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What happens to your driver’s license after a Florida DUI arrest?

On Behalf of | Jun 19, 2021 | DUI

Having alcohol in your bloodstream when you drive will impact how safe you are at the wheel. High levels of alcohol can increase your reaction time, impair your judgment and might even make you fall asleep at the wheel.

Impaired drivers are responsible for a significant number of crashes every year, so police officers often exert a lot of effort to catch drunk drivers. They conduct many traffic stops and will arrest people even if they haven’t caused any kind of collision.

Impaired driving charges could mean big fines, jail time and difficulty getting insurance. They can also mean that you lose your license. What is the effect of a driving under the influence (DUI) charge on your driving privileges in Florida?

Your driving history determines the impact of a DUI charge

Both the nature of the alleged DUI offense and your driving record directly impact the penalties you will face for an alleged drunk driving incident. First-time offenders who don’t hurt anyone could lose their license for anywhere from 180 days to a year. A first DUI offense that leaves someone injured means a minimum of three years without a license.

Someone with a second DUI within five years will lose their license for at least five years, although they could get a hardship license after the first year of revocation. Three DUI offenses within ten years will mean losing your license for an entire decade. A fourth DUI conviction could lead to a permanent revocation of your license.

The more previous DUIs you have on your record, the more important it becomes to defend yourself against pending impaired driving charges, especially if you want to retain your driving privileges.