As golf communities become more and more popular throughout Florida, the number of golf carts on the road continues to increase. Outside of Orlando in the Villages, a man was arrested and charged with a DUI after residents found him drunk and parked in their driveway. When the officers attempted to give him a field sobriety test, he announced that he could not do it.
This is not the first time that this golf community has had people driving a golf cart under the influence. Thus, it is important that a person charged with a DUI while driving a golf cart is provided the same constitutional rights that a person driving a normal car would be provided.
Driving a Golf Cart Under the Influence
Under Florida law, a DUI is a criminal offense that a person can be charged with if the person is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving or in physical control of a vehicle. Since the statute does not say car or truck, the broad use of vehicles, it has been found that it could mean a golf cart. A person will be charged with a DUI if he or she has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater. Due to the harsh penalties that exist in the State of Florida for DUIs, it is important to present a solid defense to the court.
DUI Penalties
A person who is convicted of a DUI in the State of Florida for the first time will have to pay a fine of between $500 and $1,000. The fine will increase to $1,000 to $2,000 for a second conviction. In addition, a person could be sent to prison for no more than six months for the first conviction and no more than nine months for the second conviction.
When a person is convicted for the second time, they are not only subjected to more jail time and a greater fine, but also are required to have an ignition interlock device installed within their car for at least one year. The person will have to pay the fees associated with having the device installed as well as the maintenance. If the person owns more than one vehicle, then the person will have to have the device installed on each vehicle. Since a golf cart is viewed as a vehicle, the interlock device would also need to be installed on the person’s cart as well.
Once a person is convicted of a DUI for the third time, this becomes a felony charge. The punishments become more and more severe as the number of DUI’s increase.
Contact an Orlando DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with a DUI while driving a golf cart, you are entitled to constitutional protections. Our attorneys at Moses & Rooth are available to discuss the facts of your case and determine an aggressive defense strategy to ensure that your rights are protected. Please do not hesitate to contact our firm at any time at 407-377-0150 for your free consultation.
Jay R. Rooth
Jay is an experienced and dedicated attorney. Whether you need help with a DUI or a more serious felony, Jay is ready to fight for you. Not only is Jay highly regarded by his peers, he’s also strongly recommended by his clients. Jay obtained his Law degree from Barry University Law School. Jay is a active member of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, the Federalist Society, Florida Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
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