Being convicted of DUI in Florida can involve a variety of severe consequences. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (HSMV) department, “Under Florida law, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.”

Florida takes the threat of DUIs very seriously. Since the act of Driving Under the Influence can injure everyone near the impaired driver, either on the road in another vehicle or as a pedestrian, or even someone inside a property like a business or house if the driver crashes into the property, the penalties for DUIs can include massive fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges as well as personal impact such as personal injury lawsuits and social isolation.

Long-Term Challenges

A DUI conviction can have more long-lasting impacts beyond prison time and fines.

For example, a DUI conviction in Florida cannot be expunged from your record. Some states, including Arizona and California, offer the possibility of removing the convictions from your record if you meet specific requirements.. A Florida DUI conviction, however, cannot currently be expunged from your record.

While a DUI conviction may not carry the stigma associated with more serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault, the conviction can still present unwanted consequences. A conviction and criminal record may limit your ability to work, travel, or live where you want.

Social Isolation

DUI convictions can be extra bad depending on the fall out from the incident. If people, including passengers of the DUI driver, were injured or killed because of the DUI, the criminal punishment can increase in severity. Additionally you can be sued civilly for personal injury or wrongful death.

Even if not as severe as that, a DUI conviction can also lead to social isolation, in terms of personal shame, being shunned by friends and associates, and with the lack of reliable transportation, you may be limited in attending social events such as family gatherings, work functions, or other social opportunities.

For example, with the loss of driving privileges, your ability to travel to social gatherings may result in getting rides from friends, relying on public transportation, or using a ridesharing service. Your friends may soon tire of picking you up, especially if they disapprove of your drinking or substance abuse. Public transportation can be inconvenient and using Uber and Lyft ridesharing can get very expensive.

Fighting DUI Charges in Florida

Obviously taking preventative measures to avoid DUI charges include education about how Florida laws handle DUI charges will enable you to avoid situations that can lead to DUI charges. But if you unfortunately, get pulled over and accused of such charges, you need to have a strong criminal defense to avoid conviction.

Just because you are accused by police, does not mean you are guilty. Hiring a good DUI defense lawyer, like those at West Palm Beach, Florida’s Farkas & Cowley Law firm, is your best chance to avoid conviction. Attorneys Adam R. Farkas and Jacqueline D. Crowley believe “Hiring the right attorney––someone you can trust to fight for you and your rights––is one of the most important choices you can make when you’re in a difficult situation.”

If arrested, remember do not talk to police without your attorney present. Remember your Miranda rights: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney.” Also do your best to not talk too much during a traffic stop. As concerned or cordial as an officer may act, if you have been pulled over, the police officer is likely to be already under the assumption you are impaired and how you speak or act is being noted by that officer.

To find out more about how Farkas & Crowley can defend you in terms DUI charges, contact Farkas and Crowley P.A. 24/7 online or call(561)-444-9529.