Law Firm Bringing Positive Results to Those Arrested for DUI
This award winning lawyer has been offered legal counsel in thousands of cases during his career.
DUI Fast Facts
- A uniquely strategic and collaborative (yet aggressive) approach to DUI Defense.
- This practice has earned a reputation as one of the best, most honest law firms in the Tampa area.
- Our top lawyers continually receive positive reviews for their work defending clients from DUI charges.
You’re driving home when you’re pulled over by police. Suddenly, you’ve been asked to step out of the car to perform field sobriety tests. In a matter of minutes, you find yourself under arrest and handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser, facing charges of driving under the influence or DUI.
This is the reality for thousands of Floridians who are charged with DUI each year. For many, this arrest represents their first involvement with the criminal justice system – a fact that can make the experience even more stressful and frightening. You may be worried about your reputation, your ability to drive and the impact on your career and finances.
But this is where your lawyer can assist, providing a vigorous defense and working hard to bring about a favorable conclusion to your case. A former prosecutor, he has been practicing law for decades – experience which has provided him with tremendous insight into what it takes to successfully defend a client from DUI charges.
Case Note: Recent Case Involving DUI DUI Involving Alcohol & Marijuana
Case Dismissed: Client was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. The breath results of the case were 0.02 and the urine results showed marijuana in the urine. Arguing to the state that a urine test is the worst measure of whether someone is under the influence of marijuana at the time that they were driving, the state agreed to drop the charges of DUI completely.
Since a DUI arrest can occur at any time of the day or night, your lawyer works to ensure that he is always available by phone. So if you’ve been arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of another substance, contact a top Tampa DUI lawyer to represent your case.
Contact us to arrange a free, confidential case consultation by calling 813-933-6807.
Common Questions and Concerns if You’re Under Arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs FAQ
A DUI arrest is not only embarrassing; you face the possible loss of your driver’s license, which can cause you to lose your job, miss classes at the University and face challenges providing for your family.
As a well-respected Tampa criminal defense attorney, your attorney receives many questions from clients, so his legal team has assembled an overview of the most common concerns following a DUI arrest in Florida.
What’s the Legal Limit for Drinking and Driving in Florida?
The legal limit varies according to age and other factors, such as whether you’re a commercial driver. Florida law imposes the following blood alcohol content or BAC limits for drivers:
- Driver age 21+ – .08%
- Driver under age 21 – .02%
- Commercial driver – .04%
For other substances, authorities will administer a chemical test that will reveal the presence of illicit drugs and prescription medications (some of which can cause impairments that may serve as sufficient grounds for DUI arrest.)
I Wasn’t Drinking. How Was I Arrested for DUI?
While it’s often termed “drunk driving,” DUI actually refers to driving under the influence of another substance that causes impairments, such as a prescription medication or illicit drug. So you can be arrested if you are under the influence of any substance that causes impairment.
Please note that it is possible to be arrested for DUI after taking a medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. While this fact can be viewed as a mitigating factor, you may still face penalties such as fines and loss of license. Unfortunately, seniors and those who suffer from a chronic medical condition tend to be most prone to a DUI arrest involving a prescription medication.
Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony in Florida?
Most DUI cases are misdemeanors, but there are certain circumstances that can result in a felony DUI charge in Florida. This includes:
- a third DUI within ten years;
- a DUI that causes serious bodily injury, disfigurement or death; or
- cases that represent a person’s fourth DUI or beyond.
In some cases, your attorney may be successful in negotiating for a downgrade to a less serious charge such as wet reckless driving charge.
What Are the Penalties for a Florida DUI? Will I Lose My License?
The penalties for a DUI in Florida do vary according to factors such as your BAC and the other facts in your case, combined with your criminal history (or lack thereof.) A first-time offender is far less likely to see significant penalties such as jail time.
For a first-time DUI offender, the penalties can include a license suspension of 180 days (six months) to one year, six to nine months in jail, a fine of $500 to $2,000, and even the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
For comparison, a third-time offender may face up to one year in jail, a fine of $2,000 to $5,000 and a license suspension of two to ten years.
You may also experience higher insurance costs, fees for towing and vehicle impoundment, along with fees for court-ordered programs such as DUI school.
It is sometimes possible to save a client’s driver’s license. Florida does offer a hardship license (although some individuals may need to wait for a certain period of time until they’re eligible to apply for these restricted driving privileges).
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer?
The most significant cost of a DUI charge is the meteoric rise in insurance rate, in the event you are convicted. The cost to defend a client charged with driving under the influence can vary depending upon the severity of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the case. For a first-time offender with a fairly straightforward case, case resolution can come fairly quickly and without complication. Conversely, a repeat offender who is facing serious charges in addition to DUI can face a more challenging legal battle, requiring more time and effort on the part of your lawyer.
Due to the vast degree of variation, it’s typically best to consult with your Attorney to get a more accurate idea of what to expect by way of legal fees.
In the city of Tampa, is a DUI a felony or misdemeanor?
A DUI could be a felony or a misdemeanor based on certain circumstances or criteria. The majority of DUIs are misdemeanors.
Are DUI checkpoints legal in Tampa?
Yes.
In Tampa, can you get a DUI without a driver’s license?
Of course.
What are consequences of a DUI conviction in Tampa?
There is a wide range of penalties including prison, jail, probation, driver’s license suspension, community service hours, ignition interlock devices, car immobilization, and steep fines and court costs.
Can you get a DUI even for drugs?
You can receive a DUI for alcohol, drugs, and chemical substances.
In Tampa, how does a field sobriety test work?
Technically it’s not a test, it is an exercise and cannot be called a test in court. It is comprised of physical activities done simultaneously with mental challenges. The tests are designed to divide your attention between the physical and mental task being conducted simultaneously. An example would be, holding your foot 6 inches off the ground while counting out loud from one to thirty and maintaining focus on your foot.
Do you have to take a field sobriety test when pulled over?
You do not have to take a field sobriety exercise.
Hire a Top Tampa DUI Defense Attorney to Represent You
[Image: Tampa DUI Lawyer] A DUI can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects that hold the power to impact nearly every area of your life, including your career, your reputation, your education, your family and your home life.
Your Attorney is committed to providing a strategic yet aggressive defense for his DUI clients. The goal is to minimize the adverse impact on your life, while bringing about the best possible case resolution. For those who are struggling with a substance abuse issue, your Attorney can refer you to a local care provider who can help you get back on track.
As a former prosecutor, your Attorney has been in practice as a defense attorney for decades. Your Attorney has also instructed students and other attorneys across Hillsborough County, and across the state of Florida, so he has unique insights into some of the system’s workings.
If you’re in search of a top Tampa DUI lawyer, contact us to arrange a free, confidential case consultation. Call 813-933-6807.