DUI is an enhanced penalty crime.  For a first offense DUI, the minimum sentence is a $250 fine, and the maximum sentence is a fine of $500.00 or six months in the Brevard County jail, or both, as well as probation, attend & complete DUI driving schools (12 hr/ $200+ for DUI Level 1, 21 hr, $300+ for DUI Level 2), attend Victim Awareness Panel class (2 hrs, $39), perform 50 hrs community service & a 6-12 month driver's license suspension (in addition to the DMV administrative suspension, but they run at the same time. A hardship license is permitted, after the initial 30 or 90 day "hard suspension.")   For a second offense with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of under .20, the minimum fine is $500, & maximum fine is $1,000.00 or nine months in the county jail, or both; with a BAL of .20 or greater, the maximum sentence is a fine of $2, 000.00 or 12 months in the county jail, or both, along with the other classes, probation & 6-12 month license suspension. There is NO HARDSHIP license allowed for the duration of the court-imposed suspension upon 2 nd conviction. There is also a mandatory "ignition interlock device" requirement.  Regardless of the BAL, if the second offense occurs within five years of the first offense, there is a minimum of ten days in the county jail, upon conviction, as well as a five year driver's license revocation. A person may obtain a hardship license after 1 year, with many conditions, starting with a DMV investigation to determine if friends, neighbors, schools of your children, employers, etc, EVER see you driving.   If a person checks out in this regard, a hardship license may be granted, but the person is placed on a "DMV probation," which includes payment of a $55 per month "cost of supervision." This is completely separate from whatever penalty the court imposed.   For a third offense, regardless of the BAL, the maximum sentence is a fine of $2,500.00 or 12 months in the county jail, or both, as well as probation, driving class, Victim Awareness & likely community service, although it's not mandatory. If the third offense occurs within ten years of the second offense, that may be charged as a felony, which is punishable by up to five years in the state prison, and up to a $5000 fine.   There is a minimum penalty of 30 days in the county jail, upon conviction, as well as a 10 year driver's license revocation again, with a hardship possible after 2 years, again, with DMV "probation" and costs.. A fourth DUI in a person's lifetime, regardless of its relation in time to the prior offenses, can also be charged as a felony, with the maximum sentence of a fine of up to $5, 000.00 and up to five years in the state prison. There is a mandatory LIFETIME driver's license revocation, with no ability to obtain a hardship license.  With regard to a refusal to take the breath test, a second refusal is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail, and up to a $1000 fine.

Robin C. Lemonidis has earned her professional reputation in the courtroom as one of the best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Melbourne, whether delivering persuasive closing arguments before a jury, or vigorously arguing an appeal before the Florida Supreme Court. Since leaving her position as an Assistant State Attorney in Brevard County in 1993, Robin C. Lemonidis has dedicated 100% of her practice to the representation of people accused of criminal offenses. You can expect professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to achieving positive results. Put her experience to work for you. Don't settle for less.