First-Time Offender DUI Sentencing Requirements Panama City

It is common for a driver arrested on suspicion of DUI in Panama City to ask their lawyer about the possible penalties that may be imposed. A DUI carries serious mandatory penalties that can affect a person's ability to drive, restrict freedom, and cause an immediate and many times shocking increase in auto insurance rates.

Before entering a plea of guilty or no contest to DUI, a person arrested in the Panama City area should consult with a lawyer to review their legal options. Many times an illegal stop, a policy that was not followed by an officer, or a faulty (or barely over the limit) Intoxilyzer reading can subject a case to suppression of evidence, or lead to a favorable plea offer to a lesser offense.

Please find following a guide to statutory mandated DUI penalties for a first-offense DUI:

  • Fines:
    • Fine of not less than $500, or more than $1,000
    • If Blood/Breath Alcohol Level is .15 or higher, or if there is a minor in the vehicle a fine of not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000
  • Community Service Hours:
    • Mandatory 50 hours of community service or additional fine of $10 for each hour of community service required
  • Probation:
    • Total period of incarceration (jail) and probation may not exceed one year
  • Incarceration (Jail):
    • Maximum term of incarceration may not exceed 6 months
    • If Blood/Breath Alcohol Level is .15 or higher, maximum term of incarceration may not exceed 9 months
  • Impoundment/Immobilization:
    • Vehicle will be immobilized for 10 days unless the family of the defendant has no other transportation
  • Driver License Revocation:
    • Minimum 180 days, maximum 1 year
  • DUI school:
    • Completion of an approved 12 hour course of evaluation and instruction

If you have been arrested for a DUI, don't wait to call Shepard Law right away. We're available 24/7 and consultations are free!


Categories: 
Related Posts
  • Insight into Sentencing Guidelines: Mitigating Penalties through Skillful Defense Read More
  • Plea Bargaining: Pros and Cons in Criminal Defense Read More
  • How to Handle False Accusations of Sexual Assault in Florida Read More
/