Jacksonville Beach 2nd DUI Lawyer

Jacksonville Beach 2nd DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe penalties. For repeat offenders, the penalties are even more strict. If you’re facing a DUI charge in Jacksonville Beach, FL, it’s crucial to have a Jacksonville Beach 2nd DUI lawyer on your side, helping you understand the possible penalties and giving you the opportunity for an optimal outcome.

The experienced team at Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., is dedicated to developing a strong defense strategy that can minimize penalties and protect your rights and future. We have helped many clients with our experienced Jacksonville Beach DUI attorney in similar situations and can assist you too.

Penalties for Second DUI Convictions in Florida

In Florida, penalties for a second DUI  are related to how soon it occurred after the first offense. The state uses a look-back period to determine the severity of the penalties. Second DUI offenses within five years of the first conviction may include the following penalties:

• Fines of $1,000-$2,000 or more if a minor was in the vehicle
• Imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, or up to a year if a minor was in the vehicle
• License revocation with a minimum of five years
• Vehicle impoundment is a mandatory 30 days
• Ignition interlock device (IID) for 1-2 years

Second DUI offenses outside of the five-year period since the first conviction include:

• Fines of $1,000-$2,000 or more if a minor was in the vehicle
• Imprisonment of up to nine months, or up to a year if a minor was in the vehicle
• License revocation with a minimum of 180 days
• Vehicle Impoundment is a mandatory 10 days
• IID for 1 year

These penalties can significantly impact your personal and professional life, making legal counsel imperative. The team at Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. advocates for individuals charged with DUI offenses in the Jacksonville Beach area, fighting to defend your case so that you receive the most favorable outcome possible.

How Can a Jacksonville Beach Second DUI Lawyer Help?

Duval County comes in second for Florida counties with the highest impaired driving crashes. These concerning statistics demonstrate the severity of these offenses in Northeast Florida.

The local offices of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. offer a comprehensive approach to DUI defense. Our team offers a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding your arrest to identify any procedural errors or violations of your rights. We analyze all evidence against you, such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police reports to uncover any inconsistencies or inaccuracies.

Second DUI Defense Strategies

There are several defense strategies that Jacksonville Beach second DUI lawyers employ when working to defend your case. Some of these strategies include:

• Challenging traffic stops. Law enforcement officers must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause when pulling you over. If the stop was made without reason, the entire case could be dismissed due to a violation of Fourth Amendment rights.
• Questioning the accuracy of the field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are not without errors. Many factors can play a role in inaccurate testing. The team at Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., can argue that your results were a result of other factors.
• Arguing rising blood alcohol levels. A person’s blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) can rise even after they have stopped drinking. The defense attorney can argue that at the time of driving, the defendant was not legally intoxicated, but that the BAC rose after the stop.
• Asserting violations of Miranda rights. If the arresting officer made an error in reading the Miranda rights, any self-incriminating statements could be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Seeking plea bargains or alternative sentencing. For a second-time offender, a plea deal could reduce the charges or minimize penalties.

A second DUI offense is a very serious matter. In fact, 2021 data showed that 38,000 DUI cases in Florida resulted in a crash. The severe penalties reflect the gravity of these offenses, but a second DUI offense does not automatically result in maximum penalties.

FAQs About Jacksonville, FL Beach 2nd DUI Law

How Much Does a Second DUI Cost in Florida?

A second DUI in Florida can be extremely costly, and fines vary based on factors surrounding the charge, such as aggravating factors, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and if minors were present in the vehicle. Additional costs could include DUI school, ignition interlock installation, vehicle impoundment, increased insurance rates, and attorney fees. You may also encounter lost wages due to jail time or license suspension.

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

It’s difficult to avoid jail time for a second DUI in Florida since state laws mandate minimum sentences. Alternative penalties might include house arrest, work-release programs, or inpatient rehabilitation for certain cases.

To have the strongest chance of avoiding jail time and reducing penalties, you need a skilled DUI attorney to negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. Ultimately, the decision lies with the court, which takes into consideration all factors in your case.

Can You Get Hardship on a Second DUI in Florida?

You can get hardship on your second DUI in Florida, but it comes with restrictions. If the second DUI came within five years of the first, Florida law mandates license revocation for five years. You may apply for hardship after one year if you participate in DUI school and demonstrate proof of enrolling in any required treatment programs.

Is Jail Time Mandatory for a Second DUI in Florida?

Jail time is mandatory for second DUI convictions. State law requires a minimum of 10 days in jail if the second offense occurs within five years of the first. Courts may impose a longer sentence of up to nine months for a simple DUI charge. Aggravating factors can increase this sentence to one year.

Contact a Jacksonville Beach Second DUI Lawyer

If you’re worried about the consequences of a second DUI offense, the team at Kevin A. Raudt, P.A. is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and achieving an outcome that protects your reputation and future. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.