A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.15% is treated as an enhanced DUI offense under Florida law. Even if it’s your first arrest, having a BAC nearly twice the legal limit exposes you to harsher penalties — including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.
At Roussos Law Group, we defend clients accused of high BAC DUIs throughout Florida. Our team uses prosecutorial insight to identify procedural errors, challenge unreliable testing, and protect your rights from start to finish.
Under Florida Statute §316.193(4), if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle at the time of arrest, your DUI is subject to enhanced penalties.
The prosecution must prove both that you were in control of a vehicle and that your BAC exceeded the statutory limit, based on breath, blood, or urine testing. However, testing errors, equipment calibration issues, or procedural violations can significantly affect the reliability of these results.
Enhanced penalties for BAC ≥ 0.15% may include:
Because a BAC over 0.15% triggers automatic statutory enhancements, immediate legal representation is critical to preserve your driving privileges and mitigate penalties.
Beyond fines and jail time, a high BAC DUI conviction can impact nearly every part of your life — personal, professional, and financial.
Possible consequences include:
For repeat offenses or accidents involving property damage or injury, penalties increase dramatically. Some cases may even be elevated to felony charges.
This summary is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect recent statutory updates. Always consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
At Roussos Law Group, we examine the science and procedure behind your DUI arrest. Breathalyzer and blood test results are not infallible — they rely on strict maintenance schedules, proper operator certification, and lawful administration.
We review:
Our goal is to ensure every aspect of your case is reviewed thoroughly, giving you the strongest possible defense under Florida law.
If your BAC test showed 0.15% or higher, take immediate action:
Quick, informed action can preserve options that disappear after the first 10 days.
No, not by itself. However, it enhances penalties for a misdemeanor DUI. It can become a felony if there are prior offenses or injuries involved.
A license suspension is likely, but you may qualify for a hardship license if you act within 10 days to request a hearing.
Yes. Breath tests can be affected by calibration errors, residual alcohol, medical conditions, or improper administration.
Yes, for at least six months for a first offense and longer for repeat offenders.
Refusal may lead to separate penalties under §316.1932 and automatic license suspension, even without a DUI conviction.
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No, not by itself. However, it enhances penalties for a misdemeanor DUI. It can become a felony if there are prior offenses or injuries involved.
A license suspension is likely, but you may qualify for a hardship license if you act within 10 days to request a hearing.
Yes. Breath tests can be affected by calibration errors, residual alcohol, medical conditions, or improper administration.
Yes, for at least six months for a first offense and longer for repeat offenders.
Refusal may lead to separate penalties under §316.1932 and automatic license suspension, even without a DUI conviction.
