Tampa DUI Search

Loading...

DUI Tampa - USF Study: Designated drivers not so sober

By Elise Bouchard of the USF Oracle

"When it comes to going out and drinking with friends, most students are capable of securing a designated driver. But according to a USF study, most of these students are putting their lives in the hands of 'less drunk' rather than 'sober' drivers. A group of public relations students, led by assistant professor Kelly Werder, conducted surveys and focus-group research for the Tampa Alcohol Coalition and found most USF students think a DUI has the same consequential impact as a speeding ticket. "

DUI Tampa Attorney

Florida DUI Standard Jury Instruction - Presumptions

1. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.05 or less, you shall presume that the defendant was not under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired.

2. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level in excess of 0.05 but less than 0.08, you may consider that evidence with other competent evidence in determining whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired; or

3. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more, that evidence would be sufficient by itself to establish that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired. However, such evidence may be contradicted or rebutted by other evidence demonstrating that the defendant was not under the influence to the extent that [his][her] normal faculties were impaired.

These presumptions may be considered along with any other evidence presented in deciding whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired.

DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer

Florida DUI Standard Jury Instruction

DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

F.S. 316.193

To prove the crime of driving under the influence the state must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. (Defendant) drove or was in actual physical control of a vehicle.

2. While driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle (defendant)

Give 2a or b as applicable

a. was under the influence of [alcoholic beverages] [a chemical substance] [a controlled substance] to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired or

b. had a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or a breach-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath

DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer

DUI Tampa Attorney - On lookout for drunken drivers

Osceola County law-enforcement agencies are planning a series of drunken-driving crackdowns through the holidays. The Sheriff's Office plans to conduct a DUI saturation patrol tonight between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. as part of the 'You Drink & Drive, You Lose' campaign. Sheriff's officials want people who intend to drink to make arrangements to get home safely, said sheriff's spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain, such as using a designated driver, public transportation or a taxi.

The Kissimmee Police Department is planning its special DUI enforcement operations to begin Dec. 10 and run through New Year's. 'Florida recorded 15 alcohol-related traffic deaths during the official Christmas holiday period last year,' said Kissimmee police spokesman Officer Ralph Herrera. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure that this holiday season is safer.'

In St. Cloud, the Police Department plans to conduct several DUI roadblocks between now and New Year's Eve. The department also will have roving patrols look for impaired drivers. Targeted areas include 10th and 13th Streets, Lake Shore Drive and Canoe Creek Road, the Police Department said."

Orlando Sentinel

DUI Tampa Attorney

Zebra owner pleads guilty to DUI

DUI Tampa - "A woman pleaded guilty Monday to driving drunk when she clipped shrubs, a fire hydrant and a light pole a week after zebras escaped from her animal compound.

The escaped zebras, hit by a sport utility vehicle, had to be euthanized."

DUI Tampa Attorney

DUI Tampa - Should all offenders have plate colorized to crime?

Pink DUI license plates are a joke because there are so many people committing various crimes. Why not have shades of every color for every crime? Law enforcement will need a score sheet to keep track. Unless all convicted lawbreakers get a special license plate, I will vote against any politician who favors this ridiculous proposed law. Should people who have been convicted of various crimes have a different license plate for each of their crimes? They might need a billboard. And don't forget to pick on the smokers. They should have special license plates, too, according to the brand they smoke.

Barbara M. - Largo

DUI Tampa Lawyer - Pink plates great; pink car better for DUI drivers

I support state Sen. Mike Fasano's effort to help with impaired drivers. I like the pink plates idea, but to really make these drivers visible in traffic, I suggest we paint the whole vehicle pink. Enough said.

C.G. Zephyrhills

DUI Tampa - It's Gameday and Alcohol is Plentiful

"It's 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, more than 11 hours before the start of the Georgia-Auburn football game, and Justin Nichols is in the Five Points Bottle Shop buying a half-gallon of tequila and some margarita mix. Next he'll pick up his girlfriend and meet his friends to tailgate. They'll begin drinking immediately. . . .

