Orlando DUI Defense Attorney

Reliable Criminal Defense Representation in Orange County

If you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in Florida, you may be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the circumstances.

If your DUI resulted in only property damage, such as in the case of another vehicle, you will probably be facing a misdemeanor charge.

If your DUI violation resulted in serious bodily injury to another, you may be facing a felony charge. If another person died as a result of your drunk driving, you face a DUI manslaughter charge.

The penalties you face for a first DUI conviction include:

• Fines of up to $500
• Community service work of up to 50 hours
• Probation for up to one year
• Loss of your driver’s license for up to 180 days
• 12 hours of DUI school

Jail time is another risk: up to 6 months for a first-time DUI and up to 9 months if you were driving with a minor in your vehicle. Subsequent convictions will result in even harsher penalties. DUI cases can be complicated, involving legal and scientific sobriety tests, all of which need to be investigated and addressed by an attorney who is familiar with handling all of these factors. Mazin Law is here to help.

Have questions? Get the answers you need during a complimentary consultation by calling (407) 477-6744.

Florida DUI Laws and Penalties

Under Florida Statute 316.193, a person can be charged with DUI if they are in actual physical control of a vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both to the extent that normal faculties are affected.

DUI penalties depend on the circumstances of the case, prior convictions, and any aggravating factors.

First-Time DUI Offense

A first-time DUI offense carries several penalties, including up to six months in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, and a license suspension lasting between six and twelve months. Offenders must also complete 50 hours of community service, face a ten-day vehicle impoundment, and attend mandatory DUI school.

Second DUI Offense

For a second DUI offense, penalties increase, with jail time of up to nine months—or up to one year if the BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle. Fines range from $1,000 to $2,000, and a license suspension of up to five years applies if the second offense occurs within five years of the first. Additionally, offenders must install an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least one year and complete mandatory probation.

Third DUI Offense (within ten years)

A third DUI offense within ten years is classified as a third-degree felony, carrying severe consequences. Penalties include up to five years in prison, fines between $2,000 and $5,000, and a ten-year license suspension. Offenders must also complete a mandatory alcohol treatment program and install an IID for at least two years.

Aggravated DUI Factors

A DUI charge can result in harsher penalties if certain aggravating factors are present, such as:

• High BAC (0.15% or above)
• DUI with a minor in the vehicle
• Accident involving injury or property damage
• Refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test

An Orlando DUI attorney can analyze the circumstances of a DUI charge to determine the best possible defense strategy.

DUI and License Suspension in Florida

A DUI charge often results in immediate administrative license suspension by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), separate from criminal proceedings. The length of suspension depends on prior offenses and whether the driver refused testing.

License Suspension Periods

• First DUI offense: 6-12 months
• Second DUI offense: Up to five years
• Third DUI offense: Up to ten years
• Refusal to submit to testing: One-year suspension for first refusal, 18 months for subsequent refusals

A hardship license may be available for those who complete DUI school and meet specific requirements. An Orlando DUI lawyer can represent clients in DHSMV hearings to challenge the suspension or apply for a hardship license.

Licensed DUI Programs in Florida

DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) school is often ordered by the court for individuals convicted of DUI. In some cases, DUI school can prevent points from being added to a driver's license and reduce penalties. It may be necessary to attend a DUI school for at least 12 hours, depending on the charges.

26 licensed programs in Florida are overseen by the Bureau of Driver Education and DUI Programs. Several private and professional non-profit organizations offer DUI programs to satisfy judicial and driver licensing requirements by providing education, psychosocial evaluations, and treatment referrals to DUI offenders.

Education services include two types:

• First-time offenders are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of classroom instruction with different interactive educational techniques.
• A minimum of 21 hours is required for Level II for multiple offenders, which focuses on the problems of the repeat offender and treatment readiness for the majority of students.

Comprehensive DUI Resources in Orange County

There are several local resources available for DUI offenders in Orlando, FL. Some of these resources include:

• DUI Schools: There are several DUI schools in Orlando that offer education and counseling for DUI offenders. These schools are often required by the court as part of the offender's sentence.
• Victim Services: The Orange County Victim Service Center provides support and assistance to victims of crime, including DUI victims. They offer crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy services.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: There are many substance abuse treatment programs in Orlando that can help DUI offenders address their underlying addiction issues. These programs may include counseling, group therapy, and other forms of treatment.
• Ignition Interlock Devices: Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are often required for DUI offenders in Florida. These devices prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above a certain level. There are several companies in Orlando that install and service IIDs.

It's important to note that the availability and quality of these resources may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the location in Orlando. DUI offenders should consult with an attorney or their probation officer to learn more about the resources available to them.

Facing Charges? Consult an Orlando DUI Defense Attorney Without Delay

At Mazin Law, you will find an Orlando DUI lawyer accomplished at dealing with DUI cases. Attorney Lyle Mazin and his legal staff will take the time to carefully investigate your case, gather evidence, and find the proper legal strategies to take on your behalf.

As a former Assistant Public Defender, he has extensive experience in criminal law, effective negotiation techniques, and vigorously defending clients in thousands of cases. This kind of experience speaks volumes for the quality of legal service you will find at his firm. If you are facing any type of DUI charge, find out what your legal options are and what his firm can do to help you achieve the optimum case results you desire.

Contact the Orlando DUI attorney at the firm by calling (407) 477-6744 for capable legal counsel.