The holidays are right around the corner and with them comes weeks of celebrating. The rate of DUI arrests rises sharply during the holidays as people spend more time at holiday parties. Drinking and driving is always a serious crime but law enforcement officers pay particularly close attention to the roadways during this time of year because of the expected rise in DUIs.

Florida DUI Law

A DUI in Florida is generally a misdemeanor. A first offense can cost you anywhere from 180 day license suspension to 1 year. You could also spend up to 6 months in jail and be forced to pay a $500 fine. A DUI conviction will stain your record for years.

A DUI involving serious injury to another is a 3rd degree felony. Your potential jail time, fines, and term of license suspension will increase dramatically if another person was injured or if you had a minor in the vehicle.

How to Avoid a DUI

A DUI in Florida is a very serious crime but can easily be avoided. According to WPTV News, AAA and Budweiser have teamed up in an effort to protect potential victims of DUI accidents. They created the Tow to Go program in 1998, designed to provide anyone who has had too much to drink a free and confidential ride and tow home from any bar or restaurant.

A Tow to Go program manager stated:

“The busiest time for the Tow to Go program is during the upcoming holiday season when more than 70 percent of the call volume is received.”

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have had too much to drink and cannot manage a ride home, call the Tow to Go program at 1-800-AAA-HELP (222-4357).

It is extremely important to avoid drinking and driving as a DUI conviction is punished seriously in the state of Florida. You cannot afford a DUI conviction as it will restrict your freedom not only in the immediate future but possibly the rest of your life as well.

DUI Criminal Defense

It is important to use the resources available to you to avoid drinking and driving. If you do choose to make that mistake and are arrested for a DUI, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Again, the consequences are severe and costly. A DUI criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate your sentence down to community service. However, in order for you to have any chance at all to circumvent conviction, contact a lawyer immediately after your arrest.