| Steps after Conviction | | | | defendants only have to mail in a form once a month |
| At this point your feelings most likely consist of two | | | | indicating whether or not they have any new arrests |
| primary emotions. 1. You actually feel somewhat | | | | or charges. This process is known as "mail-in" |
| relieved about the fact that the process is on it's way | | | | probation. People have completed their sentencing |
| to being over. 2. The other part of your mind is still | | | | requirements in as little as 3 months. Make sure to |
| awfully nervous about how the rest of the process, | | | | mention your desire to receive "early termination" to |
| mainly Probation will work. | | | | your lawyer. |
| So, in a nutshell, based on the reports of actual | | | | It will be their job to apply for the early termination |
| individuals who have went through what you are about | | | | after 6 months. In most counties, judges are usually |
| to begin, here is your guide for life after Conviction: | | | | very considerate of early termination. Probation |
| Typical FL Sentencing will include 1 year Probation. | | | | officers are often overloaded with cases, therefore, |
| Additional sentencing will include the following:250-500 | | | | releasing an individual who has responsibly paid their |
| fines, Ordered to a min. 50 hours community service, | | | | debt to society is generally not a problem. Your |
| DUI school "whole section dedicated to this...i.e. link, 30 | | | | probation officer will very typically be a nice person. |
| day wait period for application of hardship license for | | | | Their job is to assist you in completing your sentencing |
| submitting to sobriety tests and a 90 day wait period | | | | requirements, i.e. community service requirements. |
| for application of hardship license for refusing sobriety | | | | This process can differ greatly by county, so it is |
| tests. Possible additional sentencing may include: | | | | imperative that you meet with a lawyer to discuss the |
| Attending alcohol treatment sessions, Attending the | | | | details associated with your case and how DUI's are |
| "vehicle impact panel", paying restitution for any | | | | handled in your particular county of arrest. It is |
| damages resulting from the DUI, an apology letter to | | | | important to note, that most people have no problems |
| the arresting officers, bearing any hostility on the night | | | | with probation. Do not be scared about this process. |
| of your arrest and finally a commitment for you to | | | | As long as you hold up your end of the bargain, i.e. do |
| "abstain" form alcohol for the period of your probation. | | | | not violate the terms in your "Judgment and Sentence," |
| *The following probation information is designed with a | | | | your probation will be nothing more then a means to |
| typical first offense misdemeanor DUI in mind. Extreme | | | | an end. Your Probationary period should operate in a |
| circumstances involving death or serious injury will | | | | conflict-free and timely manor. |
| require the attention of legal professionals. The | | | | Attending the "vehicle impact panel" |
| probationary period required for all DUI convictions in | | | | This is simply an information session educating |
| the state of Florida is one year. This probationary | | | | individuals on the horrific tragedies associated with DUI |
| period can actually be significantly shortened with the | | | | Deaths. This can be a very touching experience, |
| help of a lawyer. As soon as you complete all the | | | | designed to influence everyone never to drink and |
| terms of your sentencing listed above i.e community | | | | drive again. The program lasts around 3-4 hours, so |
| service requirements etc.. | | | | brace yourself for a time commitment. Upon |
| The remainder of your probationary period will consist | | | | completion, you will receive a certificate. Present the |
| of nothing more then meeting once a month with your | | | | certificate to your probation officer and you can |
| probation officer, to discuss any new arrests or | | | | effectively cross one more thing off of your to-do-list! |
| charges that you may have incurred. In some counties, | | | | |