Florida DUI Lawyer: Your Defense Against DUI Charges
Facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Florida can be overwhelming. The legal process is complex, and the consequences can be severe, ranging from heavy fines and license suspension to potential jail time.
However, with the support of an experienced Florida DUI lawyer from Florida Ticket Firm, you can defend your rights and work toward minimizing the impact of a DUI charge.
At Florida Ticket Firm, we provide dedicated legal representation to individuals facing DUI charges throughout the Sunshine State. Whether you’ve been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we have experienced DUI lawyers who can help you navigate the legal system and explore every possible defense option to protect your future.
Understanding Criminal Law and DUI Charges in Florida
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida is a serious offense. According to Florida Statute 316.193, a DUI occurs when a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, even if your BAC is below this threshold, you can still be charged with a DUI if the prosecution can prove that your driving abilities were impaired.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you’ll need a skilled DUI lawyer from Florida Ticket Firm who can assess the details of your case, challenge the evidence, and build a solid defense strategy. The well-respected legal team at Florida Ticket Firm knows the ins and outs of defending drivers charged with driving under the influence of alcohol anywhere in Florida.
Remember that while you are innocent until proven otherwise, it is much easier for the Florida State prosecution attorney to prove your guilt if you do not immediately retain a criminal defense attorney well-versed in the steps necessary to pursue your acquittal and dismissal of the DUI charge.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Florida DUI Law and Penalties
The penalties for a DUI conviction under Florida Statute 316.193 can be severe and vary depending on the specifics of your case, such as prior offenses and the level of intoxication. Potential consequences include:
First DUI Offense
- Fine: $500 to $1,000
- License suspension: 180 days to 1 year
- Jail time: Up to 6 months
- Probation: Up to 1 year
- Ignition interlock device: Required if BAC is 0.15% or higher
Second DUI Offense:
- Fine: $1,000 to $2,000
- License suspension: 5 years if within 5 years of the first offense
- Jail time: Up to 9 months
- Ignition interlock device: Mandatory for at least 1 year
Third DUI Offense:
- Fine: $2,000 to $5,000
- License suspension: 10 years if within 10 years of prior offenses
- Jail time: Up to 12 months
- Possible felony charges depending on the circumstances
These penalties can be life-changing, affecting your career, family life, and overall reputation. Each case is unique, and our DUI defense attorneys will work to try to minimize the potential penalties.
DUI Convictions Stay on Your Record in Florida for 75 Years
Increased insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record can have lasting effects on your life.
DUIs also impact your life in the following ways:
- Car Insurance: Tickets and accidents can drive up your premium; a DUI is no different. Your car insurance rates can significantly increase if you have a DUI.
- Legal Consequences: From your first DUI to your third offense, you can expect fines from $1,000-$5,000, 6-12 months in jail, and a driver’s license suspension for up to 10 years. There are some exceptions to driver’s license suspension rules due to hardship.
- Employment Opportunities: Potential employers want to know that you have excellent judgment. A DUI record on a background check shows that you’ve made safety mistakes and used impaired judgment in the past.
DUI Involving Accidents
If your DUI case involves an accident, the stakes for criminal defense are even higher. You may face additional charges in criminal cases, including reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, if someone sustained a serious bodily injury or was killed by a motor vehicle. In these cases, it’s even more critical to consult an experienced DUI lawyer who understands the intricacies of DUI laws and criminal matters involving accidents.
At Florida Ticket Firm, we have extensive experience handling DUI accident cases, ensuring that our clients receive a strong defense and fair treatment in the legal process.
DUI and Drug Charges
Driving under the influence doesn’t just refer to alcohol; it can also involve controlled substances, including prescription drugs and illegal drugs. If you are charged with a DUI related to drugs, you need an experienced drug charges lawyer who can address both the legal matters of the DUI and any related drug charges.
The penalties for a drug-related DUI can be just as severe as those involving alcohol, and they often come with additional criminal charges not related to drug possession or distribution.
Why You Need a Florida DUI Lawyer From Florida Ticket Firm
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a drunk driving arrest is assuming that you can handle the charges on your own. DUI cases are complex, and the legal system is stacked against you. Without the proper legal representation, the prosecution can quickly build a strong case and secure a conviction.
A Florida DUI law firm like Florida Ticket Firm has the experience and knowledge to:
- Challenge the Evidence: We will scrutinize the evidence against you, such as breath test results, field sobriety tests, and police reports, to identify any inaccuracies or procedural errors made by law enforcement officers.
- Negotiate Reduced Charges: In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving.
- Fight for Dismissal: Our attorneys will work tirelessly to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, which could lead to a dismissal of charges or an acquittal.
- Represent You in Court: Should your case go to trial, our experienced DUI lawyers will advocate on your behalf, presenting a strong defense to protect your rights in Florida courts.
We will take immediate action on your legal issues and build your defense to increase the likelihood that the charges from your DUI arrest will be dropped or dismissed.
Get Top-Notch Defense Against DUI Charges from Florida Ticket Firm Attorneys
We understand the life-changing consequences of your charges and know where to find the weaknesses in the state’s case.
Florida Ticket Firm’s team of criminal defense lawyers uses a variety of defense strategies to challenge the charges against you. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may argue:
- Improper Traffic Stop: If the police did not have a valid reason to pull you over, we may be able to get your case dismissed.
- Inaccurate Blood Alcohol Level Testing: Breathalyzer machines are not always reliable, and errors in calibration or operation can lead to false readings.
- Field Sobriety Test Issues: Field sobriety tests are highly subjective and can be influenced by factors like anxiety, fatigue, or physical disabilities.
- Violation of Your Rights: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the arrest or interrogation, we can seek to have the evidence suppressed.
What to Do If You Get a DUI Ticket
Most people charged with DUI are good people who made a mistake. However, that mistake can destroy your life and everything you have worked so hard to build, including your family, career, and reputation. Here are some crucial things to remember during a DUI arrest:
- What you say can and will be used against you. Avoid saying anything to a law enforcement officer that could be used against you in court. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise it.
- Breathalyzer tests may not be accurate, especially if the arresting officer does not know how to accurately operate the device.
- You also have to deal with the state hearings to determine whether your driver’s license will be suspended (in addition to criminal DUI charges).
If you receive a DUI ticket, time is of the essence. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney at Florida Ticket Firm immediately for a consultation. The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your defense will be.
Also, you only have 10 days from your arrest to request a license suspension hearing to challenge your license suspension. Our DUI attorneys can assist with this process.
Call Florida Ticket Firm to Get a FREE Consultation From a DUI Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, don’t wait—get in touch with the skilled Florida DUI lawyers at Florida Ticket Firm today. We provide legal services across the entire state of Florida, helping clients with DUI defense, protecting their rights, and minimizing the potential impact of a conviction.
Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI, a drug-related DUI, or a DUI accident charge, we’re here to help.