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First Offense-Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Considerations

by Refik W Eler on Jul. 10, 2017

Criminal 

Summary: Even First Offense DUI convictions carry significant criminal and administrative penalties.


 

You may ask, do I really need a lawyer for a first offense? While if it's a 1st offense in Florida there may be not mandatory jail time required but a DUI conviction can't be sealed, can be used to increase the penalty for additional DUI's if you ever get another and will certainly increase your auto insurance premiums. 

 

That's just the criminal side of a DUI, then there is the administrative drivers license issues that must be addressed within certain time limits or you'll lose your temporary driving privileges.

 

In short, you should obtain legal counsel immediately if arrested and charged with DUI, even if it's your first offense. The criminal penalties will remain on your record and your driving privileges may be suspended longer than necessarily required by law. A lawyer can help you with both the criminal and administrative portions of a DUI arrest.

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