It's 2:30 a.m., and students are leaving the bars. A line of people snakes down the sidewalk outside The Grill, a 24-hour diner. In the next hour a 21-year-old will be stabbed after leaving a Broad Street bar. An Auburn student will take off his clothes and streak through downtown. At the jail, police process arrests through the night. The tally: 30 arrests for underage possession, 15 for having an open container of alcohol, 12 for public intoxication or disorderly conduct, two for DUI, two for fake identification and two for public indecency."

DUI Tampa Attorney from the Gainesville Sun

DUI Tampa - Do The DUI Hokey Pokey

"Playing the DUI Hokey Pokey

Police, scientists squaring off over field sobriety tests

By Brigid Schulte, The Washington Post

Stand up! Heels together. Toes out. Hands at your sides. Raise the leg of your choice in front of you, 6 inches off the ground, leg straight, toe pointed. Keep your eyes on your raised toe and begin counting aloud from 1,001 until I say stop.

One thousand one. One thousand two ...

Some dark night on the side of the road, police car lights flashing in your peripheral vision, your freedom might depend on how well you do this. "

Florida DUI Law and Open Source - From Slashdot

"Florida court this Friday will hear arguments in a case where the accuracy of a breathalyzer is being scrutinized because the manufacturer refuses to release the source code. A state court ruling last year said that accused drunk drivers are entitled to receive details about the inner workings of the 'mystical machine' that determined their guilt, and defense attorneys are now using that ruling to open up the device's source code."

Tampa Florida DUI Lawyer Attorney

DUI Tampa Lawyer - Innocent Motorists Fear Cameras

Tampa DUI Lawyer "Law abiding motorists could be mistaken for criminals bypolice using the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, the AA Motoring Trust has warned. Number plates obscured by dirt or with incorrect letter and number spacing, that cannot be read by the ANPR camera, may be flagged up as suspect registrations and police sent in pursuit, the trust said."

From Western Mail



State Appeal Rejected in DUI Case

From the Independent.com

"A Hall County district judge has ruled his court has no jurisdiction to accept the state's appeal of the sentences for a man convicted of driving under the influence twice in two weeks. According to the ruling issued by Judge James Livingston, the Legislature has only granted prosecuting attorneys the right to appeal the decision of the trial court in cases where legal questions need to be corrected for future cases or the attorney felt the sentence was excessively lenient in felony cases. The document was filed in Hall County District Court Wednesday."

DUI Tampa Florida

DUI Clearwater Attorney - Leaving Scene Accident - Woman Gets Probation

"Woman gets probation in fatal accident - Her attorney says the case has similarities to the controversial Jennifer Porter case in Tampa.

From the Times

A woman charged with leaving the scene of a fatal pedestrian accident in Clearwater earlier this year has been sentenced to probation."

DUI Clearwater Attorney

DUI and a Low Blow for Racing

Low Blow for race Driver: "In case you missed it, Busch was bounced from his ride at Roush Racing for the Phoenix and Homestead events after being cited for reckless driving following a traffic stop outside the Phoenix speedway. Busch was abusive to deputies, the incident report said. The sheriff said Monday night an odor of alcohol was detected and Busch took and passed a breath test with a reading of .017, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported."

Tampa DUI Attorney

Tampa DUI - MADD and the Florida Legislature

Tail Wags the Dog: "Toughen DUI laws; don't ridicule - It's hard to be overly critical of state Sen. Mike Fasano, whose answer to drunken driving is forcing pink license plates on the vehicles of convicted DUI offenders. Embarrassment, the New Port Richey Republican said, might make people think twice about drinking and driving. And, who knows, perhaps next year could come purple plates to signal those who maim and kill by chronic speeding or running of red lights. Satisfying as humiliation might be, it's probably not the most effective way to restrict or prohibit drunken drivers from getting behind the wheel again."

