Coral Gables First DUI Defense Attorney

What Are the Penalties for a First DUI Conviction?

A first-time DUI conviction carries harsh penalties that impact your finances, freedom, and ability to drive (Fla. Stat. § 316.193). Some potential outcomes include: 

• $500 to $1,000 in fines. 
• Up to six months in county jail.
• 50 hours of community service.
• A 10-day impoundment of the vehicle.
• Driver's license suspension of 180 days to one year.
• Up to one year of probation and completion of a licensed DUI school.

From the initial traffic stop to the calibration of the breathalyzer, we can scrutinize every aspect of your arrest and aggressively seek charge reductions or dismissals when appropriate to keep these severe penalties off your record.

Can I Avoid Jail Time After a First DUI? 

While it’s possible to avoid jail time as a first-time DUI offender, it depends on the specifics of your case. Factors like BAC, whether an accident occurred, and cooperation with law enforcement officers can all play a role in how the state approaches your case.

By presenting strong mitigating evidence, exposing flaws in field sobriety tests, negotiating directly with prosecutors, and pushing for alternative sentencing or pre-trial diversion programs, our defense team works tirelessly to keep you out of custody.

Qualifying for the Back on Track (BOT) DUI Diversion Program

The Back on Track (BOT) program provides a critical lifeline for many first-time offenders in Miami-Dade County. This pre-trial diversion program is managed by the State Attorney’s Office. Completing the program can lead to a withhold of adjudication on a reduced charge of reckless driving, rather than a DUI conviction on your record.

Eligibility depends on your criminal history, driving record, and the circumstances of your arrest, including your BAC at the time. The program has two tiers: Tier 1 applies if your BAC was under 0.15%, and Tier 2 applies if you refused testing or your BAC was 0.15% or higher.

We can review your case for BOT eligibility early on, guide you through the application process, and coordinate with the State Attorney’s Office to advocate for the best possible outcome.