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Tampa Criminal Defense
Tampa's Aggressive Criminal Defense Firm

Immediate and Secondary Tampa DUI Penalties

Drinking and driving are two activities that should be enjoyed independent of each other. Always. A Blood alcohol content level of .08 or above for adult drivers is determined by a blood or alcohol test in Tampa; and although these chemical tests are not always accurate, they are an incredibly valuable piece of evidence to help the prosecution on their way to a DUI conviction.

The DUI process is a terrifying experience for many people. From getting pulled over, to field sobriety tests to the arrest and booking, the real stress comes if there is a Tampa DUI conviction. Florida is considered one of the toughest states in the nation when it comes to penalties for a DUI conviction. It seems like you can hardly drive a single block in Hillsborough County without seeing a police officer on the lookout. Possible immediate Tampa  DUI penalties include:

  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • Probation for up to five years
  • License suspension
  • License revocation
  • Community service
  • Attending a Victim Impact Panel
  • Vehicle impound
  • Ignition interlock device on your car
  • DUI education course and/or other substance abuse courses

All of the penalties associated with a Tampa DUI conviction serve to substantially impair your lifestyle, at least temporarily. Intended to punish and deter a repeat offense, the courts in Tampa take each and every DUI very seriously. If not fulfilled to the satisfaction of the court, then there is always the strong potential that the penalties will be extended and/or enhanced.

But these penalties pale in comparison to the secondary penalties that accompany a DUI conviction. To begin, a DUI stays on your permanent record for life. This means that the presence of this oh-so-permanent criminal mark on your criminal record for the rest of your life will be something a driver will likely be answering questions about for the rest of his or her life. Often asked on housing, higher education and employment applications, cleaning this glaring blemish off your criminal record is simply not an option. Even a well-prepared response for a DUI conviction that happened decades ago can only go so far.

Many Florida drivers see their car insurance premiums skyrocket following a DUI conviction, and this is an increase that is incredibly difficult to bring back down. Having your license suspended can also severely limit your ability to work and may result in termination. This is also not a very fun conversation to have with your current employer. When a conditional license is not an option, there are very few options left for drivers to make money.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Tampa, a DUI lawyer can help you with your case. Get in touch with the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel P.A. to discuss the legal options in front of you and get an explanation of the process in plain English, not legalese. Give us a call today for a free consultation day or night. We look forward to hearing from you!

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