Aggressive Defense for Florida Repeat DUI Offenses

Skilled representation to mitigate consequences for multiple infractions in Orlando

Repeat DUI offenses carry severe consequences in Florida. If you’ve already been convicted once of driving under the influence, any subsequent charge puts you in jeopardy of more serious penalties. In that situation, you need highly skilled criminal defense representation. Knowing the potential hardship you face, The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. draws on decades of experience to achieve the best possible resolution of your case.

What is the “look-back” period for DUI convictions in Florida?

Having previous DUI convictions raises the severity of a charge and enhances the penalties you face. Florida law has “look-back” periods that courts use to impose harsher minimum sentences, higher fines and longer license suspensions. The following time periods apply:

  • A second offense must occur within five years of the first conviction.
  • A third offense must occur within 10 years of the first conviction.
  • For a fourth offense, a court can consider every DUI conviction during a defendant’s lifetime and can impose a lifetime license suspension.

These look-back periods are mandated for criminal court use, but an insurance company can maintain your DUI conviction in its records for far longer, resulting in thousands of dollars in higher premiums over your lifetime.

Penalties for second DUI convictions in Florida

If you are arrested for a second DUI within five years, you will be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries these minimum mandatory punishments:

  • A fine between $1,000 and $2,000, or up to $4,000 if the driver’s blood alcohol content was 0.15 percent or greater
  • Community service of about 50 hours
  • Jail time of at least 10 days and up to nine months. If the driver’s BAC was 0.15 percent or greater, jail time could last 12 months. The charge is a felony and the sentence is five years if the driver caused an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury.
  • Administrative license suspension of one year. If the second DUI occurred within five years of the prior conviction, the license is revoked for five years.

If the defendant is sentenced to less than one year in jail, the rest of the year will be spent on probation.

Another place where the look-back period comes into play is in vehicle impoundment. If your second DUI conviction happened within five years, the court will order your vehicle impounded for 30 days. If the conviction occurred outside of five years, the impoundment will last 10 days.

Third and subsequent DUI penalties in Florida

A third DUI in a 10-year period is charged as a felony. A conviction carries these minimum penalties:

  • Prison time from 30 days to five years
  • A fine of $2,000 to $5,000
  • Driver’s license revocation for 10 or more years, plus two years of having an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle
  • Vehicle impoundment 90 days

Penalties can be even higher if the driver caused an accident that injured or killed someone. A conviction of DUI manslaughter can draw 15 years in prison. A fourth DUI in a lifetime is charged as a felony.

When the stakes are this high, you should retain the highest level of legal representation you can find.

Contact a proven DUI defense lawyer in Orlando, FL

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. represents drivers accused of repeat DUI offenses in Orlando and vicinity. To retain proven counsel for drunk driving charges, call today at 407-608-7777 or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located at 3431 Edgewater Drive.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

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    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

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    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah