When you get a DUI, the punishment depends on many factors. If this is your first time getting such a charge and there are no other extenuating circumstances, then there are several potential punishments you may receive.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles explains first-time DUI punishments are the least restrictive, but they are still very severe. Remember a DUI occurs if your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher.
Mandatory
The court will sentence you to at least 50 hours of community service as a mandatory sentence. Alternatively, you could pay a fine of $10 for each hour of community service the court hands down. You would then just pay the fine instead of doing the community service.
Variable
You will face a fine, but it can vary. Expect a fine between $500 and $2,000. However, it can go up to $2,000 to $4,000 if you have a minor in your vehicle or your BAC is over .15.
The court can order you to serve probation for up to one year. However, that will rely on whether or not the court also sentencing you to time behind bars. The total time of probation and incarceration cannot be more than one year. Time in jail is not mandatory and completely up to the judge. You can only face up to six months of jail time for a first-time DUI unless there are additional circumstances, such as a high BAC or a minor in the vehicle.
Judges may also make you attend an alcohol abuse treatment program or do anything else they feel is necessary.
