Plant City DUI Lawyer

An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can happen when you least expect it. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need to be “drunk.” Florida law allows for the arrest of any driver who is found to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance, including illicit drugs and prescription medications – including prescription drugs that are taken exactly as prescribed by your physician!

Many of those who are arrested for DUI have never been on the wrong side of the law before – a fact that makes this type of case even more nerve-wracking. You could suffer serious penalties, such as a driver’s license suspension, fines, jail time and significant insurance premium hikes. A driving under the influence case can ultimately lead to the loss of your job, harm to your reputation, financial challenges and other negative effects on your family.

But a qualified Plant City DUI lawyer can maximize your chances of seeing a favorable case outcome. Serving Plant City, is a former Plant City DUI Prosecutor now criminal defense lawyer who worked for the Florida State Attorney’s Office in the roles of narcotics and DUI prosecutor. He has also served as an instructor for lawyers across Hillsborough County and the state of Florida. These experiences have provided him with tremendously useful insights that benefit clients like you.

Your Attorney has been practicing law for over 20 years. But prior to becoming a lawyer, he had a very different career as a professional motorsports manager. Throughout his career, championships were won. The team competed at the highest levels of American automobile racing.

His experiences as a professional competitor provided this defense lawyer with a unique appreciation for the importance of a solid game plan, combined with a passion for the win! Today, he will serve as the crew chief on your legal team, working hard to defend you from DUI charges in Florida.

Your lawyer is available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So if you are facing charges of driving under the influence, contact a Plant City DUI lawyer and Schedule your confidential, no-cost case consultation by calling 813-933-6807.

Plant City DUI Defense Attorney
Plant City DUI Defense Attorney

Driving Under the Influence: Common Questions and Concerns FAQ

It’s natural to have many questions following a DUI arrest, especially if you’ve never been involved with the legal system.

Aa a well-respected Plant City lawyer, your firm fields lots of questions and concerns concerning DUI arrests and other criminal cases. Our legal team has compiled information to address a few of the most common queries, as this can help to relieve much of the stress and uncertainty.

What is the Legal Limit for Drinking and Driving in Florida?

[Image: Plant City DUI Lawyer] For many – but not all – Florida drivers, the legal limit for drinking and driving is set at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%.

That said, there are some drivers who may be subject to arrest despite having a lower BAC reading. Commercial drivers must adhere to a limit of .04%, while drivers under the age of 21 can be subject to arrest if found to have a BAC of .02% or greater.

Florida law also prohibits driving while impaired by another substance, whether it’s an illicit drug or a prescription medication. Even if you take a medication exactly as recommended by your physician, there is a possibility you may be subject to arrest for DUI if police have reason to believe that you are impaired.

In cases involving a suspected substance other than alcohol, the DUI suspect is typically asked to submit to a chemical test that can reveal the presence and even the amount of drug in your system. If your case involves a medication that was prescribed to you by your physician, you can still face penalties but the fact that you took the drug as prescribed will typically be considered a mitigating factor that works in your favor.

Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony?

In Florida, a DUI charge may be prosecuted as a felony or as a misdemeanor, depending upon a number of factors. There are also administrative penalties involving the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Some circumstances that may result in a felony charge include:

  • Three DUIs within a ten-year timeframe or
  • Four (or more) DUIs in a lifetime;
  • Serious bodily injury, disfigurement or disability that results from the DUI; or
  • The driving under the influence incident results in the death of another person.

Your Plant City DUI lawyer will work hard to minimize the charges you’re facing, even negotiating for a lesser charge such as wet reckless driving charge. It may also be possible to secure a dismissal of your case or a plea deal.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Florida? Is There Any Way to Save My License?

Your driving privileges are probably a major concern, but in many cases, an experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you save at least some of your driving privileges. You have a period of ten days to request an administrative hearing with the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles Bureau of Administrative reviews.

Many clients are eligible to receive a hardship license, providing limited driving privileges.

The other DUI penalties will vary, depending upon the severity of your charge, your BAC, whether you have prior DUI offenses and whether any injuries, death or serious damage resulted from your alleged actions.

A first-time DUI penalty may include a 180-day to one-year license suspension, a jail sentence of six to nine months and a fine between $500 and $2,000.

Meanwhile, a repeat offender is likely to see a far more serious penalty. A third-time offender may see up to a year in jail, a fine between $2,000 and $5,000, plus a license suspension of anywhere from two to ten years.

Other expenses and penalties can include:

  • Vehicle towing;
  • Vehicle impounding;
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) expenses;
  • Probation; and/or
  • Enrollment in a court-ordered program.

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 Plant City DUI Lawyer to Defend Your Case

[Image: Plant City DUI Lawyer] A DUI arrest can represent your first-ever encounter with the law, making your case even more stressful and nerve-wracking. But this is where you can benefit from working with an experienced Plant City drunk driving lawyer who has the experience and knowledge required to ensure that your case concludes favorably.

The firm ensures that your lawyer’s personal cell phone number is made available to clients and he is available to assist at any time of the day or night, as legal issues can arise at any hour. He also works with a number of treatment providers who can assist clients who are struggling with a substance abuse or dependency issue.

If you’re charged with a DUI, trust your case to a top Plant City DUI defense lawyer. Contact the law firm to arrange a fully confidential, no-cost case consultation by calling 813-933-6807.