What is a DUI?
Under Florida law, a person is guilty of the offense of “driving under the influence” (DUI) if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within the state and the person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance, as set forth under Florida statutes, to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired, or if the person has a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.
Know Your Rights
For many people, being stopped by the police is a very intimidating event. You should know, however, that you have specific rights when you are stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence.
Most importantly, you should be courteous and polite to the officer at all times and must provide the officer with your driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance if requested.
You have the right to:
- Let the officer know that you do not want to answer any questions without the presence of an attorney
- Let the officer know that you decline to inform the officer of any medications you may be prescribed or are taking
- Let the officer know that you do not want to submit to any breath or urine tests due to their inaccuracies
- Let the officer know of any injuries or physical limitations that you have which may affect your ability to perform field sobriety exercises
- Let the officer know that you decline to perform field sobriety exercises due to your injury or physical limitation
DUI Penalties in Florida
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida range from significant court costs and fines to community service and imprisonment. It will also result in driver’s license revocation, and certain DUI school requirements among other significant penalties.