An otherwise innocent night out can sometimes lead to a lapse in judgment that places you behind the wheel after having a few drinks with your friends or loved ones. If such a situation results in you facing a DUI charge, you still have the right to defend yourself.
You might feel a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty in the hours and days after an arrest. Alleviate your concerns by understanding what happens after a DUI charge in Charlotte County, Florida so you can proceed with greater confidence.
You may face Florida DUI penalties
DUI charges come with the potential for serious consequences if the court hands down a conviction. Florida DUI statutes state that a first DUI offense may entail a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months of imprisonment. Additionally, your driver’s license may undergo revocation for up to one year or a minimum of three years if your DUI case involves bodily injury to another individual.
DUI convictions will show up on your background check
In the event of conviction for a DUI, the offense will permanently remain on your criminal record. This can affect future employment opportunities, rental applications and other aspects of your life. However, the DUI will not appear on your record if your trial results in dropped charges.
The short-term and long-term future can both seem overwhelming or even scary after receiving a DUI charge. Your future is at stake, but you have the ability to build a strong legal defense that can help you strive for a favorable outcome.