For first-time DUI offenders, the statutory requirement for community service
hours is 50. For enhanced DUI offenders (.15 breath reading or higher),
the number is 100.
However, Florida law permits community service hours to be "bought
out" at a rate of $10 per hour.
This buyout provision places discretion in the hands of the court, but
if work obligations severely impact your ability to successfully perform
50-100 community service hours, it may be in your best interest to simply
pay a fine.
Community service hours are time-consuming. Many people find themselves with
probation violations due to failure to complete community service hours.
I practice DUI defense in Miami-Dade and Broward. I am a
former prosecutor who has handled DUI cases, both as an attorney for the State of Florida,
and as an attorney for many accused DUI offenders.
I never urge clients to accept guilty or no contest pleas until a complete
investigation of the case has been completed by me. It is only when the
evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of the State that I persuade a client
to accept a plea.
But as your Miami-Dade County criminal defense attorney, our firm will make
sure that any conditions of a plea are beneficial to the client. Especially
if probation is ordered by the court.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges,
call me to discuss your options.