St Augustine 2nd DUI Lawyer

St Augustine 2nd DUI Attorney

While first-time misdemeanor offenders are commonly shown leniency by the courts, repeat offenders often are not. Florida’s criminal sentencing guidelines raise the punishment for second-time DUI offenders if they are found guilty of driving under the influence. If you were arrested for a second time for DUI, you can hire a St Augustine 2nd DUI lawyer to represent you in court. A St Augustine criminal defense lawyer can provide a thorough defense strategy tailored to your case. Additionally, a St Augustine DUI lawyer can focus on addressing the specific complexities of DUI charges and work to mitigate the potential consequences.

The law office of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., can represent you in court and take steps to fight your charges. Our lead attorney has more than 40 years of experience helping satisfied past customers receive favorable outcomes in their cases.

Why Choose Kevin A. Raudt, P.A.?

If you are facing a second DUI in St.Augustine, you could be sentenced to upward of nine months in jail. With so much on the line, you need the legal services of an attorney you can trust. Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. brings over 40 years of experience in helping clients achieve favorable outcomes in criminal cases.

Unlike others who practice various areas of law, our founding lawyer focuses solely on criminal defense. He understands the severe consequences of a second DUI in Florida and is prepared to mount a strong, strategic defense. With Kevin A. Raudt on your side, you’ll benefit from his extensive experience and dedication to safeguarding his clients’ rights.

Potential Criminal Penalties for a Second DUI in Florida

A second DUI offense in Florida brings significantly harsher penalties than the first. Fines increase, with penalties ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for a typical second offense. However, if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .15% or higher, fines can escalate to between $2,000 and $4,000.

A second DUI also greatly raises the likelihood of jail time. Defendants may face up to nine months in jail or up to one year if their BAC was .15% or higher at the time of arrest. Timing between offenses also impacts sentencing.

If a second DUI occurs within five years of the first, a mandatory 10-day jail sentence applies, with at least 48 hours served consecutively. Additionally, upon a second conviction, the individual’s vehicle is subject to a mandatory 30-day impoundment.

Legal Defense Strategies for a Second Offense

Defense strategies for second-time offenses can mirror those used for first offenses. A lawyer can review evidence for issues like faulty breathalyzer calibration or lapses in law enforcement procedures during your detention.

Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop, detain, or arrest someone. If this standard isn’t met, it may constitute unlawful detention, making any improperly obtained evidence inadmissible in court.

In cases involving field sobriety tests, video footage might show that the results were inconclusive. Prosecutors need solid evidence to establish guilt; any weak points in their case can increase your chances for a favorable outcome.

If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, they can file a motion to dismiss or pursue another legal route. A weak case may also lead the prosecution to consider reduced charges in exchange for a guilty plea, which could lessen the severity of penalties for a second DUI.

Plea bargaining provides another opportunity for your lawyer to highlight positive aspects of your background to argue for leniency. An attorney’s goal is to secure the most favorable outcome possible based on your case’s unique details.

This process may entail demonstrating that you have a sincere desire to seek help for substance use disorder. An attorney could convince prosecutors or a judge that addressing addiction, which is a type of disease, serves justice better than confining you to jail.

FAQs About St Augustine, FL 2nd DUI Lawyer

What Disqualifies You From Getting a Hardship License in Florida?

In Florida, you’re disqualified from a hardship license if you’re a habitual offender, refuse a breath test, have recent DUI convictions, fail to complete DUI school, or have unpaid court fines. Driving on a suspended license also disqualifies you. Consulting a lawyer can help determine eligibility based on your circumstances.

How Much Does It Cost for a Hardship License in Florida?

There may be multiple administrative fees associated with getting a hardship license in Florida. The administrative fee for alcohol and drug offenses is $130. The fee for a license revocation is $75, while the fee for a suspension is $45. There may be other fees associated with obtaining a hardship license, and you may need the legal services of an attorney to explain to the court that you qualify for a hardship license.

Is There Any Possible Way to Get Around Jail Time for Your 2nd DUI?

There is a very real possibility that you could be given jail time for a second DUI, especially if you do not have legal representation. The courts generally show leniency to first-time offenders but are less likely to do so for repeat offenders. This doesn’t mean jail time is a foregone conclusion, though. Your attorney can fight the charges or argue for leniency.

What Happens When I Get My 2nd DUI?

If you get a second DUI in Florida, you will be arrested, processed in jail, and arraigned as you were the first time. The main difference is that you will be facing steeper penalties, and prosecutors may not be as willing to give you a break when it comes to a plea bargain. Having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Schedule Your Second DUI Consultation Today

A second DUI in Florida comes with the very real possibility that you could face jail time and steep fines. Having legal representation from an attorney who understands how to defend repeat offenders can make the difference between facing confinement in jail or a more favorable outcome to your case.

The law office of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. can represent you in court and fight the charges you are facing. Our firm has represented satisfied clients for more than forty years, and we always seek the most optimal outcomes for our valued clients. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.