Considering the catastrophic consequences DUI accidents can cause, Florida enforces strict laws against driving under the influence. Those convicted face significant penalties, including jail, steep fines, and long-term consequences that extend beyond the Courtroom. A West Palm Beach DUI Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert can help you understand your rights, how to use them to challenge the charges, and fight to protect your freedom and future.
To discuss the specifics of your case or begin building your defense, schedule a consultation with a defense attorney today.
Florida DUI Laws Explained
Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, a person may be charged with DUI for operating or being in control of a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol level of 0.08 or greater, or while simply being impaired by alcohol or drugs. You do not need to be driving at the time—being in a parked car with access to the keys may qualify as actual physical control and lead to arrest.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
After arrest, booking, and release, your arraignment is usually scheduled within 30 days, where charges are formally presented and a plea is entered. Within 10 days, you must request a hardship license or an administrative hearing to challenge the license suspension. Your Attorney should then request any and all evidence that the Government has against you.
Pre-trial motions may follow, including efforts to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Negotiations will commence after all of the evidence is received and reviewed. If the case proceeds to trial, both sides present evidence, argue your case to the Jury, await a verdict, and sentencing follows if you are found Guilty. An Attorney from Leifert & Leifert can guide you through every stage and protect your interests throughout the DUI case process with eh goal being to get your case dismissed or reduced to eliminate the need for expense and risk of a Trial.
DUI Penalties and Sentencing
A first DUI offense carries jail time, fines, probation, and DUI school, Substance abuse treatment, community service, license suspensions and random testing for drugs and alcohol. Judges may impose an ignition interlock device. A second offense within five years increases penalties to up to nine months in jail, a five-year license suspension, and a mandatory interlock. A third DUI within ten years can result in Felony charges, including a minimum of 30 days in jail, ten-year suspension, and two years of interlock. A fourth DUI is a Felony punishable by up to five years in prison, permanent license revocation, and a mandatory interlock.
CDL and DUI Consequences
For commercial drivers, DUI charges carry even higher stakes. A single conviction—whether in a personal or commercial vehicle—can lead to the loss of CDL privileges. While first-time offenders may reapply after one year, the impact on current and future employment can be substantial.
DUI Diversion Program
Palm Beach County offers a DUI diversion program for first-time offenders. Eligibility requires no prior DUIs, no accident or injuries, no additional charges, and a BAC below .15. Successful completion of conditions such as DUI school and community service may lead to a charge reduction to reckless driving, preserving eligibility for record sealing. Our DUI Attorneys in West Palm Beach help clients determine eligibility and possible exceptions to the above guidelines and navigate this process whenever possible.
Fighting a DUI Charge
For many who face a DUI charge in Florida, it may initially seem as though all hope of success in court is lost. However, there are a number of strategies and tactics that a skilled attorney may be able to employ, including:
- Attacking the legality of the initial traffic stop and search
- Questioning the accuracy of alcohol test administration and reporting
- Raising the defendant’s existing medical conditions as reasons to doubt sobriety test results
- Casting doubt on the propriety of police evidence handling techniques
- Challenging the truth and veracity of the Police Officer’s opinion that the Client was impaired at the time of the arrest
Despite the seriousness of these charges, many DUI arrests have legal weaknesses. A West Palm Beach DUI Defense Lawyer may challenge the legality of the stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, or the Officer’s interpretation of your behavior. Every detail of the arrest and evidence must be reviewed to build the strongest defense to obtain the best possible result.
As is true in all criminal matters, the sooner this process can begin, the better the chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Talk to a West Palm Beach DUI Attorney Today
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be devastating. Whether you are facing your first offense or have prior charges, a West Palm Beach DUI Defense Lawyer is essential. Contact Leifert & Leifert for a free consultation. We will fight for your rights and pursue the best result possible for your case.
Mitigating the Impact of DUI Charges
While every DUI case is different, and it is impossible to guarantee that a specific result can be obtained, a seasoned West Palm Beach DUI attorney will work diligently to minimize the potential effect of a drunk driving charge on each client’s life and livelihood.
Where possible, every effort will be made to have charges reduced or perhaps even dismissed altogether. If that does not prove achievable, plea agreements aimed at mitigating sanctions and eligibility for pre-trial diversion programs will be thoroughly explored and pursued.
Contact a West Palm Beach DUI Attorney Today
For anyone accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Florida, the stakes could hardly be higher.
If you are in the midst of such a situation, the present and future harm a conviction is sure to inflict not just on you, but also on your loved ones must not be ignored. You owe it to yourself to secure the knowledgeable help and unwavering advocacy only a West Palm Beach DUI lawyer can provide. Call us today to get started on your defense.
