Florida DUI Costs

A Florida DUI can become a costly ordeal if you do not have the assistance of an experienced Miami DUI defense attorney. Good legal defense may be able to help you avoid the maximum fees and other penalties. Aside from the criminal penalties, there are other costs you may face associated with your conviction of a Florida DUI that cause more stress and problems following your arrest.

Fines for Florida DUI Assessed by the State

When you are convicted of a Florida DUI, you may be required to pay fees to the state as a part of your sentence. These fees will vary based on the specific circumstances of your arrest and any previous DUI convictions.

First Offense

A first Florida DUI conviction carries a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum of $500, unless your blood alcohol level (BAC) is 2.0 or higher, or if a minor was involved which will double those amounts. An additional fine may be assessed if you elect not to serve the mandatory 50 hours community service, resulting in a $10/hour fee.

Second Offense

A second Florida DUI conviction will result in fines of $500 up to $1,000, again doubled for a high BAC or minors present in the vehicle. In Florida DUI cases, if you are unable to pay the fines, community service hours may be used in lieu of payment, but this may be at the judge’s discretion unless your Miami DUI defense attorney can argue otherwise.

Additional Costs Related to a Florida DUI

Once you have been convicted of a Florida DUI, your license may be suspended or revoked for a period of time, if not permanently. As a result, you will need alternate methods of transportation which may create additional costs for public transportation. If you are allowed to keep your license, it may be on the condition of installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device on all of your vehicles. Costs associated with ignition interlock devices include:

• $12 Interlock fee;
• $70 just for the device installation (for each vehicle);
• $67.50 for monthly monitoring and calibration (for each vehicle); and
• $100 refundable deposit or a $5 monthly insurance charge

Any educational or rehabilitation courses you may be required to attend will also be paid for out of your own pocket. These courses can cost anywhere from $25 and up depending on the type and duration. The conviction may also be reported to your car insurance company, sometimes causing increased rates and higher policy costs.

Your Miami DUI defense attorney will also come at a price, but it often outweighs the alternative of fighting your Florida DUI charges without professional help. Most attorneys will not charge a fee if they do not win your case, so there is little risk to having the experience of a Miami DUI defense attorney on your side to work on reducing your penalties and fees.