Florida DUI Penalties Can Be Stiff; Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney is Key
The case of a Fort Lauderdale man accused of hitting a motorcyclist on I-95 shows the importance of an experienced Broward County DUI attorney.
The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that a 30-year-old man was driving north on the interstate when he hit a man riding a motorcycle. Authorities report he then was chased about five miles by witnesses until Hollywood police arrived and arrested him. He is charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury and property damage and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.
DUI defense in Palm Beach County can be especially critical because of the laws in the State of Florida. DUI penalties are steep. For instance, a person convicted of driving under the influence in a crash that involves serious bodily injury can be sent to prison for up to five years.
In the case in Hollywood, the motorcyclist, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, was sent to Memorial Regional Hospital in critical condition. He was ejected from his motorcycle after driving on the highway. That is serious bodily injury and could subject the driver to hard time.
While DUI causing property damage and leaving the scene of an accident are both misdemeanor crimes, they can be punished by jail time, fines, fees, DUI school, community service, an ignition interlock device, a vehicle impound and other sanctions. The list goes on. More serious penalties can be applied if a victim is seriously injured or killed.
Lawmakers frequently target DUI offenders with increased penalties. And not only will you have to deal with the court hearings and the possible penalties, but also the public humiliation over the charge.
But there is hope. Consult with an experienced West Palm Beach DUI attorney and we will fight your case. Don’t be fooled: experience does matter. Statistics from the Florida Highway Patrol show only about half of those charged with drunk driving in Florida are convicted in any given year.
If you need to speak with a DUI defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, contact Leifert & Leifert at 954-523-9600 or 561-988-8000 for a free consultation.
