A 45-year-old man was recently arrested for driving a golf cart with a blood-alcohol level 3 times over the legal limit. The arresting officer treated this discovery as he would any other discovery of a person driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol: as a DUI.
In the state of Florida, a person can be arrested and charged with DUI if found driving a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Florida DUI Laws
According to Fla. Stat. §316.003(97), a vehicle is defined as “[any] device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except personal delivery devices and devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.” This definition is incredibly broad; however, it’s safe to say that if you are caught operating any vehicle while under the influence of a substance, you may face a DUI charge.
In Florida, people have been arrested for operating the following while under the influence:
- bicycles;
- lawn mowers;
- ATVs;
- wheelchairs;
- golf carts;
- mopeds; and
- horses.
Penalties for a DUI
Florida has the strictest DUI penalties in the country, and they increase with the number of convictions a person has. If your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, you will be arrested and possibly convicted of a DUI.
DUI convictions are as follows:
- First Offense Conviction
- Fine between $500 and $1,000;
- Imprisonment between 8 hours and 6 months; or
- If your alcohol level was .15 or greater, you could face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a maximum jail sentence of 9 months.
- Second Offense Conviction
- Fine between $1,000 and $2,000;
- Imprisonment up to 9 months;
- If your conviction occurs within 5 years of a prior conviction, you will face a mandatory imprisonment sentence of at least 10 days;
- Maximum 5-year driver’s license revocation;
- Vehicle impoundment of up to 30 days;
- Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle;
- Mandatory DUI classes;
- If your alcohol level was .15 or greater, you could face a fine between $2,000 and $4,000 and/or a maximum jail sentence of 1 year.
- Third Offense Conviction
- Fine between $2,000 and $5,000;
- Up to 5 years in a state prison;
- Up to 10 years of driver’s license revocation;
- Up to 90 days of vehicle impoundment;
- Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle;
- Mandatory DUI classes;
- Permanent felony conviction;
- Up to 50 hours of community service or a fee of $10 per service hour; or
- If your alcohol level was .15 or greater, you could face a minimum fine of $4,000 and/or a mandatory jail sentence of 30 days or more.
- Fourth Offense Conviction (or more)
- Fine between $2,000 and $5,000;
- Up to 5 years in state prison;
- Up to 5 years of probation;
- Lifetime driver’s license revocation;
- 90-day vehicle impoundment;
- Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle;
- Mandatory DUI classes;
- Permanent felony conviction;
- Up to 50 hours of community service.
Law Office of Jody L. Fisher – Representation You Can Count On
Our DUI defense attorney is dedicated to helping you fight your charges. Attorney Jody L. Fisher has previous prosecution experience and can anticipate how a judge may handle your case. This line of thinking enables us to construct a solid defense, capable of withstanding courtroom arguments.
Call our firm today at (352) 503-4111 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.