Did you know that you can be arrested for DUI if you drive even after having only one drink? That’s because people metabolize alcohol at different rates. While it may take your partner several drinks to become intoxicated, it may take you far less. If you drink alcohol outside of your home, you have to be aware of the dangers and consequences of driving while intoxicated. Here’s what you need to know about DUIs in Florida:
1.The Limits
The BAC, or blood alcohol content, varies depending upon different circumstances. For those drivers under 21 years of age, .02% is the legal limit for alcohol in the body. For those drivers who are 21 and over, .08% is the limit. If you are driving a commercial vehicle when you are pulled over, your limit falls directly in between, at .04%. If you are asked to submit to a BAC test and refuse, it doesn’t matter how old you are; you will be subject to an automatic one year suspension of your license.
2.Jail Time
Many people are under the mistaken impression that they will not be subject to jail time for a first offense. The reality is this: The amount of jail time you are given, if any, is up to the judge trying your case. For a first drunk driving offense, you are subject to a maximum of six months in jail if you register between .08 and .15 on a BAC machine. If you register above a .15, you will be subject to a maximum of nine months in jail under current Florida DUI laws. Aside from jail time, you may be ordered to pay up to $2,000 in fines and receive a license suspension for up to one year. Consequences rise for further offenses.
3.Knowing Your Personal Limit
If you plan on a night out with friends, it’s important that you understand your personal limits. Now that you know the consequences of driving while intoxicated, you need to know how to avoid being arrested. This doesn’t involve avoiding DUI checkpoints or begging an officer to give you a break. What it does involve is you knowing when to say when. The amount that you can drink may vary widely from the amount that your friends can drink. It’s important to understand that even one drink can put you at risk for a DUI arrest. Your gender, height, weight, how much you’ve had to eat, how many non-alcoholic drinks you’ve had and even your specific body chemistry all contribute to your personal alcohol limit.
4.Non-Legal Consequences
While having to face jail time and steep fines is often consequence enough dissuade people from drinking and driving. You also need to consider the non-legal consequences of driving while intoxicated. What affect would losing your license have on your life? Is there public transportation available in your area? Do you have family that will be willing to drive you to and from work for up to nine months? You should also think about how you would feel if you caused an accident that injured or killed another person. While jail time may punish you sufficiently in the eyes of the public, you’ll punish yourself for the rest of your life. Think about these things the next time you’ve been drinking with friends and think that you’re okay to drive.
There is more to driving under the influence than you may think. The legal and personal consequences should be enough to make you think twice before you get behind the wheel. If you would like more information about DUI laws in Florida, contact a DUI Lawyer in Clearwater; they’ll be happy to assist you.
This guest post was written by Musca Law, located at 13575 58th Street North, #200, Clearwater, Florida 33760. You can reach them by phone at727-480-9675. Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
