Under state law, you can be arrested for, charged with, and convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) if a police officer finds you behind the wheel of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08 percent. An officer may also determine you are impaired by alcohol or drugs based on their own observations or your performance in field sobriety tests. Even if you have no prior criminal record, a DUI conviction can have significant and long-lasting consequences on both your personal and professional life.
Seeking legal counsel to proactively enforce your rights could make a significant difference in how your case proceeds. If you have been charged with a first-time DUI in Key West, an experienced DWI attorney from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC could help you build the strongest possible defense and work to minimize the long-term impact of your charges.
Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, the court can impose a fine of $500 to $1,000 and a maximum sentence of six months in jail upon conviction of a first offense DUI in Key West. It may also suspend your driver’s license for a period of six months to a year from the date of your conviction and could impound your personal vehicle for 10 days, unless your family has no other means of transportation.
Under certain circumstances, the court may also sentence you to probation after your release from jail. You may also have to complete community service, counseling, or substance abuse treatment.
In Key West, DUI can sometimes be prosecuted as a felony, even if it is a first-time offense. This typically happens if a drunk driver causes a crash resulting in serious or fatal bodily injury to someone else or unlawfully flees the scene of a wreck.
Furthermore, driving with a BAC of at least 0.15 percent or with a minor in the car can result in a court imposing enhanced penalties. This could include a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000 and a sentence of up to nine months in jail.
During your initial consultation, our seasoned attorneys can explain the penalties you may be facing as a result of your DUI charge and begin crafting a defense to protect your rights and freedoms.
Appearing before a judge to face a DUI charge can end in severe penalties, including significant fines and time in jail. Support from a knowledgeable legal team could help you fight for your best interests and ensure a judge and jury treat you fairly for your first-time DUI in Key West.
Do not go to court alone. Contact our legal team at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we could help you.
