An arrest for driving under the influence or DUI in Brandon, Florida can be life-altering and very stressful, especially when you consider that many of the individuals arrested for this offense are law abiding citizens who’ve never been involved with the criminal justice system.
It’s surprisingly easy to find yourself in a bad situation, facing the loss of your driver’s license, fines, high insurance costs and even jail time! You can also see a number of other consequences, such as damage to your reputation, the loss of your job and the inability to care for and provide for your family. Many are also shocked to discover that you don’t need to be under the influence of an illicit drug or alcohol! If a police officer believes you’re impaired from a prescription drug, even one that’s taken exactly as your physician directed, you could be subject to arrest!
If you or a loved one are facing a DUI arrest, you need to trust your case to an experienced defense lawyer who will fight aggressively to clear your name.
Based in Tampa and serving clients in Brandon, your criminal defense lawyer at DUI2Go is a former prosecutor who has been practicing for more than 23 years. Some of those years were spent in a prosecutor’s role, which included working for the Florida State Attorney’s Office as a narcotics prosecutor and DUI prosecutor. This experience as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer means he’s well-equipped to defend your case. He has even instructed lawyers across Hillsborough County, Florida, resulting in some unique insights.
Prior to starting his legal career, Your Attorney was a professional racing manager. This racer-turned-attorney has a full appreciation for the importance of a solid game plan, combined with a passion for winning. Now, he can be the MVP on your legal team, helping you defend yourself from Florida DUI charges.
A DUI arrest can unfold at any hour of the day or night, so we strive to ensure that we are always available to clients by phone or in person. If you or a loved one have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact a Brandon DUI lawyer to arrange a free, confidential case consultation. Call 813-933-6807.
Q & A Common Brandon DUI Concerns if You’ve Been Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Getting arrested for DUI is not only humiliating; you could also face the loss of your driver’s license, your freedom and thousands of dollars spent on fines, fees, and elevated insurance costs.
A top Brandon criminal defense attorney routinely fields questions from clients who’ve been arrested for DUI in the Tampa Bay area. So his legal team has compiled information to address some of the most common concerns amongst clients facing a DUI charge.
What’s Florida’s Legal Limit for Drinking and Driving?
Florida’s legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% for many drivers. But there are some drivers who are subject to a lower limit. This includes drivers who are under the legal drinking age of 21, as they must adhere to a limit of .02%, while commercial drivers must adhere to a limit of .04%.
Florida law also prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while under the influence of other substances, including prescription drugs (even those that are taken exactly as prescribed) and illicit drugs. For substances other than alcohol, authorities can administer a chemical test to determine if an individual is under the influence.
Unfortunately, even those who take medication as prescribed may be subject to arrest for DUI. The fact that your case involves a prescribed drug that was taken as directed can serve as a mitigating factor, but it is still possible to face penalties such as fines, loss of driving privileges and even jail time.
Is a DUI a Criminal Charge? Is it a Misdemeanor or Felony in Florida?
DUI is considered a criminal offense, although it can also carry administrative penalties with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
A Florida driving under the influence arrest most often leads to prosecution on a misdemeanor charge, although there are circumstances that may lead to a more serious felony charge. This includes cases involving:
5 Felony DWI Charges
Three or more DUIs within ten years;
Four or more DUIs in a lifetime;
A DUI resulting in serious bodily injury;
A DUI resulting in permanent disfigurement or disability;
A DUI resulting in another person’s death.
Additional criminal charges, such as drug possession or resisting arrest can also be filed. In some cases, your DUI defense attorney can negotiate for a plea deal or a downgrade to a less serious offense like wet reckless.
What Are the Penalties for a Florida DUI? Will I Definitely Lose My Driver’s License?
It’s natural to be concerned about the DUI penalties and while you may face the loss of your driving privileges, this is not necessarily the case. It may be possible to secure a hearing with the DMV, providing you act quickly. It is often possible to secure a hardship license, allowing limited driving privileges that can allow you to maintain your employment. This is an area where it’s very helpful to have a Brandon DUI attorney who can fight for your driving privileges.
Other penalties will vary depending upon the outcome of your case, the severity of the charge and your criminal history, amongst other factors.
For a first-time DUI in Florida, you could face jail, probation, a license suspension of 180 days (six months) to one year, a jail sentence of six to nine months and a fine of $500 to $2,000.
For perspective, a third-time offender could face penalties of up to one year in jail, a license suspension of two to ten years and fines of $2,000 to $5,000. It’s also not uncommon to see higher insurance premiums, fees for vehicle impoundment and/or towing, fees associated with the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) and fees for a court-ordered DUI-related program.
Hire a Brandon DUI Defense Lawyer to Handle Your Case
A DUI arrest can be more than just frightening and embarrassing; it can leave you with a permanent record, an inability to drive and other negative consequences that impact your finances, your career, your reputation and your family.
An attorney offers a strategic yet aggressive defense for Brandon DUI clients and in addition to assisting with your legal issues, he can also provide referrals to treatment providers for anyone who is struggling with substance abuse.
If you’re in search of a top Florida DUI defense lawyer, contact our law office to schedule a free, confidential case consultation. Call 813-933-6807.