DUI Tampa Attorney

Tampa DUI - No DUI charge upsets Neighbors

"A group of neighbors in eastern Orange County were outraged after an 8-year-old was hit by a woman who allegedly admitted she was drinking and driving but was never charged with DUI, according to FLORIDA TODAY news partner WKMG Local 6 News."

Tampa DUI Lawyer

Tampa DUI Attorney - Man in DUI Death Case to Get Lesser Sentence

Man in DUI death case to get lesser sentence: "Man in DUI death case to get lesser sentence. A circuit judge says that [the man] has shown remorse about the car accident that resulted in the death of [another man] last year.

[From the St. Pete Times]

DADE CITY - Four months ago all that stood between [the man] and a reduced prison sentence was whether he felt remorse.
How was the 23-year-old Land O'Lakes man affected by the charge of DUI manslaughter and the 2004 death of an acquaintance?
A judge wasn't sure whether [the man] felt bad for [the victim] and his family, or felt bad that he was going to prison. After [the man] pleaded no contest in August, Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper refused to reduce his state-minimum sentence of 10 years, four months. . . . 'I am satisfied you have shown remorse," the judge said. "I am prepared to reduce your sentence.'"

DUI Tampa Attorney - Driver Cited In Winn-Dixie Accident

"LAKELAND - The 89-year-old woman who drove her car into a grocery store last week and severely injured a Dundee man collecting donations outside, will be cited with careless driving, according to a Lakeland Police spokesman."

DUI Tampa Attorney

Pink plates for DUI's in Florida?

"A state senator wants bright pink license plates on vehicles driven by convicted drunk drivers with limited driving privileges.

Republican senator Mike Fasano of New Port Richey filed a bill earlier this month that requires the first three characters on the
plate to read 'D-U-I.'

Fasano says this might embarrass people and make them think twice about drinking and driving. "

DUI Tampa Attorney

DUI Tampa Attorney - Florida Statewide DUI Convictions

Statewide DUI Stats: "FLORIDA DUI CONVICTIONS

State Total

2003: 42,167
2004: 45,926"

DUI Tampa Attorney - 2004 Florida DUI Convictions by County

2004 Florida DUI Convictions by County:

"FLORIDA DUI CONVICTIONS 2004

Hillsborough: 4,971
Pasco: 1,097
Pinellas: 3,537
Polk: 1,334"

Tampa DUI Lawyer

DUI Tampa Lawyer - DUI Convictions by County

2003 DUI Conviction Stats:

"FLORIDA DUI CONVICTIONS

2003

Hillsborough: 4,103
Pasco: 1,240
Pinellas: 3,803
Polk: 1,596"

DUI Tampa Attorney

DUI Tampa Attorney - Prosecutors want another chance in alcohol test case

"A ruling that could severely undermine breath-test evidence in Sarasota County DUI cases has prosecutors asking for what defense attorneys call a 'do-over.' Three Sarasota County judges stunned state prosecutors Nov. 2 when they effectively stripped them of one of the most common features of any DUI prosecution: readings from the Intoxylizer 5000, the briefcase-sized metal box that tests whether a driver's blood-alcohol level exceeds the .08 legal limit."

Tampa DUI Attorney

DUI Tampa Bay Senator and DUI License Plates

DUI Tampa Senator Proposes Pink Tags For DUI: "A [Tampa] Bay area senator wants Floridians to think pink before they have a drink. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, has filed a bill that would require 'bright pink' license plates on vehicles driven by people with restricted driving privileges resulting from a conviction for driving under the influence. 'Maybe it will embarrass people and keep them from drinking and driving,' Fasano said. 'Maybe they'll think twice.' Filed Nov. 1, Senate Bill 538 calls for the first three characters on the pink license plate to read 'DUI.' The bill also says police 'may stop any vehicle that bears a DUI plate without probable cause to check the driver.'"

DUI Tampa Attorney

DUI Tampa - DUI Courts in Other States

DUI Court: "The drug-court idea has led to spin-offs as well. In addition to adult criminal drug courts, there are juvenile drug courts and similar courts for drunk-driving defendants, known as DUI courts. On the civil side, family drug courts help divorced or separated parents become drug free, in hopes of showing a judge they are fit for joint custody of their children. "

DUI Tampa Attorney

Hundreds of breathalyzer tests could be thrown out!

