DUI in Union County
Union County is one of Florida's smallest and most rural counties, located in the north-central part of the state near the city of Lake Butler. Despite its small size, DUI enforcement is active along State Road 121 and other county roads, particularly given the proximity to correctional facilities and the steady flow of traffic through the area. A DUI charge in Union County can have serious consequences for your driving privileges, employment, and freedom. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is essential to understanding your rights and navigating Florida's strict DUI laws.
Courts Handling DUI Cases in Union County
DUI cases in Union County are handled by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Union County along with several neighboring counties. The Union County Courthouse is located in Lake Butler and houses the circuit and county court divisions where criminal DUI matters are heard. Depending on the severity of the charge, cases may be processed at the county court level for misdemeanor DUI or elevated to circuit court for felony DUI charges.
Common DUI Situations in Union County
The most common DUI situations in Union County involve traffic stops on rural highways and state roads, where law enforcement officers conduct sobriety checkpoints or make stops based on observed driving behavior. Many cases involve first-time offenders with blood alcohol concentrations near or just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, while others involve drivers with prior convictions facing enhanced penalties. DUI incidents involving accidents, minors in the vehicle, or elevated BAC readings are also seen and carry significantly more serious legal consequences under Florida law.
Penalties and Outcomes in Florida
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can result in fines between $500 and $1,000, up to six months in jail, probation, community service, mandatory DUI school, and a license revocation of up to one year. A second or subsequent DUI conviction carries enhanced penalties including longer license revocations, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, and potential felony charges if certain aggravating factors are present. Florida also imposes an administrative license suspension through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which begins immediately upon arrest and is separate from any criminal court penalties.
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Why Go To Court for DUI in Union County
Go To Court Lawyers connects people facing DUI charges in Union County with experienced Florida criminal defense attorneys who understand the local court system and the nuances of state DUI law. Our network provides free 24/7 legal information to help you understand your options, with lawyer booking services coming soon to make access to legal help even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being arrested for DUI in Union County, Florida?
After a DUI arrest in Union County, it is critical to remain calm and avoid making statements to law enforcement that could be used against you in court. You have the right to speak with an attorney, and you should request one as soon as possible. Additionally, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to challenge the automatic administrative suspension of your driver's license.
Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida?
Florida's implied consent law means that by driving on a public road, you have already consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing a breathalyzer or other chemical test for the first time results in a one-year administrative license suspension, and a second refusal is a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes Section 316.1939. While refusal may limit some evidence against you in the criminal case, it carries its own serious legal consequences that an attorney can help you evaluate.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in Florida?
In Florida, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed from your criminal record, meaning it will remain permanently visible to employers, licensing boards, and the public. This makes the stakes of a DUI charge particularly high and underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation from the outset. An attorney may be able to challenge the evidence or negotiate for a reduced charge such as reckless driving, which does not carry the same permanent consequences under Florida law.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony DUI in Florida?
A first or second DUI in Florida is generally charged as a misdemeanor, though aggravating factors such as a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher, having a minor in the vehicle, or causing property damage can elevate the severity of the charge and the associated penalties. A third DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction, a fourth DUI at any time, or a DUI causing serious bodily injury or death can be charged as a felony under Florida law. Felony DUI convictions carry the possibility of state prison time, substantial fines, and long-term consequences for civil rights such as the right to vote or possess firearms.
Will I lose my driver's license after a DUI in Union County?
Yes, a DUI arrest in Florida triggers two separate license suspension processes. The administrative suspension through the Florida DHSMV begins immediately upon arrest and can last six months for a first offense with a BAC over 0.08 percent, or one year for a refusal to submit to testing. A separate criminal court conviction can result in additional revocation periods, though you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license that allows driving for essential purposes such as work or medical appointments during the suspension period.