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If you are caught drinking and driving, you will face many serious consequences. Not only could your irresponsible actions lead to an accident where you or your passengers are injured or killed, but you could also take the life of another driver or innocent bystander. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts 2007 Data: ‘Alcohol Impaired Driving,’ “In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunken driving related crashes.”

There are many other consequences to being arrested for driving while under the influence. For instance, you can have your driver’s license revoked, pay for the cost of a criminal trial that includes attorney fees as well as a very high fine if convicted. Fines for driving under the influence vary states, but it can average from $800.00 to an overwhelming $10, 000. As well, depending on the seriousness of the charges, such as causing the death of another person, you can receive a long prison sentence. You can also lose your driver’s license for a certain period of time. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or beyond a level of 0.08 percent.

Driving under the influence can seriously affect the amount you pay for your insurance premium. A DUI arrest or conviction will cause a significant increase in your insurance premium. As well, your insurance provider may even terminate your policy. A DUI conviction does not disappear after a certain number of years. It stays on your criminal and driving record indefinitely, except if you have it expunged. Your employer and insurance companies can all view the criminal record. Some employers will fire an employee convicted of a DUI.

A rundown of possible consequences include:

* Revocation of drivers license automatically if you refuse or fail BAC test.
* 1st Offense sentenced to as much as 6 months in jail and fined as much as $750. Suspension of license for 90 days.
* 2nd Offense imprisonment of not less than 7 days no more than 6 months in jail and fined as much as $750. Suspension of license for 1 year if 2nd offense happens within 5 years of last offense.
* 3rd Offense jail time of not less than 30 days and a fine of $3000. Suspension of license for 3 years.
* 4th Offense is now a felony punishable by 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
* Impounding of vehicle after conviction for DUI

These consequences are the result of the Zero-Tolerance laws that were implemented in 1995. As well, the insurance companies have complete authority to take action such as policy termination and raising your premiums.

In most states, the insurance provider will check for DUI convictions every three years as part of their normal operating system. Drinking and driving is dangerous and can cost a person their life. The best life choice is to refrain from ever driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Save a life, including your own, as well as your freedom and money.

So stay safe on the streets to save lives and to avoid these long-term consequences.

Originally published here.

The minimum statutory sanctions in Tampa are governed by Florida Statutes 315.193. Although the procedures that lead to the arrest are basically the same in every DUI arrest, the sanctions differ in accordance with whether it is a first, second or third offense.

If this is your first arrest then you may expect any of the following to occur:

You can be found guilty
Be fined anywhere from $500 to $1,000
Go to jail for 6 months
Your car can be locked if the breathalyzer registered more than 1.5 and you had a minor in the car with you
Complete DUI Level 1 School and get counseling
Probation of up to 12 months
Fifty hours of community service
10 day vehicle impound based on specific facts

Your second conviction:

Can find you guilty
A fine of $1,000
Your vehicle will be locked for one year
If your second conviction is within five years of the first one, you can be imprisoned for ten days
Complete DUI Level II School
Your vehicle will be impounded for thirty days
Twelve month probation

Third conviction:

If the third conviction comes within ten years after the second conviction, there will be a felony conviction
The vehicle will be locked for two years
There will be a fine of $2,000
If this conviction occurs within ten years of the second conviction, a jail sentence of thirty days many be imposed
A ninety day vehicle impound based on specific facts
Probation

Based on these facts regarding drunk driving convictions in Florida, if you are looking at a drunk driving conviction, you need to have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney on your side offering your defense. Find an attorney who has the knowledge and experience in criminal defense to see that you obtain the best possible defense against your drunk driving arrest record. Many offices offer free consultations.

Originally published here.

www.topgundui.com – It is possible to expunge DUI charges in California. Expunging DUI charges removes them from the criminal record, but it does not remove them from the DMV record. Myles L. Berman®, DUI lawyer serving Santa Barbara, Ventura County, LA, and all of Southern California can help you expunge your DUI charges and can also deal with the charges on your DMV record. Visit http to learn more our DUI lawyer and how he can help if you have been arrested for DUI.You may contact attorney Myles L. Berman® (also spelled as Myles Bermen): Top Gun DUI Defense Attorney® LOS ANGELES COUNTY 9255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 720, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Phone (310) 273-9501 ORANGE COUNTY 4665 MacArthur Court, Suite 240, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone (949) 640-1860 VENTURA COUNTY 3075 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard., Suite 9 Westlake Village, CA 91362 Phone (805) 650-9501 Toll Free: 888-4-TOPGUN Website: www.topgundui.com