Criminal Defense

DUI DEFENSE

The state of Florida has a low tolerance for offenders who drive or operate a vehicle while intoxicated. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, it is critical that you hire a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys will ensure that you understand the process from start to finish.

In Florida, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if they:

• Have a blood-alcohol level of .08 or more grams of alcohol OR
• Have a breath-alcohol level of at least .08 grams OR
• Have consumed alcoholic beverages, controlled, or chemical substances to the extent that the defendant’s faculties are impaired.

Anyone who is discovered to be in absolute control of a motor vehicle while in this state will be charged with driving under the influence.

DUI carries penalties of monetary fines between $500 and $4,000. You may lose your license for a period of time, be required to complete probation and community service hours, and you may even face jail time. The severity of the penalty depends on the injuries involved and whether or not the defendant has a prior criminal history. Having prior DUI charges also increases the severity of the penalty. In Florida, the penalties are greater if your blood alcohol is more than 0.15. If a crash occurs or if there is a minor in the vehicle, the consequences are greater. If the second charge occurs within five years of the previous offense, you are required to serve at minimum 10 days in jail, with a maximum sentence of 9 months. Also, you may be required to attend Florida DUI school, may have your vehicle impounded, may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed at your expense, and face having your driver’s license revoked for up to 5 years. After the second offense, the penalties increase even more. Our attorneys will work hard to challenge any evidence brought against you.