Getting charged with a Clay County DUI is bad. However, getting charged with a "high BAC" DUI can be much worse. Florida has an "enhanced penalty" law for driving under the influence with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher. That means the penalties are more severe than for a typical DUI in which the driver is accused of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over the standard 0.08% legal limit.
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) with enhanced penalties can result in significantly larger fines and longer jail sentences. In Florida, fighting a DUI charge with everything you've got is essential. A DUI conviction here keeps punishing you even after you've completed your sentence. It stays on your public record and shows up in background checks for professional licenses, jobs, educational programs, housing, and loans.
Aguilar & Sieron, P.A. knows what people in Florida go through when they're charged with driving under the influence. Our law firm has worked with countless people accused in Clay County and elsewhere in Northeast Florida to get the best outcomes on their cases.
Contact us for a free case evaluation if you have been charged with a DUI or a high BAC DUI in the Northeast Florida area.
Penalties for high BAC DUI (above .15%)
The following is a list of potential penalties that come with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., high BAC DUI conviction.
1st time DUI with high BAC -
- Up to $2,000 in fines.
- Up to 12 months in jail.
- Up to 6 months driver's license suspension.
- At least 6 months of an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle.
- Up to 10 days of your vehicle being impounded.
- Probation.
- At least 50 hours of community service.
- Attend (and pay for) DUI school.
2nd offense DUI with high BAC (within five years of a 1st offense) -
- Up to $4,000 in fines.
- Up to 12 months in jail.
- Up to 12 months driver's license suspension.
- Two years with an ignition interlock device.
- Up to 30 days of your vehicle being impounded.
- Probation, community service, DUI school.
3rd offense DUI with high BAC (within 10 years of a 1st offense) -
- Up to $4,000 in fines.
- Up to 10 years in prison.
- Up to 5 years driver's license suspension.
- At least 2 years with an ignition interlock device.
- Up to 90 days of your vehicle being impounded.
- Probation, community service, DUI school.
4th offense DUI - There is no specific law for high BAC past the third offense. If a 4th DUI occurs within 10 years of a first conviction, it is considered a felony regardless of your BAC. Felony DUI can be punished by up to 5 years in prison, fines, and probation.
High BAC DUI with Injury - If a person is seriously injured in an accident involving a driver with an alleged 0.15% or higher BAC, the penalties include up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Your freedom matters. Our attorneys can fight for it.
A DUI conviction in Clay County is life-changing - and not for the better. A conviction can send you to prison or jail and cost you thousands of dollars in fines, court fees, DUI classes, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Even after you've completed your prison sentence, a DUI can diminish your chances of getting professional licenses, jobs, housing, and loans.
With your freedom in jeopardy, don't try to tackle the charges alone. The law firm of Aguilar & Sieron, P.A., has more than 35 years of legal experience. We know how to investigate DUI charges and point out the weaknesses of alcohol testing.
Contact us for a free case consultation if you have been charged with a high BAC DUI or another DUI charge in Northeast Florida. We can explain how the law applies to you, the penalties you face, and help weigh your criminal defense options. Do not delay. The sooner we can talk to you about your case, the better. Contact us today for a free case consultation.