Reader’s Question:

My nephew might be facing a big problem right now. He was charged with DUI after being pulled over 3 days ago at St. Petersburg, FL. He badly needs needs help in finding a good & unexpensive lawyer. Please help us find one.

Nicole

Clearwater, FL

The range of fees for Florida DUI lawyers could vary largely depending on the nature of the case. There are several factors to consider such as degree of offense, whether the offense is the first or is a repeat, whether the defendant has been convicted of misdemeanor or felony, whether the offense has caused damage to life or property and the client’s requirements and expectations.

Florida DUI lawyers could cost your nephew from $500 to $2,000. Of course, fees may vary depending on the reputation of the lawyer. If your nephew is facing a minor and first offense, you do not have to choose the best. However, if the he has caused damage to life or property, I suggest you get a more experienced Florida DUI lawyer. A little warning, though, because this would cost you more.

The Internet is one of the best resources for Florida DUI lawyers. Just go to your favorite search engine and type in Florida DUI lawyers. Most lawyer directories are easy-to-use and are categorized according to area. You may even find online legal help. I suggest you also check your local telephone directory and find one nearest your area.

Good luck and hope you find the best legal help for your nephew.

Reader’s Question:

I was convicted for DUI and my driver’s license was suspended. How can I get a Florida Hardship License?

Francis

Sarasota , FL

If you are convicted for DUI and want to drive legally while getting your Florida license back, you may apply for a hardship license in the county where you live before the expiration of the revocation period. One of the requirements, if referred, is the completion and treatment for DUI school. After that, you can apply for a Florida hardship license in any Administrative Reviews Office where you live.

Proof of or completion of DUI School and treatment, if referred, is required if you wait to reinstate your license until your revocation period ends. Failure to finish the course within 90 days after reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver’s license by the department until the course is completed. Failure of completion of the treatment may result in cancellation of your driver’s license.

You must take the required examination, and pay $115 administrative fee and $60 reinstatement fee and any license fee required at the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full license. Also, proof of liability coverage or proof of liability insurance on the arrest date and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was arrested for a DUI charge in Tallahassee, Florida. He refused to have DUI tests. What are the consequences of his decision for test refusal?

Justine

Tallahassee , FL

Your cousin may be in trouble. The Florida DUI law requires that the license be suspended on the day of the arrest for one year for the first offense and 18 months for any consecutive offenses if he refuses to submit to a urine or breath test. He will be given a 10-day permit on the arrest date and when it expires, he must serve 90 days of suspension before he is eligible to apply for a hardship license on the first suspension. If he refused to submit two or more times, no hardship license is permitted. For consideration of a hardship license, he must provide a proof of enrollment in a DUI School to the Administrative Reviews Office. If he will be given approval to reinstate early for hardship license, he must present this approval to the driver license office.

Whether for a hardship license or a full license, at the time of reinstatement, he must take the required examination and pay $115 administrative fee, $35 reinstatement fee and any license fee required. Proof of liability insurance on the day of arrest or proof of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required under Florida DUI law.

Reader’s Question:

In January 2008, a friend of mine was convicted for DUI here in Orlando, Florida and got 1 year of probation. In May, he was arrested for a 2nd DUI. Do you have any idea as to how much jail time he will serve and other penalties he may have?

John

Orlando , FL

Regarding DUI penalties in the State of Florida , the following law applies for second conviction:

-Fines
Your friend might be paying a fine of $500-$1000. With a BAC of .02 or higher or with a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be a minimum of $1000, Maximum $2,000.

-Probation
He may be in probation for a minimum of one day, maximum of one year.

-Jail Time
Under Florida DUI Law, your friend may be incarcerated for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of nine months. If BAC is .02 or higher or with a minor in the vehicle, he mat serve a jail time for a minimum of ten days and a maximum of Twelve Months.

-Driver’s License Suspension
His driver’s license may be suspended for five years. He may be eligible for hardship license reinstatement after 1 year.

-Impoundment
The vehicle may be impounded for 10 days or 30 days if the 2nd DUI is within three years. In his case, this is his 2nd DUI within three years, impoundment will be for 30 days.

-Other Penalties
This would include evaluation for any substance abuse problems, successful completion of an approved DUI Counter Attack School and he may undergo any recommended treatment.