Florida Today reports that more than 300 motorists per year serve time in prison after being convicted of their fourth DUI in Florida.
As we reported recently on our Broward DUI Lawyer Blog, Florida passed a law this year that permits a driver convicted of a fourth drunk driving charge to apply for driver's license reinstatement. Previously, a fourth conviction carried a mandatory lifetime suspension of driving privileges.
The tiered nature of Florida's DUI laws, and the increasing penalties for each subsequent conviction, is a primary reason why an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer should always be hired to defend a motorist facing drunk driving charges.
The new law, which went into effect Oct. 1, allows for work privileges if a conviction or date of last incarceration is at least 10 years ago. Next year, the law is slated to reduce the waiting period to 5 years.
MADD supported the law as long as drivers are equipped with ignition interlock devices, saying as many as three-quarters of those under lifetime suspension are driving anyway.
Other eligibility requirements include:
-No drug offenses for last five years.
-No citation for driving without a license last five years.
-Completed DUI course.
-Appear for DUI administrative hearing.
-Agree to have vehicle equipped with ignition interlock device for five years.
-Pay fees.
Those convicted of certain charges in connection with a fatal DUI accident are not eligible and the driving privileges are available only for work.
The state estimates about 17,400 drivers will be eligible. Cost of the application is about $1,000.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet is offering confidential consultations to anyone seeking driving rights after a fourth DUI conviction in Florida. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.
