A Tampa man was sentenced to ten years in Florida State Prison by Circuit Court Judge Kimberly Fernandez on Thursday after being convicted of DUI for a ninth time. Upon release from jail, the man will receive psychiatric, drug and alcohol evaluations, she said. He’ll also be required to commit half his 100 community service hours to speeches about drinking and driving. Smith has been convicted of seven DUIs in Florida, one in Georgia and one in Louisiana, prosecutors said. There may be yet another conviction from Louisiana, his attorney said, but the records were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
If you have been charged with DUI in Florida, it is important for you to understand that a conviction can be used to enhance the penalty against you on a subsequent DUI. Florida Statute 316.193, which governs DUI, states that:
Any person who is convicted of a third violation of this section for an offense that occurs within 10 years after a prior conviction for a violation of this section commits a felony of the third degree.
Therefore, it is important that you fight even a first time DUI, because unfortunately, far too many people end up being charged with DUI a second or third time. At Taracks & Associates we have four lawyers on staff who are experienced in fighting first – and subsequent – DUI charges. Call us today for a free consultation at 813-281-2897. One of our experienced DUI lawyers will help you understand the penalties you are facing and the defenses you may have. Taracks & Associates – The Advocate For You.