DUI Attorney

Drunk Driving Charges in Florida

Driving under the influence (DUI, Drunk Driving, also sometimes called DWI or OUI) is one of the most commonly committed crimes in the United States. A DUI arrest usually occurs when a person least expects it and is unsure of how to deal with it. Unfortunately, because this crime is so common, many people make the mistake of taking their DUI arrests lightly instead of seeking appropriate legal representation. Fortunately, our lawyers have extensive experience helping those arrested for DUI get through this extremely troublesome period. If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence, your first step should be to discuss your charges with a DUI lawyer.

We’re On Your Side

At Greater Tampa Law, P.L., we understand that sometimes good people make mistakes. However, if you’re convicted of Driving Under The Influence, you could end up facing tough penalties such as jail time, loss of driving privileges, fines, or community service. Additionally, your insurance rates can be increased, and you may even be shut out from some job opportunities due to your conviction. If you have recently been charged with DUI in Tampa Bay or a surrounding area in Hillsborough or Pinellas County, you will need to immediately take advantage of the skills and resources of an experienced DUI defense attorney. When working with a lawyer at our firm, we will inform you of your rights, the Florida DUI statutes regarding the offense and the penalties of a drunk driving charge.

With the stakes being so high, it’s a wise idea to enlist the help of an attorney who handles DUI cases. Our DUI lawyers will meticulously investigate your case and consider all possible defenses and arguments that can be made to defend you at this challenging time effectively. However, you must act fast because unless we file an objection with the Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf within ten (10) days of your arrest, your license could be suspended for a period of 6 months-one (1) year for a first offense.

A lawyer from our team can help you:

1. Understand your DUI charges
2. Become aware of your rights under the law
3. Identify illegal police actions associated with your DUI arrest (such as failure to read Miranda Rights)
4. Determine which DUI defenses apply to your case

Implied Consent Law

In the State of Florida when you sign your driver’s license, you agree to take these tests upon request. Refusal to take any of these tests when pulled over due to a DUI will result in an immediate suspension for one year. A second refusal will result in an 18-month suspension. Whether this is your only DUI charge or your third, the DUI Lawyers at our law firm can provide the support, advice, and representation you need to fight your DUI charge. You have only ten (10) days to get a hardship license after a DUI arrest. If you don’t take the necessary steps, you will not be able to drive and could be arrested again if you get behind the wheel.

Getting Your Charges Reduced or Dropped!

It is essential to understand that when a DUI arrest occurs, two separate legal proceedings take place. First is the criminal case that is prosecuted by the State Attorneys Office. The second legal proceeding is the “Administrative Review Hearing” in which the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles attempt to suspend your license while the case is pending administratively.

Under Florida law, DUI can be proven in one of two ways: (1) proof that an individual’s rational faculties are impaired; and/or (2) proof that an individual’s blood alcohol or breath alcohol level was .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.

If you plead guilty or no contest to your first DUI charge, the minimum penalties can include an additional 6-month driver’s license suspension, a DUI criminal conviction, and various court costs and fines. We have listed some of the possible criminal and administrative penalties and suspensions that you may be subject to should you be arrested for DUI.