Do you know what the Florida Drunk Driving Law is? Have you ever been caught driving when you were drunk in Florida? Do you have any idea what to do when you have been arrested? Will you serve community service hours? Will you be prohibited to drive because your license will be suspended? Will you be put on to counseling?

Drink and drive is considered a crime in all states. This is known as DUI or driving under the influence of alcoholic beverage. It may also include chemical and controlled substances. Because Florida ranks third among the highest arrest in the nation, Florida Drunk Driving Laws are implemented. As a citizen, it is important that you know and understand this law and at the same time, you should know your rights in case you have been arrested.

First Time Offenders

Criminal status will depend on circumstances committed by the offender. If civilian or government properties have been damaged, the offender can be charged with misdemeanor of 1st degree.

Offenders may also be imprisoned for not more than six months. If your BAC or blood alcohol content result is 2.0 or higher or if you have been arrested accompanying a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment will increase to up to 9 months.

DUI law also states that you have to pay a fine that will range not less than $250 but will not be more than $500. If the BAC was found out to be 2.0 or you are accompanying a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be not less than $500 but will not be more than $1,000.

License Suspension/ Vehicle Impoundment: Violators driver's license will also be suspended from a minimum of 180 days up to a year. Unless your car is the only transportation for your family, your vehicle will be impounded for 10 days.

DUI School/Probation: Violators will also be put into a DUI school and must complete 12 hours of sessions until hardship reinstatement can occur. Completion of the DUI School is a must within 90 days or else your license will be cancelled upon your first conviction. A maximum of 1 year probation will be given upon being convicted under the Florida Drunk Driving Laws. A mandatory community service of 50 hours or pay additional $10 per hour of if you do not want to do community service.

Second Time Offenders

This on the other hand, shares the same criminal status with the exception of, if the violator commits serious body injury to other, will result in 3rd degree felony. If a death of a person was resulted from DUI manslaughter, 1st or 2nd degree felony can be charged to the offender depending on the situation.

Imprisonment of not more than 9 months is to be expected. A fine of not less than $500 or not more than $1,000 is to be paid and would increased to a $1,000 or more than $2,000 if your BAC was 2.0 or if a minor was present in the vehicle.

Offenders' vehicle will be impounded for 30 days if the violation was committed within 5 years from the first offense. Your driver's license will also be suspended for 180 days to 1 year. Revocation of license for a minimum of 5 years will also take effect if the offense was done within 5 years of the first offense.

He or she must also finish 21 hours of DUI School and will be under probation for a year. Community service can also be granted if the offender has no capabilities of paying the DUI fines.