A Florida drunk driving conviction is punishable by jail time, license restrictions, alcohol education classes, and fines. The fines assessed in a drunk driving case can be quite punitive, and create a financial burden for most defendants. A Florida lawyer experienced in drunk driving defense will aggressively fight a DUI / DWI charge with the goal of keeping fines and other negative repercussions to a minimum.

The fine levied in a Florida DUI / DWI conviction depends on the number of prior convictions the driver has accrued, and in some cases, on the motorist’s blood alcohol content (BAC).

Whether a drinking and driving offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony can also greatly impact the amount of the fine. Most first- and second-offense Florida DUI / DWI cases are charged as misdemeanors, unless there is an accident or an injury involved. A fourth DUI within 10 years, and those that result in accident or injury, almost always result in felony charges.

Fines for Florida drunk driving cases range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the facts of the case. A first-time DUI / DWI driver faces a fine of $250 to $500, unless his or her BAC was .20 percent or greater or there was a child in the car, in which case the fine will range from $500 to $1,000.

A second-offense Florida drunk driving conviction is punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000. If the driver’s BAC was .20 percent or greater or there was a child in the car at the time of the arrest, the offense is punishable by a $1,000 to $2,000 fine.

A third-time Florida DUI / DWI driver faces a fine of $1,000 to $2,500. If the driver’s BAC was .20 percent or greater or there was a child in the car, the fine amount rises to $2,000 to $5,000.