What Constitutes as a DUI (Driving Under The Influence)?

Did you know that you do not have to consume alcohol to be charged with a DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as the act of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while a person is impaired beyond his or her normal faculties, or while he or she has an unlawful blood alcohol level. This includes being impaired by alcohol or under the influence of any chemical substances (prescription or illegal).

Blood Alcohol Level

In Florida, the blood alcohol level (BAC) limit is set to 0.08% for drivers over 21 years of age and it is set at 0.02% for those under 21 years. For commercial drivers, the BAC is 0.04%. If you are pulled over by a police officer and the officer suspects that you are driving under the influence then you must submit to chemical testing such as a blood test and urine test. If you refuse to take the test, the refusal will be submitted into evidence against the driver.

A majority of DUI charges are related to alcohol

There is a twist to this though…A DUI charge also includes substances, such as prescription medications, that impair a driver. Recently, Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Police reports state that Mr. Woods told the officer that he had taken several prescriptions. Mr. Woods states that his DUI arrest was the result of an “unexpected reaction to prescribed medications” and not due to consuming alcohol.

DUI Penalties

Penalties of a DUI charge depend on whether or not it is the first, second, third, or more times that the driver has been charged. The penalties will increase if injury or death is a result of the actions of the impaired driver.

In Florida, the penalties are as follows:
•A first DUI charge can result in:
a suspended license (minimum of 180 days and maximum of a year), a fine of $500 to $1,000, 50 hours community service, probation, imprisonment, and 12 hours of DUI school
•A second DUI charge can result in:
a revoked license (minimum of 180 days and maximum of a year), a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, a revoked license for five years if second DUI is within five years of the first DUI, imprisonment
•A third DUI charge can result in:
Revoked license (minimum 180 days and maximum of a year) if date of second DUI is over ten years from the first and second DUI, fine of $2,000 to $5,000, revoked license for five years if third DUI is within ten years of the first DUI, imprisonment
•A fourth DUI charge can result in:
a fine up to $5,000, prison time, and a license permanently revoked

Ignition Interlock Device

A judge may also order an ignition interlock device (IID) for a convicted DUI offender. Points will be added to a person’s driving record. Your vehicle may be impounded and you may also have to complete a rehabilitation program.

There is no reason to drive while under the influence. 33rd Street Bail Bonds offers these tips to help prevent a DUI:

•Don’t drink or consume medications before driving
•Have a designated driver if your plan on imbibing in alcohol or are taking medications
•Use public transportation such as a taxi or ride share service to get home
•Stay at a hotel or at a friend’s house so you don’t need to drive home
•Eat plenty of food and pace yourself while drinking
•Do not operate any machinery until you know the effects of medication on your system

33rd Street Bail Bonds wants you to be aware what a DUI is and what the consequences can be.

If you or a loved one are charged with DUI, domestic violence, drug trafficking, or any other charge, please call us at 407-425-7200 or 407-425-3303 to start the bail bond process. A bail bond agent is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year waiting to assist you.

Our bail bond agents are knowledgeable and experienced. They are here to help guide you through the ins and outs of the bail bond process. Our bail bond agents can assist you with paperwork, explain the bail bond process, and answer questions regarding the criminal justice system. We are family owned and operated since 1971. 33rd Street Bail Bonds is the name you can trust.

Our Orlando based bail bond office serves all of Central Florida including Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Osceola counties. We are licensed to post bail bonds throughout the state of Florida and across the United States with affiliated agents. Don’t go it alone! Please call 407-425-7200 or 407-425-3303 to start the bail bond process.