Tampa DUI Tests: "Hundreds of breathalyzer tests could be thrown out! By: Sara Dorsey Sarasota, Florida - He's asked us to conceal his identity because his case is still pending. But John, as we'll call him, was pulled over and charged with driving under the influence in Sarasota County last year."

Tampa DUI Attorney

Tampa DUI - Florida drink/drive laws could push open source

"Tom Sanders in California, vnunet.com 20 Oct 2005 A Florida court will hear arguments on Friday in a case where the accuracy of a breathalyser is being scrutinised because the manufacturer has refused to release the source code. Lawyers representing more than 150 defendants who have been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol in two Florida counties will file the request. They argue that they have a right to see the source code of the alcohol breath analyser that was used to determine their clients' guilt."

Tampa DUI Attorney

Driver Gets Probation In Fatal Crash - DUI Tampa

DUI Tampa - "[A young man] was sentenced today to six years' probation in a 2002 traffic crash that killed his 16-year- old passenger in a case beset with problems for prosecutors. [He] pleaded no contest to manslaughter by culpable negligence in the death of his friend. [He] had faced up to 15 years in prison. But authorities cited two factors in the lenient sentence: [The victim's] parents opposed jail time for [him] and prosecutors' key witness would have been a former Polk County sheriff's sergeant who is in prison for giving illegal medical exams. "

DUI Tampa - Manslaughter fugitive extradited from Costa Rica

DUI Tampa Post - "WEST PALM BEACH - The gamble [he] took in 1998 by moving to Costa Rica to avoid prison ended when his plane landed in South Florida Wednesday.

The former Royal Palm Beach man arrived at the Miami International Airport about 4:30 p.m. and was shuttled to the Palm Beach County Jail. Before fleeing the country, he had received a 32 1/2 -year prison sentence for killing a Jupiter Farms woman and her daughter while he was driving drunk. "

Tampa DUI - Surprise court ruling threatens to nullify results of DUI tests

Tampa DUI Post - "VENICE -- In a decision that could throw out the use of alcohol-breath test results in Sarasota County drunken-driving cases, a panel of judges ruled that defendants are entitled to inspect the source code of the breath-testing machine's software, though the manufacturer has refused to divulge it."

Tampa DUI - Deputies to conduct sobriety checkpoints

Tampa DUI Post - PINELLAS COUNTY - Deputies with the Sheriff's Office will conduct sobriety checkpoints this weekend in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DUI Sustained Enforcement Program known as 'You Drink and Drive. You Lose.'

The goal of a sobriety checkpoint is to reduce injuries and to save lives.

Checkpoints will be set up on Friday, Nov. 4, 8 to 11 p.m., at North Dunedin Baptist Church, 1595 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, and on Saturday, Nov. 5, 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. at the Home Depot, 2495 Gulf to Bay, Clearwater.

Where: Friday, November 4th from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the North Dunedin Baptist Church located at 1595 Michigan Boulevard in Dunedin.

The goal of the DUI Sustained Enforcement Program is to mobilize every law enforcement agency in the state of Florida in a continuing effort to keep families safe from one of the greatest threats to our communities - the impaired driver."

Tampa DUI Info - Law that covers loss of fetus still awaits test

Tampa DUI - "TAVARES -- Prosecutors decided Friday not to charge a drug-impaired motorist with DUI manslaughter for a summer crash that injured a pregnant woman who lost her baby -- a case once eyed as the first test of a new state law to protect unborn children."

Tampa DUI - Breathalyzer company refuses to turn over source code

Tampa DUI Post - "The maker of the Intoxilyzer 5000 breathalyzer, CMI Inc., has informed prosecutors involved in several DUI cases in Sarasota County, Florida, that it will not assist prosecutors in complying with a judicial order to allow an expert hired by defense attorneys to review the source code for software used in the device.

