What to Expect from a First Conviction—Advice from a Tampa Criminal Law Firm
At The Davis Law Group, P.A., we work hard to minimize the potential penalties for your first criminal conviction. The skillful negotiation and litigation techniques we offer can often help reduce first conviction penalties. Let us represent you and fight to keep you out of jail for the following charges:
|
|
Drunk driving in Tampa
If the police arrest you for drunk driving, commonly known as a DUI charge, it is a very serious matter. Your case requires the attention of a qualified Tampa criminal law firm.
The following penalties are possible if the court convicts you of your first offense of driving under the influence:
- Community service – The courts require you to complete at least 50 hours of community service
- Fine – Your fine can range from $500 to $1,000 and the court may double the amount if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15 or higher, or if there is a minor child in the vehicle at the time of your arrest
- Jail – The court can mandate you to serve six months in jail or at an approved residential treatment facility—and the court may increase your jail or rehab penalty for a BAC of 0.15 or higher or a minor in the car
- Loss of license – The court will revoke your driving privileges for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of one year
- Probation – A quality criminal law firm in Tampa may reduce your DUI penalty to one year of probation, but your total jail and probation time cannot be more than one year
- Vehicle impounding – The police will impound your vehicle for up to ten days
If there is property damage or injury, the penalties for your first conviction of drunk driving may be more severe. Subsequent convictions carry heavier charges.
Criminal laws in Tampa—assault and battery convictions
Battery is the intentional strike or touching of another person against his or her will or without his or her consent. The law defines assault as an intentional threatening word or action that the perpetrator uses to harm another person physically.
There are different types of battery and specific penalties for battery offenses. Different types of battery include:
- Touching without causing pain
- Inappropriate and unwanted touching
- Touching another with a projected object
- Intentionally or knowingly causing bodily harm
- Using a weapon
A first conviction for battery is a first-degree misdemeanor offense. The court can punish this crime with up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
The Davis Law Group, P.A., has over 25 years of combined litigation experience that we put to work minimizing the negative affect a criminal charge has on your life. Contact The Davis Law Group, P.A. and discuss criminal laws in Tampa. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you in any way possible.
