Sarasota Extreme DUI Attorney

What Defines an Extreme DUI in Sarasota?

Under Florida Statute § 316.193, a driver may face enhanced DUI charges when their BAC is 0.15% or greater, or when other aggravating factors are present, such as:

• A minor in the vehicle at the time of arrest
• Accident with injury or property damage
• Prior DUI convictions within the past 5 to 10 years
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing

Although not labeled “extreme DUI” in the statute, the term is widely used to describe these cases where the offense involves increased danger to the public and leads to enhanced statutory penalties.

What Are the Penalties for an Extreme DUI in Sarasota?

Florida imposes escalating penalties for DUI offenses based on the driver’s BAC and any prior record. A BAC of 0.15% or higher automatically triggers enhanced penalties, even for a first-time offense.

First Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15%)

• Fine: $1,000–$2,000
• Jail Time: Up to 9 months in county jail
• License Suspension: Minimum of 6 months, up to 1 year
• Probation: Up to 12 months
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory for at least 6 months
• DUI School: Completion of a Level I DUI course
• Community Service: 50 hours required
• Vehicle Impoundment: 10 days (unless family lacks alternative transportation)

Second Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15% or within 5 years)

• Fine: $2,000–$4,000
• Jail Time: Mandatory 10 days minimum, up to 12 months
• License Revocation: 5-year minimum (if within 5 years of the first conviction)
• IID Requirement: 2 years minimum
• Vehicle Impoundment: 30 days

Third or Subsequent Offense

If a third offense occurs within 10 years, it may be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• $5,000 fine
• 10-year license revocation

For felony-level DUI charges, legal representation is non-negotiable. A Sarasota extreme DUI attorney can investigate prior offenses and challenge the timeline to prevent the escalation to felony status.

What is the Impact of an Extreme DUI on Your Driver’s License?

Aside from criminal court consequences, an extreme DUI will trigger administrative action through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Upon arrest, you face:

• Immediate administrative suspension of your license (typically 6 months for a BAC ≥ 0.08%)
• Mandatory formal review hearing within 10 calendar days if you wish to contest the suspension
• Risk of longer revocation if this is a repeat offense or involves a high BAC

A Sarasota extreme DUI attorney can represent you in the administrative hearing, challenge the officer’s affidavit and breathalyzer records, and argue for reinstatement or hardship driving privileges.

What are Sarasota's Unique Aspects in Extreme DUI Cases?

When dealing with extreme DUI charges in Sarasota, it is crucial to consider local factors such as popular highways and transportation routes where DUI checkpoints may be frequently set up. Moreover, the presence of seasonal visitors during peak tourist times can influence local enforcement practices.

Our familiarity with Sarasota's legal landscape aids us in addressing these unique regional aspects effectively, thus giving our clients an edge during negotiations or court proceedings. For example, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office often conducts sobriety checkpoints at strategic locations during peak tourist seasons, highlighting the need for vigilance and a knowledgeable defense. Additionally, local ordinances and community standards often reflect varied tolerance levels for DUI offenses, impacting how cases are prosecuted and resolved.

Our approach at McIntosh Law is to provide comprehensive representation, striving to mitigate these severe consequences and protect our clients' futures. By developing a dependable strategy that encompasses not only courtroom defenses but also proactive measures like enrollment in alcohol education programs, we help reduce potential sentencing and demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation and safety. This holistic approach not only aids in legal battles but also offers clients a pathway to reclaiming their lives post-conviction.

Contact McIntosh Law for Your Defense

If you're facing an extreme DUI charge in Sarasota, don't go through it alone. Reach out to our experienced team at McIntosh Law to receive the dedicated and strategic representation you need. Our attorneys are here to fight for your rights, leveraging our collective expertise and team approach to develop a powerful defense strategy. 

Contact us today at (941) 299-0701 for a free consultation—let us help you navigate this challenging time with professional guidance and support. Whether you're dealing with legal challenges, potential penalties, or seeking to understand your rights and options, our firm's commitment to upholding your defense is unwavering.