Every year spring break leads to a flood of college students into Orlando and cities throughout Florida. Few of the young people that flood into the state to celebrate their break from studies ever consider the likelihood they will be arrested or the long-term impact such an arrest can have on their schooling, future employment or their freedom. During this spring break authorities in Orlando and other party destinations throughout Florida arrested over 1,000 underage drinkers. The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco said 1,092 underage drinkers were cited.
The mere arrest for an underage drinker can result in a sentence of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The situation is even more precarious if the minor is caught driving under the influence of alcohol explains Orlando DUI lawyer John Musca. “Florida has a so-called “zero tolerance policy” for drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in their system of .02 when they are driving,” said Musca.
Any underage driver with a BAC of .02 or higher will have their license automatically suspended for 6 months. “The reason the policy is called “zero tolerance” is that the purpose of the law is to ensure that even a single drink by an underage driver will place the driver over the legal limit,” said Musca. The license suspension for violating the zero tolerance policy is an administrative suspension as opposed to an infraction or misdemeanor. A driver under the age of 21, who is found to be driving with a BAC of .02 or above on a second or subsequent offense, will have their license suspended a year for each subsequent offense.
If a driver under 21 is found to have a BAC of .05 or above, the administrative suspension will remain in effect until the minor completes a substance abuse evaluation and course. Students celebrating spring break in Florida are also subject to the same DUI laws that apply to adults. This means that a spring break reveler that has a BAC of .08 or above can be sentenced to a maximum of 6 months in jail and a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $500.
“Because a DUI can so alter a young adult’s life, it is important to seek immediate legal advice if arrested while celebrating spring break in Florida,” said Orlando DUI lawyer John Musca. An Orlando DUI defense attorney will investigate the circumstances of your arrest to determine available defenses and strategies.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI or other criminal offense, contact a reputable attorney for help with your case today. It is understood that poor choices can lead to serious criminal consequences. An Orlando DUI attorney will advise you of your right’s, guide you through the complex court system and provide you with the help that you need during this difficult time.
