🚨 Top Factors That Lead to Enhanced DUI Penalties in Florida
1. DUI Manslaughter (Death of Another Person)
If your DUI results in someone’s death — including another driver, passenger, or pedestrian — you may be charged with DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony under Florida Statute 316.193.
2. Serious Bodily Injury
If your DUI leads to a car crash that causes serious bodily injury (such as a lost limb or permanent disability), your penalties will likely be enhanced and may include felony charges.
Arrested for DUI in South Florida?
3. Extremely High Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
While the legal limit is 0.08%, a BAC of 0.15% or higherwill result in enhanced penalties such as:
- Higher fines
- Longer license suspensions
- Ignition interlock device requirements
4. DUI with a Minor in the Vehicle
If a minor under 18 was in your vehicle at the time of your DUI, you will face enhanced penalties—even if there was no crash or injury.
5. Multiple DUI Convictions
- Second DUI within 5 years: Mandatory jail time
- Third DUI within 10 years: Felony DUI
- Fourth DUI ever: Third-degree felony
If your prior convictions were in Broward, Palm Beach, or Miami-Dade, the court will consider them at sentencing.
🔒 What Are Enhanced DUI Penalties?
Enhanced penalties may include:
- Up to 9 months in jailfor a first offense (vs. 6 months standard)
- Up to 1 year in jailfor a second conviction
- Fines up to $2,000(vs. $500–$1,000 standard)
- 90-day vehicle impoundment
- Permanent license revocation
- Higher restitution for injuries or property damage
Want to know how this compares to a typical DUI? Visit our Minimum DUI Sentences in Floridaguide.
👨⚖️ How a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer Can Help
At Michael White, P.A., we represent clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Floridafacing both standard and enhanced DUI charges. Our strategy includes:
- Investigating unlawful stops or testing procedures
- Challenging BAC results
- Seeking reductions to reckless driving
- Defending your case in both criminal court and DMV hearings
Want to better understand your rights? See Know Your Rights After a DUI Arrest
👨⚖️ How a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer Can Help
Q1: What qualifies as an enhanced DUI in Florida?
A: Enhanced DUIs involve aggravating factors like high BAC (0.15%+), serious injury or death, minors in the vehicle, or repeat DUI convictions.
Q2: Is DUI with a minor in the car always considered enhanced?
A: Yes. If you’re arrested for DUI while a minor under 18 is in your vehicle, the law imposes tougher penalties—even if no crash occurred.
Q3: Can an enhanced DUI lead to felony charges in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Yes. DUI manslaughter, causing serious bodily injury, or repeat offenses (third within 10 years or fourth ever) can result in felony charges.
Q4: What are the jail penalties for an enhanced DUI in Florida?
A: Jail time may increase to up to 9 months for a first offense, and up to 1 year or more for a second or aggravated DUI.
Q5: Can a DUI lawyer reduce enhanced charges to reckless driving?
A: Yes. A skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can negotiate for charge reductions, especially for first-time offenders or cases with weak evidence.
