The laws about driving under the influence (DUI) are strict—and they are becoming more so. A DUI conviction carries harsh penalties and steep fines that can interfere with your ability to earn a living. Understanding the basic legal principles of these cases can help you protect yourself against future DUI charges.
If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to seek help from a criminal defense attorney early on in your case. Consult with an experienced Orlando DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert David Malove today.
What Legally Constitutes a DUI Charge?
A DUI charge refers to driving under the influence of illicit substances such as drugs or alcohol. If you are driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, you meet the legal requirements to be charged with this crime. You can also face a DUI any time that alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely, even if you do not meet the BAC threshold. If a law enforcement official charges you with driving under the influence in Orlando, working closely with a dedicated DUI attorney from our team can help you manage your case.
Over the Legal Limit
If your BAC reaches or exceeds .08 percent, you are over the legal alcohol limit and automatically qualify for a DUI. This means that you can receive DUI charges without any additional proof of your impairment other than the probable cause that led a law enforcement officer to test you.
The Fines and Penalties for a First Conviction
The potential fines and penalties for a first DUI conviction include all of the following:
- Up to six months in jail, which is raised to nine months if a minor was present in the car, or your BAC was .15 percent or higher at the time of your arrest
- Fines of $500 to $1,000
- License revocation of 180 days to a year
- 50 hours of community service
Jail time is not mandatory for a first DUI conviction, but it is always a possibility. Often, the court uses its discretion to impose alternative penalties, such as probation, fines, community service, and DUI school. Courts consider the circumstances of your case, as well as the number of charges on your record, to determine your sentence, increasing the fines and penalties you incur to reflect the severity of your case.
A Note About Plea Deals
Plea deals are very common for first DUI offenses. This, however, does not mean they are always a good option. When you accept a plea deal, you admit guilt to the underlying charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Our Orlando legal team understands the social consequences of a DUI conviction. These challenges could include damage to your reputation, difficulty getting a job, risk to your professional licenses, and obstacles to furthering your education.
Key Changes to DUI Law
A new law enacted in 2025 makes a second DUI manslaughter conviction a first-degree felony. This is a shift from its former second-degree felony status, which carried up to 15 years in prison. As a first-degree felony, a second DUI manslaughter conviction carries up to 30 years in prison.
Another change worth considering is that a first refusal to take a breathalyzer or another form of DUI test after arrest is now a second-degree misdemeanor, and a second refusal is a first-degree misdemeanor. Our experienced attorneys could help you navigate these changes, which include considerable increases in fines and penalties for those charged with a DUI in Orlando.
Contact an Experienced Orlando Attorney for Help With a DUI Charge
If you are facing charges of driving under the influence, a seasoned Orlando DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert David Malove is prepared to build a strong defense on your behalf. Our attorneys are ready to fight for a case resolution that supports you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today.