Yes, but they won’t help you directly. If the drunk driver who caused your accident faced criminal charges, they can face multiple penalties. For instance, if convicted, they may face: For a first conviction: Imprisonment for six months or less Fines between $500 and $1,000 For a BAC of 0.15 or more, or if there was a minor in the car, fines between $1,000 and $2,000 and imprisonment for not more than nine months. For a second conviction: Imprisonment for nine months or less Fines between $1,000 and $2,000 If BAC was more than 0.15, or if there was a minor in the car, imprisonment for not more than 12 months, and fines between $2,000 and $4,000 If the second conviction was within five years of the last, imprisonment of at least ten days with a minimum of 48 hours of consecutive confinement For a third conviction: If the third conviction is within ten years of the last, imprisonment of at least 30 days with a minimum of 48 hours of consecutive confinement If the third conviction is more than ten years after prior conviction, imprisonment for 12 months or less Fines between $2,000 and $5,000 For a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the car, a minimum of $4,000 fine. For fourth or subsequent conviction: A minimum of a $2,000 fine For a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the car, a minimum fine of $4,000 Suppose the drunk driver is a habitual or violent offender. In that case, they will face imprisonment of five years or less, or as provided in Florida Statutes. Drunk drivers can also have their driver's license revoked, depending on the seriousness of their infraction. However, criminal penalties aren’t a substitute for the compensation you deserve for your damages. Therefore, no matter the conviction or criminal penalties the drunk driver who hit you faces, it won’t make up for your damages. To receive compensation for your damages, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills, you will need to file a claim. Your Lake City drunk driving accident attorney can file and pursue the claim for you. They will work to settle your claim for its full and fair value. However, if they can't, they are experienced litigators willing to take your claim to trial if necessary.