On November 2, a three-judge panel ordered prosecutors to hand over the source code within 15 days, or by November 17, in conjunction with a state law that says defendants have a right to all information about the operation of computerized devices used as evidence in court, including manuals, troubleshooting guides and, potentially, source code for software.

The case has received a lot of attention in the open source and technology communities, in many ways because it is being seen as compelling evidence that devices with the potential to affect individuals' freedom or liberty - such as breathalyzers used in DUI cases and electronic voting machines in elections - should utilize open source software and be available for any citizen to review. And while open source software would prevent the need for a court order, the case is really about knowing that software is doing what it is designed to do."

Florida Hardship License Prohibited

Florida Driver License Information: "Hardship License Prohibited:

1. Florida law prohibits any hardship reinstatement upon 2nd or subsequent suspension for test refusal or if driver has been convicted of (DUI) section 316.193, F.S., two or more times.

2. Persons disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle cannot obtain a hardship license to operate a commercial motor vehicle."

DUI Tampa Florida Business or Employment Reinstatement

Business or Employment Reinstatement:

1.Suspension for Driving With an Unlawful Alcohol Level of .08 or above or Refusal: Must show proof of enrollment in DUI school and apply for an administrative hearing for possible hardship reinstatement. For unlawful alcohol level must serve 30 days without driver license or permit prior to eligibility for hardship reinstatement. For first refusal must serve 90 days without driver license or permit prior to eligibility for hardship reinstatement. No hardship reinstatement for two or more refusals.

2. Suspension - Persons Under Age of 21 Driving With a Breath Alcohol Level of .02 or above: Must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course before hardship reinstatement. .05 or higher, must complete DUI program prior to eligibility for hardship reinstatement. Must serve 30 days without driver license or permit prior to eligibility for hardship reinstatement.

DUI Tampa Florida Driver License Review Hearings For Administrative Suspensions And Disqualifications

Florida Driver License Information: "Review Hearings For Administrative Suspensions And Disqualifications

Sections s. 322.2615 and s. 322.64, F.S., authorize the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles upon the request of the driver to conduct formal and informal reviews for the purpose of sustaining, amending or invalidating administrative suspensions and disqualifications. The decisions of the department shall not be considered in any trial for a violation of s. 316.193, F.S., nor shall any written statement submitted by a person in his request for review be admissible into evidence against him in any such trial. The disposition of any related criminal proceedings shall not affect a suspension/disqualification."

DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Administrative Disqualification Law

Administrative Disqualification Law

First Disqualification for Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle With an Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level (.04 or above): 6 months disqualification
Second or Subsequent Disqualification of Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle With an Unlawful Alcohol Level (.04 or above): 1-year disqualification.

First Disqualification for Refusal to Submit to Breath, Urine or Blood Test Arising from the Operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle: 1-year disqualification.

Second or Subsequent Disqualification for Refusal to Submit to Breath, Urine, or Blood Test Arising from the Operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle: permanently disqualified.

The disqualification is effective immediately upon refusal of the breath, urine or blood test or determination that the driver has a blood alcohol level of .08 or above, while operating or in actual physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. The officer will issue the driver a temporary permit which is valid for 10 days from the date of arrest or disqualification, provided the driver is otherwise eligible. However, the permit does not authorize the operation of a commercial motor vehicle for the first 24 hours of disqualification.

Tampa DUI Attorney Florida DUI Administrative Suspension of Persons Under the Age of 21 for Driving With an Alcohol Level .02 or Above

Florida Driver License Information: "Administrative Suspension of Persons Under the Age of 21 for Driving With an Alcohol Level .02 or Above

Section 322.2616, Florida Statutes, authorizes law enforcement officers having probable cause to believe that a motor vehicle is being driven by or is in the actual physical control of a person who is under the age of 21 while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or who has any alcohol level may lawfully detain this person and may request them to submit to a test to determine the alcohol level. This violation is neither a traffic infraction nor a criminal offense, nor does being detained under this statute constitute an arrest.

