You Need a Top-Notch DUI Lawyer if Your BAC Is Over .15 in Florida

If you’ve been pulled over in Florida and failed a breathalyzer test showing your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .15 or higher, you’re not just facing a regular DUI—you’re staring down the barrel of enhanced DUI charges. Let me tell you why this is a big deal: with a BAC that high, you’re almost double the legal limit, and trust me, the prosecution is going to use that against you. You’ll be painted as a danger on the road, and the penalties, if convicted, are far more severe than those for a standard DUI.

Here’s where having an experienced DUI defense lawyer can be the difference between your life getting flipped upside down or walking away with minimal damage. When you’re up against elevated BAC charges, you need someone who knows the system inside and out, someone who knows how to fight—and win.

What Happens If You’re Convicted of a DUI with a BAC Over .15?

In Florida, the consequences of a DUI with a BAC over .15 are nothing short of brutal. Whether you’re in Pinellas County or anywhere else in the state, the penalties are enhanced—meaning they’re tougher, more costly, and can impact your life for years to come. Let me break it down for you:

• More Jail Time: For a first-time DUI with a BAC over .15, you could be looking at up to nine months in jail. Compare that to the maximum of six months for a standard DUI, and you can see how quickly things escalate.
• Higher Fines: You could be hit with fines exceeding $2,000 for a first offense, whereas a regular DUI maxes out at $1,000. That’s a significant financial hit.
• License Suspension: Your driver’s license could be suspended for longer than a regular DUI. While the suspension duration depends on various factors, the potential for losing your driving privileges for an extended period is very real.
• Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID): An IID forces you to blow into a breathalyzer before you can even start your car, and periodically while driving. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s an extra layer of punishment that stays with you long after the conviction.
• Potential “Super DUI” Charges: If a minor was in the car with you during the DUI, you’re facing even more severe penalties. This includes mandatory minimum jail sentences. The stakes are sky-high.

Why It Matters to Have a Skilled DUI Defense Team

When your BAC is over .15, the prosecution will argue you’re a danger on the road. But guess what? There’s always more to the story. Just because a breathalyzer says .15 doesn’t mean the case is open and shut. Breathalyzers malfunction, field sobriety tests are subjective, and let’s face it—the system isn’t flawless.

That’s where our DUI defense team at Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law comes in. We’ve handled elevated BAC cases, and we know exactly how to attack the evidence the prosecution will use against you. From the administration of field sobriety tests (which we’re trained in, just like the police), to investigating every detail of how your arrest was handled, we dig in and fight aggressively for the best outcome.

What Happens If You Are Convicted?

Okay, worst-case scenario: what if you’re convicted of a .15 DUI in Florida? Don’t panic just yet. Even if a conviction can’t be avoided, our job is to minimize the damage. Here’s how we do it:

• Mitigation at Sentencing: We don’t just leave it up to the court to decide your fate. We come prepared with mitigating evidence that can reduce your sentence. Maybe you’ve completed alcohol counseling, maybe there were problems with how the evidence was collected, or maybe your past record shows this is out of character for you. We’ll bring all of that into play to fight for reduced penalties.
• Challenging Excessive Bond Recommendations: Sometimes, the court tries to impose excessive bonds or sentences. We don’t let that happen. We challenge it.
• Negotiating for Alternative Sentencing: Depending on the county, diversion programs or other sentencing alternatives might be available. We’ll push hard for those options to keep you out of jail and help you move forward with your life.
• Exposing Field Sobriety Test Errors: These tests are far from foolproof. We know exactly how they should be administered, and we’ll uncover any mistakes made during your arrest that could invalidate the results.
• Filing Motions: Where appropriate we challenge unlawful traffic stops, illegal detentions, arrests without probable cause, faulty chemical testing or not following proper procedures, forensic analysis, etc. in order to get evidence or sometimes cases thrown out. 

The Bottom Line: You Need Aggressive Defense

Let’s be real: a DUI with a BAC over .15 is a serious charge with lasting consequences. But the good news? You don’t have to face it alone. At Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, our experienced team knows how to challenge the evidence, minimize the penalties, and in some cases, get the charges reduced or dismissed. Every case is different, and every defense strategy is custom-built to fit your situation.

Time is not on your side, though. If you’ve been charged, don’t wait to get the help you need. We offer a free consultation where we can discuss your case and explain the best options available to you.