Every DUI case requires multiple levels of defense that only a Deerfield Beach DUI Lawyer can offer you. Not only must you fight back against the potential implications of a DUI conviction, but you must also contend with the possible loss of your driving privileges. To effectively combat these allegations against you, working with an experienced Lawyer can be crucial.
DUI cases tend to move quickly through both the criminal Court system and the administrative license revocation process. As a result, you should not hesitate to contact one of our skilled Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert at your earliest convenience. To get started, schedule a consultation today.
Traffic Stops for DUI in Deerfield Beach
DUI arrests typically occur when police officers stop drivers on suspicion of impairment or after they have committed traffic violations. During the stop, officers will observe the drivers for signs of impairment, such as an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or bloodshot eyes. If officers see signs of impairment, they are likely to conduct testing to determine the level of impairment, which may include field sobriety tests and breath, blood, or urine tests to test Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Police officers typically administer a battery of tests that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has standardized for use in DUI cases. These tests include the walk and turn test, one-leg stand test, and horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which all measure balance and coordination. If these test results indicate impairment, officers would then administer breath, blood, or urine tests to measure BAC.
What are the DUI Laws and Penalties in Florida?
Fla. Stat. § 316.193 establishes the offense of DUI, which occurs when individuals drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A BAC of .08 percent or higher is presumptive evidence that the impairment necessary for a DUI conviction exists. Due to the potential severity of the penalties for a DUI conviction, anyone facing these charges should consider the merits of consulting a DUI Lawyer in Deerfield Beach.
Penalties for a DUI conviction vary primarily according to the prior conviction that individuals have. Predictably, the penalties for each subsequent DUI conviction increase in severity. For example, for a first DUI conviction, individuals may face up to six months in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000.
A second DUI conviction can result in more severe penalties, including a jail sentence of up to nine months in a $1,000 to $2,000 fine. If you can obtain a restricted license, you may be subject to the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). A third DUI conviction within ten years is a Felony offense, which can result in a lengthy prison sentence, a $5,000 fine, and required IID installation for two years.
What are the Enhancements to DUI Charges?
In some DUI cases, factors exist that increase the potential charges or penalties. For instance, if drivers have a BAC that measures .15% or more, or if they have minors in their vehicles at the time of the DUI, their potential fines can increase to as much as $2,000, and the jail sentence to nine months. A second DUI conviction under these circumstances can increase the fines to a maximum of $4,000 and the jail sentence to 12 months.
Furthermore, if a second DUI conviction occurs within five years of the first conviction, the sentence must include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of ten days. At least two of those ten days must be served consecutively. The assistance of a Deerfield Beach DUI Lawyer may be useful, particularly when drivers are facing potentially enhanced penalties for a DUI conviction.
Other Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Unless the family of individuals has no other means of transportation, individuals who are convicted of DUI are subject to a ten-day vehicle immobilization or impoundment that cannot run concurrently with any term of incarceration. Individuals also typically will have a period of license suspension or revocation, ranging from 180 days to one year.
Additionally, under state law, if drivers refuse to submit to a breath test, they usually are subject to an automatic 12-month driver’s license suspension. This suspension is likely to occur regardless of the outcome of the DUI arrest or charge, due to the state implied consent law.
Call a Deerfield Beach DUI Attorney for Advice
Various remedies and defenses may be available in DUI cases, including attendance at DUI school, completion of alcohol or drug treatment programs, and hardship licenses. Your Deerfield Beach DUI Lawyer can explore the options that are available to you and choose the path that is best for you.
Aggressive legal representation on your behalf can have a significant impact on the penalties that you receive in your case. To learn more about the benefits of working with an Attorney, schedule a consultation today.
