Two DWLS Charges in Florida

[Tampa333]

2 DWLS IN Florida ???

Back in Nov. of 2000 and Then Again in Apr. of 2001, I got two DWLS.. The First was for a random stop the second was for a car wreck... I seen in the local paper Flyer that there was an ad. that said Traffic Problems No Problem DUI DWLS ..or something of that nature..and when I called the guy he said for 200 plus 320 for the cost of the two offences he could take care of everything with no court..even came to my apartment dressed real nice and professional ...I was like Awesome!!! now a week later I go to the DMV. and as you have gathered by now I was bam boozeld... So I assumed my Lic. was Suspend for 5 yr ....

Now Fast forward to Last Tues. I was on the Internet and found that you can look up Arrest Inquires in my area so I got on the Internet only to discovered I had two warrants for DWLS . I was taken back by the Issue of the Warrants. But I know now that there where two bench warrants Issued....So I go and turn myself in (case bonded out) and sat and watched the drunks and all the other people who said they did not do it for 4 hours.

So now in Two weeks Apr.11 2007 I go to court..In Truth I have know idea what to expect...after all it has been almost 6 yr now ...I really do not want to tell The judge my sad tale of getting took or of my ignorance of the law because I am sure he/she has heard it. It was my responsibility in the first place to get it taken care of and I did not regardless of the circumstances ..

So what should I Expect as far as Fines. and Consequences for Two DWLS ? and any advice you can give would be great.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You can try to explain the situation to the judge - that you thought the mystery man took care of everything. If I were you I would retain a criminal defense lawyer. It appears that a DWLS conviction under Florida Statutes § 322.34 is punishable as a first offense by up to sixty days in jail and a fine of up to $500, and as a second offense by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

[Tampa333]

Judgement day

Today I went if front of the Judge...Got to the Tampa Court house at 1:30 ish wait till the doors open and took my seat on the bench with all the Traffic offenders...while i was sitting on the bench I smelled Alcohol and i looked to my right and the lady one person over had either been drinking that day or was a alcoholic cause she reeked of Alcohol...any why back to me..

My name was called I went up in front of the judge he read the charges against me DWLS in 2000 and DLWS 2001, The State of Florida gave me their offer which was pay court cost 185 mandatory fee and a 30 dollar DLQ fee so 215 dollars per charge for a grand total of 430.00 and I have 90 day to pay. But Since I turned my self in and Posted the 1000.00 bond the court cost will come out of that.... then I went to the DMV and paid 47.50 to get my license valid ....

so all in all it was not really that bad for me the judge could have gave me Florida Statutes § 322.34 .

[aaron]

People reeking of alcohol, stale cigarettes, and let's not forget those who haven't bathed in at least a week. Ah, the memories of a packed courtroom.

It sounds like a good resolution. Congratulations.