Tenacious Defense Representation For Repeat DUI Charges
While drunk driving is never treated lightly, first-time offenders often have options like diversion programs and lighter sentences. Prosecutors and lawmakers seemingly recognize that nearly anyone could be arrested for DUI once but won’t repeat the behavior if they receive legal intervention.
By contrast, repeat-offense DUIs are treated much more seriously, with fewer opportunities for leniency. If you’ve been charged with drunk driving – either the first time or as a repeat offense – you need the skilled help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. In Fort Myers and surrounding areas, the firm to call is Cantor & Cantor. Attorney Zack Cantor has been representing clients just like you for 15 years.
Charges And Penalties Increase With Repeat Offenses
In Florida, a first-time DUI conviction is likely to be a misdemeanor. If there are no aggravating factors, the sentence is likely to include a fines, up to a year of probation, community service and a license suspension between six months and a year. Slightly different or additional penalties may be imposed, but the list above gives a basic idea.
A second-offense DUI is also considered a misdemeanor, but all aspects of sentencing would likely increase in severity. You are also more likely to face jail time for a repeat offense than for a first-time DUI.
Once you reach a third DUI offense, it will be charged as a third-degree felony. By this point, you could be facing years of jail time, years of license suspension and several thousand dollars in fines. Any DUI charges after three are charged as felonies. If you are labeled a “habitual DUI offender,” you could potentially lose your driving privileges for life.
How Our Firm Can Help
The specific penalties you face will depend on the unique facts of your case and the attorney you hire. No attorney can promise a specific outcome, but we are often able to help clients mitigate the consequences of a DUI conviction, including restoring licensure for limited purposes, reducing fines and jail time and seeking alternative sentences that stress rehabilitation and treatment over simple punishment.
Again, the available options will be case-specific, which is why it is critical to discuss your charges with our firm as soon as possible.
Contact Us To Learn About Your Legal Options For Free
Cantor & Cantor is based in Fort Myers, and we serve clients throughout Southwest Florida. To take advantage of a free initial consultation with a skilled defense attorney, call us at 239-494-3164 or send us an email.