Being convicted of a DUI offense in Ocala, Florida can have serious repercussions. According to the FLHSMV, the court must impose a parole period of at least one year and require the offender to complete community service for a minimum of 50 hours. If the DUI results in a fatality or injury to another person, the punishments become more severe. A first DUI offense resulting in bodily harm can lead to a license suspension of three years or more.
If the DUI results in a DUI homicide conviction, the court will permanently revoke the license. The penalties for DUI crimes vary depending on the person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, the number of prior DUI offenses, and the circumstances that led to the charge. Under Article 316,193 of the Florida Statutes, anyone who drives a vehicle in Florida is guilty of being under the influence of alcohol (DUI) if they are not in control of their faculties, if they have a BAC level of 0.08 or higher, or if they are under the influence of a chemical or controlled substance. Defenses against drunk driving crimes in Florida may include constitutional violations, such as the arresting officer not having probable cause to stop your car, not giving you Miranda warnings, or failing to warn you of the consequences of refusing to perform chemical tests. Additionally, simply by driving on Florida's public roads, you implicitly agree to undergo chemical DUI tests administered by law enforcement. These substances may include illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine, but can also include prescription medications such as Valium or Adderall. The legal penalties for a DUI conviction are severe and can include hefty fines, community service, DUI classes, potential rehabilitation classes, probation, and even possible jail or prison sentences.
For college students, this means representation in disciplinary hearings related to DUI crimes and those under the age of 21. If you have been arrested for a DUI offense in Ocala, Florida it is essential to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. Tania Alavi and Andrew Pozzuto are experienced DUI defense attorneys who can help you navigate your case and protect your rights.
