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Backed by 15 Years' Experience
as a Former Prosecutor
Specialized in Criminal Defense

Multiple DUI Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg 

Why Choose Our DUI Attorney with 29 Years of Criminal Law Experience

DUI is an enhanceable offence meaning that the penalty for each DUI increases with proof of a prior DUI or DUI's. Each prior DUI counts against you when sentenced on a subsequent DUI, which means you will get longer amounts of jail time, higher fines, and a longer license suspension.

Understanding Your 2nd DUI Charge in St. Petersburg

Your 2nd DUI charge, if your driving didn't lead to serious bodily injury, would be a 1st-degree misdemeanor. Punishments could include:

  • Jail for up to 9 months; 1 year if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over 0.15%
  • Fine for up to $1,000; $2,000 if your BAC was over 0.15%
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least 1 year
  • License suspension for a minimum of 6 months
  • Impoundment of your vehicle for 30 days

Schedule your free consultation today!


Consequences of a 2nd DUI Within 5 Years

The punishments increase if your 2nd DUI was within 5 years of a prior conviction. You have a mandatory minimum stay of 10 days in jail on this charge, and your fine is $2,000 regardless of BAC. The ignition interlock device will also remain in your car for at least 2 years, and your license will be mandatorily suspended for 5 years. Additionally, your car will be impounded for 90 days.

In addition, you will likely be placed on 12 months of probation, attend Multi Offender DUI school, and be ordered to get alcohol or drug treatment.

Facing a 3rd DUI? Know Your Rights in St. Petersburg

The 3rd DUI can be one of the most severe. If your last conviction was more than 10 years before this charge, it is a misdemeanor. However, if the DUI was more recent, you will be charged with a felony, which has much harsher punishments.

If you're facing a 3rd DUI, you could be sentenced with some of the following sentences:

  • Jail for 30 days to 1 year; 5 years if you were charged with a felony
  • Fine of $2,000 to $5,000
  • License suspension for a minimum of 1 year; 10 years if you were charged with a felony
  • Impoundment of your vehicle for 90 days
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 2 years
  • 1 year of misdemeanor probation; supervision by the Florida Department of Corrections if you were charged with a felony
  • Mandatory DUI school

Understanding the Impact of a 4th or More DUI Charge in St. Petersburg

Regardless of how long ago your last DUI was, a 4th (or more) DUI charge is an automatic felony. These convictions carry a maximum sentence of 5 years prison. Your license will also be permanently revoked, meaning you can never legally drive in Florida again. Additionally, there is a minimum mandatory fine of $2,000, which can be increased to $5,000 if the judge orders it.

Contact Us Immediately If You've Been Arrested for Another DUI

You don't want another DUI on your record. Even 1 arrest for this charge can make finding a job difficult. In order to protect yourself from jail time, high fees, and employment discrimination, contact us as soon as possible. Our experienced St. Petersburg DUI attorney has 29 years of total experience in criminal law. Trust him to advocate on your behalf and defend your freedom.


Contact us at (888) 863-7415 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation today.


Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in St. Petersburg

What distinguishes a 3rd DUI as a misdemeanor or felony in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, a 3rd DUI is classified as a misdemeanor if the previous conviction was over 10 years ago. However, if the last DUI conviction is more recent, the charge escalates to a felony, which carries significantly harsher penalties, including longer jail time, higher fines, extended license suspension, and more stringent probation conditions.

What are the penalties for a 4th or subsequent DUI in St. Petersburg?

A 4th or subsequent DUI in St. Petersburg is automatically considered a felony, regardless of the time elapsed since the last offense. Convictions can lead to a maximum of 5 years in prison, a permanent license revocation, and a minimum mandatory fine of $2,000, which may increase up to $5,000 at the judge's discretion.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • DUI charge reduced to Reckless Driving DUI
  • Not Guilty after Jury Trial Possession of Undersize Stone Crab Claws
  • Reduced to Felony Battery, dismissed, sealed. Aggravated Battery
  • All charges dropped. Loitering and Prowling
  • All charges dropped. Battery Domestic
  • All charges dropped. Battery on Spouse

Why Choose The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger?

  • 15 years experience in the State Attorney's office
  • Confidential, complimentary initial consultations
  • Accepting calls and cases 24 hours a day
  • Exclusively devoted to criminal defense
  • Tried Over 140 Jury Trials
  • Impressive track record of charge reductions, acquittals, and dismissals

Contact Us Today

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "He helped our entire family feel secure"
    Mr Hessinger acted in a professional and competent manor. I felt very secure with him handling my case.
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    Tim was always available either by text, call, and email; he always promptly answered our questions as to anything pertaining to our case.
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    From my initial interview to the successful conclusion of my case, Mr. Hessinger was extremely thorough, thoughtful and most of all gave me a sense of security knowing that I was in the most capable of hands.
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