In all states, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense – and Florida is no exception. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a DUI conviction may come with exorbitant fines, time behind bars, the loss of driving privileges and many other statutorily required penalties as set forth in Florida Statute 316.193. The type of charge you face depends on several factors, including your criminal history and breath or blood alcohol level at the time of arrest.
If Florida police have charged you with DUI, then a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney from Leader & Leader, P.A. may be able to help. Schedule a consultation by calling us today at 954-523-2020.
In the meantime, read on to learn 10 types of DUI charges in Florida:
- Enhanced DUI
Driving under the influence with a child in the car may lead to an enhanced DUI charge. You may also face this charge if your BAC level was .15 or higher.
- Felony DUI
Those who accumulate three DUI charges within a 10-year period will face felony DUI charges. These may also apply to you if it is your fourth or subsequent offense, or if someone incurs serious bodily injury or dies as a result.
- Multiple DUI
If police charge you with a multiple DUI, then it is likely your second or third violation. It is a felony to commit a fourth or subsequent offense or three in ten years.
- First-Time DUI
Those caught drunk driving for the first time will face first-time DUI charges, providing there are no aggravating factors, such as driving with a BAC level of .15 or higher and injuring or killing another.
- DUI with Serious Bodily Harm
If anyone in the crash, that occurs while a driver is under the influence of alcohol or a chemical or controlled substance, sustains “serious bodily injury”, including you, the driver may face a felony charge of DUI with serious bodily injury and can be subject to a forced blood draw.
- Driving under the Influence of Drugs
You will face a drug DUI if police catch you high while driving. This charge applies to any substance besides alcohol, such as prescription medications or narcotics. Even if you were not impaired at the time of driving but is shows up in your blood or urine, you will likely still be charged.
- Boating under the Influence
Florida’s waters are teeming with boats, many of which are under the control of drunk individuals. If you drink and drive a boat, then you may face a BUI charge. Furthermore, because of the right to do safety inspections on boats, law enforcement can often stop or board a vessel without the same level of legal justification that would be necessary to stop a motor vehicle.
- Commercial Vehicle DUI
If you are a CDL driver, then you have a much higher standard to adhere to than the average driver. The law will charge you with a commercial DUI if you operate a commercial vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You are also subject penalties non CDL holders do not have to worry about. You can lose your license for a year on a first offense and permanently on a second offense.
- DUI with Property Damage
People who damage other people’s property while driving under the influence may face this charge. This charge typically involves car accidents, but it could include driving into a mailbox, hitting a tree or even a traffic sign or curb as some examples.
- DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter charges are extremely serious. You will likely face this charge if you’re driving contributed to the cause of someone’s death while you were driving under the influence of alcohol or a chemical or controlled substance.
Regardless of which type of DUI charge you face, it is important that you take steps to defend your interests. A Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer from Leader & Leader, P.A. can evaluate your case to identify an appropriate defense strategy. Call our office today at 954-523-2020to schedule a consultation.