First Suspension for Persons Under the Age of 21 With An Alcohol Level .02 or above: 6 months.

Second or Subsequent Suspensions 1 year.

First Suspension for Refusal to Submit to Breath Test: 1 year.

Second or Subsequent Suspensions for Refusal: 18 months.

The suspension is effective immediately. If the breath or blood alcohol level is .05 or higher the suspension shall remain in effect until completion of a substance abuse evaluation and course. The officer will issue the driver a temporary permit effective 12 hours after issuance which is valid for 10 days, provided the driver is otherwise eligible."

Florida DUI Driving While License Suspended or Revoked

Florida Driver License Information: "Driving While License Suspended or Revoked- s. 322.34, F.S.

Any person whose driver license/privilege is suspended for Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Level, or revoked for DUI, DUI Manslaughter or Vehicular Homicide, or for any other offense ordered by the court and who causes death or serious bodily injury to another person by operating a motor vehicle in a careless or negligent manner is guilty of a 3rd degree felony, punishable by both imprisonment of not more than 5 years, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both."

Florida DUI Adjudication and Sentencing

Florida Driver License Information: "Adjudication and Sentencing - s. 316.656, F.S., s. 322.2615 F.S.

Penalty to be Imposed by Court: Judges are prohibited from deviating from the administrative suspension/revocation periods mandated by statute. The courts are prohibited from withholding adjudication in DUI cases; or from reducing a DUI charge if the defendant's blood alcohol was .20 or greater."

Chemical or Physical Test Provisions (Implied Consent Law)

Florida Driver License Information: "Chemical or Physical Test Provisions (Implied Consent Law)-s. 316.1932, F.S., s. 316.1933, F.S., s. 316.1934, F.S, s. 316.1939, F.S

Refusal: Refusal to submit to a breath, urine, or blood test is admissible as evidence in DUI criminal proceedings. Second or subsequent refusal is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Driver License Suspension Periods: First refusal, suspended for 1 year. Second or subsequent refusals, suspended for 18 months.
Commercial Driver License Disqualification Periods: First refusal in a commercial motor vehicle, disqualified for 1 year. Second or subsequent refusals in a commercial motor vehicle, disqualified permanently. No hardship reinstatement permitted.

Forceful Withdrawal of Blood: If necessary, blood may be withdrawn in DUI cases involving serious bodily injury or death by authorized medical personnel with the use of reasonable force by the arresting officer, even if the driver refuses.

Unconscious: Any person who is incapable of refusal by reason of unconsciousness or other mental or physical condition shall be deemed not to have withdrawn his consent to such test. A blood test may be administered whether or not such person is told that his failure to submit to such a blood test will result in the suspension of his privilege to operate a motor vehicle.

Portable Alcohol Breath Testing Devices: Authorized by s.322.2616, F.S., for persons under the age of 21. Reading is admissible as evidence in any administrative hearing conducted under s. 322.2616, F.S."

Florida Driver DUI School Requirements

Florida Driver License Information: "DUI School Requirements - s. 316.193 F.S., s. 322.271, F.S., s. 322.291, F.S.

First Conviction: Must complete DUI school before hardship reinstatement. Customers who wait out revocation period before reinstatement need only show proof of enrollment or completion to become re-licensed. If customer enrolls and is reinstated after revocation period expires, failure to complete the DUI school within 90 days after reinstatement will result in license cancellation; the driver cannot then be re-licensed until DUI school is completed.

Second Conviction in 5 Years (5-Year Revocation) or Third Conviction in 10 Years (10-Year Revocation): Customer must complete DUI school following conviction.

DUI Manslaughter With No Prior DUI Related Conviction: (Permanent Revocation): Must complete DUI school before hardship reinstatement.

Manslaughter, DUI Serious Bodily Injury, or Vehicular Homicide: (Minimum 3 year Revocation)

Customers Who Wait Until Revocation Period Expires: Must enroll in DUI school and pass the driver license examinations to be re-licensed. Failure to complete the school within 90 days after such reinstatement will result in cancellation of the license until the school is completed.

