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DUI and DWI
Guides to dui and dwi from OpenLaw: what a lawyer costs, whether you need one, the questions to ask before you hire, how the law works in your state, and how to find a lawyer or attorney near you. Every guide is written to answer one question and shows its sources.
November 6, 2026Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Florida?Sometimes. A Florida DUI can be dismissed or dropped if the stop was illegal, the evidence is weak or test results are thrown out. Some cases are reduced to reckless driving or go through a county diversion program. Judges cannot withhold adjudication on a DUI conviction under § 316.656, Florida Statutes.
October 29, 2026What Florida Statute Covers DUI?Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, covers DUI in Florida. It makes it a crime to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, and it sets the fines, jail and probation.
October 14, 2026How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?A Florida DUI lawyer commonly charges about $2,500 to $7,500 for a first offense, more for accidents, high blood-alcohol levels or priors, and thousands more for trial. Here is what drives the price, how fees are billed, and what a conviction costs without a lawyer.
October 14, 2026DUI Laws in Florida: What Happens on a First DUI OffenseA first DUI in Florida carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, up to 1 year of probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school and a 10-day vehicle impoundment. A conviction also revokes your license for 180 days to 1 year. A blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher raises every penalty.
October 14, 2026Cicero DUI Lawyer: Do You Need One and What Happens Next?Yes, most people charged with DUI in Cicero, Illinois should talk to a DUI lawyer. The criminal case is heard at the Cook County Maywood Courthouse. Separately, your license faces a statutory summary suspension, which you can fight only by filing a petition within 90 days.
October 14, 2026Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?Yes, in most cases. A first DUI conviction in Florida carries a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail and a license revocation of 180 days to 1 year. The conviction stays on your record for good. A lawyer can challenge the evidence and act on the 10-day license deadline.
October 14, 2026How Much Are Court Fees in Florida for a DUI?A first DUI in Florida carries a $500 to $1,000 fine under § 316.193, Florida Statutes. The court also adds state costs, including a $135 DUI court cost. That brings the minimum to about $840, and county add-ons can raise it. Repeat or high-BAC cases cost more.
October 14, 2026What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Florida?A first-time DUI in Florida brings a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, up to 1 year of probation, at least 50 hours of community service, a 10-day vehicle impound and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation. Penalties rise if your blood alcohol was 0.15 or higher.
October 14, 2026How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Florida?Sometimes you can. A Florida DUI may be dismissed if your lawyer shows the traffic stop was illegal, the breath or blood test was flawed, or the state cannot prove its case. More often, the charge is reduced. Judges cannot accept a plea to a lesser charge if your test showed 0.15 or higher.
October 14, 2026Can a DUI Affect My Employment in Florida?Yes. A Florida DUI conviction stays on your record because judges cannot withhold adjudication, so employers may see it on background checks. Losing your license, or a CDL for at least a year, can also cost you jobs that require driving. Many people still keep their jobs.
October 14, 2026What Happens When You Get a DUI for the First Time in Florida?Two cases start at once. The state suspends your license for 6 months, or 1 year if you refused testing. A first DUI conviction can bring a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation.
October 14, 2026Is Your License Immediately Suspended After a Florida DUI?Yes. In Florida, your license is suspended on the spot when you are arrested for DUI with a 0.08 or higher alcohol level, or when you refuse a test. Your citation works as a 10-day temporary permit, and you have 10 days to challenge the suspension or seek a restricted license.
October 14, 2026What Is the Penalty for a First DUI Conviction?In Florida, a first DUI conviction carries a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, up to 1 year of probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school, a 10-day vehicle impound and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation. A breath or blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher raises these penalties.
October 14, 2026Can I Go to Jail for My First DUI in Florida?Yes. A first DUI in Florida can mean up to 6 months in jail, or up to 9 months if your blood alcohol was 0.15 or higher or a child was in the car. The law sets no minimum jail term for a basic first offense, so a judge can order probation instead.
October 14, 2026How Much Does a First DUI Cost in Florida?A first DUI in Florida costs at least $840 in fines and state fees: a $500 minimum fine, a $135 court cost and $205 to reinstate your license. DUI school, towing, higher insurance and a lawyer often push the total into the thousands.