device for a Second DUI in Florida?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed on a vehicle. It will require the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before they are able to operate the car. For most second-offense DUI cases in Florida, an interlock device will be required for a minimum of a year.
Diversion Programs for Second DUI Offenses in Florida
In most cases, you will not be eligible for a DUI diversion program if you are being charged with a second offense DUI in Florida. According to the Palm Beach County 1st Time DUI Offender Program, you are only eligible if:
- No cases involving Defendant breath samples over the 0.200 B.A.C. mark
- No cases involving accidents
- No cases involving minor children/animals in Defendant’s vehicle
- No cases involving Defendants with prior commission(s) of similar offenses
- No cases involving Defendants who have received prior formal diversion programs (excluding juvenile diversion programs)
- No cases involving Defendants who have served prior prison sentences
- No cases where Defendants did not have valid driver’s licenses at the time of the offense
- No cases where there are accompanying felony charges or accompanying drug/paraphernalia charges with DUI arrest
Additional Steps and Tips When Facing a 2nd DUI in Florida
Facing a second DUI charge in Florida, especially in Palm Beach County or Broward County, can be an overwhelming experience. Apart from legal repercussions, you may also feel a personal and social stigma attached to a repeat DUI offense. It is crucial to be informed and remain proactive throughout the legal process in order to reach a favorable outcome.
Here are our expert tips from our DUI legal defense team:
- Immediate Action is Crucial: Upon being arrested for your second DUI in Florida, it’s crucial to act quickly and contact a Palm Beach Gardens DUI Defense Attorney or one who practices in your area. Remember, you only have 10 days from the time of your arrest to apply for a formal review of your license suspension.
- Document Everything: Ensure you keep documents and take note of all interactions with law enforcement, any witnesses, and any other details about your situation and time of arrest. This can be valuable information for your attorney when building a DUI defense.
- Seek Rehab or Professional Help: Voluntarily attending alcohol and drug counseling shows the court your commitment to change and may even help to reduce potential penalties and charges in court.
- What is an Aggravated DUI: In the state of Florida, depending on the circumstances of your arrest your DUI can be elevated to an aggravated DUI. You may be charged with an Aggravated DUI if you have a very high BAC or cause serious injury. The legal consequences for an aggravated DUI are even more severe, which is why it is so important to contact a DUI Defense Attorney as quickly as you can.
- Focus on Good Behavior: Especially if you are out on bail or already on probation, be sure you stick to all court orders, stay out of trouble, and attend all mandated court appearances.
- Know Your Rights: Just because you are arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. It’s essential to understand your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to a top-rate DUI Defense Attorney.
- Hire a Top-Rated DUI Defense Attorney: Not all attorneys are equal when it comes to building a strong DUI defense. Seek out an experienced legal expert, such as those at the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, who specializes in DUI Defense for a second DUI. They will have the necessary knowledge, experience, and strategies so you have the best chance at defending your case against a second DUI in Florida.
Lawyer for Second DUI Offense in Florida
Getting a 2nd DUI in Florida is a serious crime with potentially severe legal penalties that can affect you for life. The good news is, that with the right legal representation and proactive steps, you have the best chance at legal defense. If you have been charged with a second DUI in Palm Beach County or Broward County, Florida, we are on call to help. Contact us or call us at (561) 671-5995 so we can review your case immediately. As your designated South Florida DUI legal team, we will put together the best possible strategic defense and negotiate the most favorable outcome on your behalf.
We have also put together a free guide, What You Must Know About Your DUI Case Before You Do Anything, which attacks Florida DUI myths that could potentially hurt your case and is available for download.