Reckless Driving: If the court has reasonable cause to believe that the use of alcohol, chemical or controlled substances contributed to a violation of reckless driving, the person convicted of reckless driving must complete DUI school if ordered by the court.

Treatment: Treatment resulting from a psychosocial evaluation may not be waived without a supporting psychosocial evaluation by a court appointed agency with access to the original evaluation."

Business Purposes Only/Employment Purposes Only Reinstatements

Business Purposes Only/Employment Purposes Only Reinstatements-s. 322.271, F.S. and s. 322.28, F.S.

First Conviction: Must complete DUI school, apply to department for hearing for possible hardship reinstatement. Mandatory ignition interlock device for up to six months for BAL of .20 or higher, or for two years if BAL is greater than .20.

Second Convictions (or more): No hardship license except as provided below. Mandatory ignition interlock device for one year, effective 07/03.

Second Conviction Within 5 Years: (5-Year Revocation) May apply for hardship reinstatement hearing after one year. Must complete DUI school and remain in the DUI supervision program for the remainder of the revocation period (failure to report for counseling or treatment shall result in cancellation of the hardship license). Applicant may not have consumed any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance or driven a motor vehicle for 12 months prior to reinstatement. Mandatory ignition interlock device for one year or for two years if BAL is greater than .20.

Third Conviction Within 10 Years: (10-Year Revocation) May apply for hardship reinstatement hearing after two years. Must complete DUI school and remain in the DUI supervision program for the remainder of the revocation period (failure to report for counseling or treatment shall result in the cancellation of the hardship license). Applicant may not have consumed any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance or driven a motor vehicle for 12 months prior to reinstatement. Mandatory ignition interlock device for two years.

DUI Manslaughter With No Prior DUI Related Conviction: (Permanent Revocation): May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after 5 years have expired from date of revocation or expired from date

Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) Alcohol-Related Convictions

Florida Driver License Information: "Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) Alcohol-Related Convictions/Disqualifications-s. 322.61, F.S.

Persons convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .04 or above or refusing to submit to a test to determine the alcohol concentration while driving a commercial motor vehicle, driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, or driving a commercial motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of 1 year. This is in addition to any provisions of s. 316.193 for DUI convictions.

Second or subsequent conviction of any of the above offenses arising out of separate incidents will result in a permanent disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle.

There are no provisions for persons disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle to obtain a hardship (business or employment) license to operate a commercial motor vehicle. "

Driver License Revocation Periods for DUI

Florida Driver License Information: "Driver License Revocation Periods for DUI-s. 322.271, F.S. and s. 322.28,F.S.

A. First Conviction: Minimum 180 days revocation, maximum 1 year.

B. Second Conviction Within 5 Years: Minimum 5 years revocation. May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after 1 year. Other 2nd offenders same as 'A' above.

C. Third Conviction Within 10 Years: Minimum 10 years revocation. May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after 2 years. Other 3rd offenders same as 'A' above; one conviction more than 10 years prior and one within 5 years, same as 'B' above.

D. Fourth Conviction, Regardless of When Prior Convictions Occurred) and Murder with Motor Vehicle: Mandatory permanent revocation. No hardship reinstatement.

E. DUI Manslaughter: Mandatory permanent revocation. If no prior DUI related convictions, may be eligible for hardship reinstatement after 5 years.

F. Manslaughter, DUI Serious Bodily Injury, or Vehicular Homicide Convictions: Minimum 3-year revocation. DUI Serious Bodily Injury having prior DUI conviction is same as 'B-D' above. "

DUI Felony Conviction - DUI Tampa

Florida Driver License Information: "DUI Felony Conviction: (Repeat Offenders or Accidents Involving Serious Bodily Injury)-s. 316.193 (2),(3) F.S.

Any person convicted of a third DUI within 10 years or a fourth or subsequent DUI commits a Third Degree Felony (not more than $5,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment). Any person who causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence is guilty of a Third Degree Felony (not more than $5,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment) or if habitual/violent felony offender as provided in s. 775.084, F.S."

