The consequences of a Florida DUI / DWI conviction are serious, and can include jail sentences, fines, and driver’s license suspensions. Because the punishment of a drinking and driving conviction is so severe, it’s crucial to be represented by a top attorney. A Florida lawyer who concentrates on drunk driving cases will use a proven strategy to protect the motorist’s driving privileges and keep other negative consequences to a minimum.

The Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend a driver’s license for two different reasons – an unsuccessful DMV administrative hearing, or a criminal court conviction. Both cases require expert legal advice, but the DMV hearing is far more time-sensitive. The driver has only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. If no hearing is requested, the DMV will automatically suspend the driver’s license.

The courts can also order a driver’s license suspended after a drunk driving conviction. The length of the suspension depends on the facts of the case, including the number of prior DUI / DWI convictions a driver has.

A first-offense Florida DUI / DWI will result in a six-month to one-year driver’s license suspension. If the motorist is convicted of drinking and driving again within five years, the consequences increase substantially – he or she will lose driving privileges for five years. A second conviction more than five years after a first has the same driver’s license consequences as a first offense – a six-month to one-year suspension.

A third Florida DUI / DWI conviction within 10 years also will have a significant impact on the motorist’s driving privileges – the driver’s license will be suspended for 10 years. A third drunk driving conviction outside of a 10-year span has the same effect on the driver’s license as a first- or second-offense – a six-month to one-year suspension.

A fourth Florida drunk driving conviction at any time will permanently impact the motorist’s driving privileges – the driver’s license will be revoked for life. That’s why it’s especially critical for driver’s facing a multiple DUI / DWI charge to have top-notch legal representation.