Reader’s Question:

I totally understand that I am facing a serious problem right now. I promised myself, or I think I did, that I would never get arrested again. Yet, I got charged with my second DUI in Palm Beach County, Florida in five years. What are the consequences that I am facing with my second arrest?

Jennifer

Palm Beach, FL

If your second Palm Beach County, Florida DUI arrest occurred while you are still on probation for the first DUI, you violated your probation so that means the judge will put you in jail. If you are no longer in probation, you are still entitled to the administrative hearing at the Bureau of Administrative Review and to a permit while awaiting your hearing. You get your regular license back pending the outcome of the criminal case if you prevail at the administrative hearing. Your license is gone for 12 -18 months and you are not able to get a work permit if at the administrative hearing.

You may serve prison term for nine months in the county jail, a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days as part of a second DUI sentence. In addition, the court costs and fines are greatly enhanced. You would also have to attend the advanced DUI School. The vehicle immobilization is for 30 days. You would also have 75-100 hours of community service. The license revocation is for five years and you can’t get a permit for the first year. To make sure you comply with the foregoing special conditions, you will be on probation for 12 months. After your probation, you would also have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle or any vehicle you have access to. That is a requirement that must be met before you can ever get any form of license again.

This information is only if you are found guilty. Of course, you are entitled to a trial. An experienced Palm Beach County, Florida DUI attorney would be of much help to you.