DUI Misdemeanor Conviction Tampa DUI

Florida Driver License Information: "DUI Misdemeanor Conviction: (Accident Involving Property Damage or Personal Injury)-s. 316.193 (3), F.S.

Any person who causes property damage or personal injury to another while driving under the influence is guilty of a First Degree Misdemeanor (not more than $1,000 fine or 1-year imprisonment)."

Impoundment of Immobilization of Vehicle

Florida Driver License Information: "Impoundment of Immobilization of Vehicle - s. 316.193 (6), F.S.

Unless the family of the defendant has no other transportation: First conviction = 10 days; second conviction within 5 years = 30 days; third conviction within 10 years = 90 days. Impoundment or immobilization must not occur concurrently with incarceration. The court may dismiss the order of impoundment of any vehicles that are owned by the defendant if they are operated solely by the employees of the defendant or any business owned by the defendant."

DUI Residential Alcoholism Treatment

Florida Driver License Information: "Imprisonment- s. 316.193 (2)(a) 2, 4(b), (6)(j), F.S.

At court's discretion, sentencing terms may be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program, credited toward term of imprisonment.

First Conviction: Not more than 6 months. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not more than 9 months.

Second Conviction: Not more than 9 months. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not more than 12 months. If second conviction within 5 years, mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.

Third Conviction: If third conviction within 10 years, mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive. If third conviction more than 10 years, imprisonment for not more than 12 months.

Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not more than 5 years or as provided in s.775.084, Florida Statutues, as habitual/violent offender. "

DUI Penalties Florida DUI

DUI Penalties FloridaFlorida Driver License Information: "Fine Schedule s. 316.193(2)(a)-(b), F.S.

First Conviction: Not less than $250, or more than $500. With Blood/Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $500, or more than $1,000.

Second Conviction: Not less than $500, or more than $1,000. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000.

Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer W.F. ''Casey'' Ebsary, Jr. can help. The call is free, and the relief from an expert can be invaluable.Stop Worrying - Call Now! 1-877-793-9290

Third Conviction More than 10 years: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,500. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $2,000.

Third Conviction Within 10 years: Not more than $5,000. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle. Not less than $2,000.

Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not less than $1,000. With BAL of .20 or higher or minor in the vehicle. Not less than $2,000. "

DUI Penalties Florida

DUI Tampa Florida Legal Definition of DUI

Florida Driver License Information: "DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages, Chemical Substances or Controlled Substances). s. 316.193, F.S. Under Florida law, DUI is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or 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 Georgia DUI Tampa Update

"Speaking of drinking, Florida beat No.4 Georgia 14-10 at the 'World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.' The event lived up to its billing. Before the game, several Georgia fans were picked up for DUI (Driving Under the Illusion they could win without D.J. Shockley)."

A New Record - DUI Tampa - Driver Hospitalized After High Intoxilyzer Result

"LARGO -- A Largo man arrested for drunken driving was taken to the Largo Medical Center for an exam after his DUI test results were unusually high. [The person] was arrested Friday morning by Largo police near Ulmerton Road and 113th Avenue after the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office sent out a DUI notice for him. Police administered DUI tests on [The person] and the results were a .430 and .424. In Florida, a person with a DUI test reading of .08 is presumed to be intoxicated. Because the results were so high, [The person] was taken to the Largo Medical Center for medical clearance. He was then returned to the to Pinellas County Jail."

Kissimmee Police target DUI drivers - DUI Florida

"Motorists passing through Kissimmee may want to be particularly careful Saturday when city police conduct a drunken-driving saturation patrol for the 'You Drink & Drive, You Lose' campaign.

Osceola is one of 20 Florida counties included in the effort, which is designed to stop impaired drivers before they cause crashes, police spokesman Officer Ralph Herrera said.

The patrols are planned for sections of the city where most crashes involve an impaired driver.

More patrols are planned twice a month for the next year, Herrera said."