Free DUI Lawyer Jacksonville Florida

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was arrested for DUI last month in Jacksonville, Florida. What are the possible penalties she must face since this was her first time?

Tanya

Jacksonville, FL

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a criminal offense regardless which county your cousin may have committed it. There had been stringent road laws all around the United States, in which driving under the influence can lead to harsh punishment and higher penalty amount. Of course it depends on the severity and nature of the offense.

Jacksonville, Florida had one of the highest numbers of DUI arrests. State police as well as the MVA are trying to minimize DUI related cases by imposing harsher penalties and higher fines. First offenders may pay a fine of $250-$500 whereas second time offenders pays $500-$1000. Third offenders face a larger amount of penalty and jail time. For notorious or repeated offense, which actually depends on the seriousness of the offense, may lead the offender from a minimum of 6 months jail time up to a maximum of 30 years especially for drivers involved in vehicular accidents due to DUI.

Indeed, driving is actually not a privilege. It’s a big responsibility especially that you and your cousin live in a city where a large number of DUI cases had been recorded. The law had imposed harsher regulations just to minimize effect. I would suggest that, once your cousin is cleared out from this DUI case, start checking for low priced auto insurance that would keep you covered from road accidents.

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, Florida and he worries too much about the money he’d likely have to spend at the course of his trial. How much does bail usually amounts to and how much would be the court costs and probation?

Eden

Jacksonville, FL

The cost of DUI varies greatly and it would not be the same for everyone, but honestly, it would cost a lot if someone would be convicted for DUI. The bail amount on your cousin’s DUI charge in Jacksonville, Florida would also greatly vary, depending on several factors. A handful of very lucky people get personal recognizance bonds, which cost nothing but the promise to appear in court. But most individuals should pay between $50 and $500 to be released. The court costs would be between $160 and $300 and that excludes any subpoena fees. Also, if a videotape was used, there would be $15 more that is assessed.

Probation fees would depend upon the length of probation. $25-$40 per month would be the statutory range for such fees, so if the probation would be for two years, it could cost as much as $960. The maximum monthly fee for probation is $60 per month so that means if the probation is for two years, the total cost would be $1,440. Regular conditions of probation also include the completion of a DUI education program and this usually costs $50-$125.