The state of Florida is vigilant about prosecuting individuals who are
caught driving under the influence. Any driver who is found to have a
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will be charged with
a DUI offense and subject to severe penalties under the law. If you or
someone you know has been charged with a DUI in or around Fort Lauderdale,
the time to act is now. The DUI penalties in Florida are some of the toughest
in the country, and you will end up suffering the consequences of these
penalties for the rest of your life.
Arrested for drunk driving? Your future is at stake.
Individuals who are charged with a DUI offense in Florida will face two
separate hearings and the possibility of two different sentences. It is
vitally important to have the help and guidance of a knowledgeable attorney
during this challenging time. At Parks & Braxton, PA we are fully
acquainted with the civil and criminal processes involved with DUI offenses
and we know how to defend your rights every step of the way. Our legal
team has successfully handled thousands of cases since our firm's
inception and we are ready to take your phone call at any time of the
day, during the night, on holidays, and on weekends.
Drunk Driving Charges in Florida
DUI & Drugs
Impairment doesn't just come by way of alcohol, you may have been charged
with a DUI that also involved drug-related impairment. Whether legal or
illegal drugs were involved in the case you may be facing serious penalties.
DUI Manslaughter
If your accident caused the death of another individual, you will likely
be facing a felony offense even though the crime was not intentional.
Felony DUI
A DUI charge can either be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. You
only run the risk of being convicted of a felony DUI if the prosecution
proved you were driving while intoxicated and possess at least two prior
DUI convictions (not charges), where one was within the last ten years.
First Time DUI
It is intimidating to be arrested on charges of DUI for the first time.
You must keep in mind, however, that you have a greater chance of having
your charges lessened or dropped because it is only your first offense.
Leaving the Scene
Also called a hit-and-run, this type of accident can leave you facing
extremely serious charges and the possibility of jail time.
Multiple DUI
If you have been charged with a DUI in the past your penalties will be
harsher in the event that you are convicted. The time frame is also important
when it comes to the severity of the punishments you are facing. For example,
multiple DUI offenses that take place within 5 years of each other will
have you facing a mandatory sentence should you be convicted.
Out of State DUI
Because Florida is such a common vacation destination, many people who
are not residents of Florida get charged by the state with a DUI. Even
if you are not a Florida resident, a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can
help defend you.
How Will a DUI Affect Your Job?
Getting a DUI can damage your career. If your driver’s license is
suspended, for example, you’ll have to take a taxi to work or find
a ride. Relying on city transit, such as a bus, is risky because they’re
often late. If your job requires driving, it will be impossible for you
to perform job duties and you could lose your employment. Other considerations:
- Some companies have mandatory firing policies
- If you qualify for a diversion program, your employer could be notified
of your DUI
- If you have a professional license, you could lose it after a DUI
- Some job applications ask if you’ve gotten a DUI
- DUI penalties may be stricter if you have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
Even a first-time DUI can have serious consequences for your career, not
to mention possible jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties.
If you were arrested, do not hesitate to call a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense
lawyer from Parks & Braxton, PA today.
Avoid DUI Penalties
After you have been accused of a DUI, you only have 10 days to request
an Administrative Hearing with the DHSMV to fight an automatic driver's
license suspension. If you fail to request this hearing, you will automatically
lose your license for at least six months and possibly more, depending
on the nature of your charges. We fight aggressively for license restoration
so that you can avoid the hassle of being without a ride. In addition
to the DHSMV hearing, you will also be required to attend a courtroom
hearing where a judge will determine the additional penalties that you
will face.
Charges for first-time DUI can result in fines of $500.00 up to $1,000.00,
but the most serious DUI charges, such as DUI manslaughter or leaving
the scene, could result in lengthy jail or prison sentences. Without the
help of a lawyer who is experienced in DUI law and defense strategies,
you have very little chance of avoiding these consequences. Thankfully,
our team has the legal knowledge that you need. Our partners have lectured
at several DUI seminars and taught hundreds of attorneys throughout Florida
on the art of winning a DUI case. We are fully committed to every case
we take on, so call us today about your charges.
We have an in-depth understanding of DUI, including DUI evidence and testing
methods. Below, you will find
important DUI information that our team is familiar with and can help you understand after an arrest:
-
Breathalyzer Test
When drivers are pulled over by law enforcement under the suspicion of
drunk driving, they will likely undergo a breath test under the supervision
of the law enforcement officer. Those who display a blood alcohol concentration
of 0.08 percent or higher will be arrested and charged with DUI, but these
breath tests can be inaccurate.
-
Driver's License Restoration
Anyone who is arrested and charged with a DUI will have their driver's
license suspended automatically, and the same is true of those who refuse
a breath or blood test. A DHSMV hearing is your primary opportunity to
fight for your license to be restored or to obtain a hardship license.
-
DUI Penalties
In the state of Florida, the penalties for driving under the influence
of drugs or alcohol can include fines, community service, jail time and
probation. More severe DUI charges, such as felony DUI, can result in
extended prison time and other serious penalties.
-
Field Sobriety Tests
These are standardized tests that the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has put into place to help law enforcement officials to
be able to prove probable cause for a DUI arrest. There are three tests
that are recognized nationally and those include the walk and turn test,
the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test and the one-leg stand test.
For additional information, and to see how the legal team at Parks &
Braxton, PA can help your, case contact our firm today to schedule a
free, no obligation evaluation of your case.