| All these penalties are based on a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or more but less than .15. The penalties are harsher for BAC .15 or more. Also if you refuse to submit to the breath test your license will be automatically suspended. A DUI involving an accident with property damage or injury to another person is a 1st degree misdemeanor punishable up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1000. A person charged with three DUI’s within 10 years, or a fourth DUI within their lifetime, can be charged with a 3rd degree felony punishable up to 5 years in prison. A DUI accident involving serious bodily injury to someone else is a felony and punishable up to 5 years in prison and $5000 in fines. A DUI accident causing death is a 2nd degree felony punishable up to 15 years and $10,000 fine. If a person leaves the scene causing death it is a 1st degree felony punishable up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. DUI Arrest Law enforcement may suspect that a person is driving under the influence if they display certain behaviors. These behaviors are revealed through the person’s driving and physical condition. An officer may suspect that a person is operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated if they: - make extremely close or wide turns
- run traffic lights
- stop for no reason
- nearly colliding with another vehicle
- are weaving between lanes
When stopping a person under the suspicion of driving under the influence, the officer will typically examine the person to see if they: - have an odor of alcohol on their breath
- are slurring their words
- have blood shot eyes
- have a slow reaction to verbal direction
If these behaviors are evident, the officer may request that the person take an Intoxilyzer (breath), Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), or urine test. If the person refuses to take these tests, their refusal can be used as evidence against them in court and also lead to harsher penalties if they are convicted. DUI Penalties DUI convictions often result in harsh legal consequences. If you are convicted of DUI, you may lose your license, have to spend time in jail, and/or pay large fines. A DUI conviction can lead to devastating legal consequences, emotional turmoil, and disappointment from the offender’s family and friends. When a person is convicted of DUI, their life is subject to great restrictions and limitations. If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, it is in your best interest to speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately after your arrest. The Law Office of Dowgul and Hatcher has handled a multitude of DUI cases for clients throughout Panama City and surrounding areas. We have the legal knowledge and experience it takes to help you fight your DUI charges. | 
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