Being charged with a DUI is a serious criminal offense, and the state of Florida continues to crack down on drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Penalties for DUI convictions may include suspension of your driver’s license, having to pay heavy fines, court-mandated DUI classes, and possible jail time — even if it’s your first offense. With so much at stake, it’s imperative that you have an experienced Groveland DUI lawyer fighting to protect your rights.
In Florida, there are two general categories of penalties that can be imposed for DUI: administrative and criminal. Administrative penalties affect your driving privileges and what happens to your license. One type of administrative issue that must be dealt with quickly when charged with DUI is scheduling or waiving a hearing with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not schedule or waive this hearing within 10 days of your arrest, you lose your right to appeal the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Even if you are granted a hardship exemption to the automatic suspension of your license, you may still be required to install an interlocking ignition device (IID) in your vehicle as a condition of your driving. Hardships, however, are typically granted only for limited purposes such as driving to and from work and the grocery store.
In addition to administrative penalties, you may also face criminal penalties as a result of a DUI conviction in Groveland. Criminal penalties may include jail time and fines. While there is no mandatory jail sentence for first-time DUI offenders in Florida, you can serve up to nine months depending on your particular case even with no accident or injury. The criminal penalties for DUI in Florida depend on whether you have any prior convictions within the past 5 or 10 years, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest. An experienced DUI attorney in Groveland will be able to review the particulars of your case and help you understand and defend your DUI charge.
While not every DUI charge can be defended, some common arguments we make include:
Whether a particular defense is available to you depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest. After reviewing your case, a knowledgeable DUI attorney will be better able to determine what defenses are available to you and how to best fight the charge.
Being charged with a DUI is not only a stressful experience, but it can also change your life drastically. Given the severity of the consequences of being convicted of DUI, it is important that you have an experienced attorney fighting for your rights. Katz & Phillips, P.A. is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your case.
Contact us now to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Groveland DUI attorney at Katz & Phillips, P.A.
509 W Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32804
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Free Consultation321-332-6864
Contact the Law Offices of Katz & Phillips today to speak with one of our attorneys about your case today by filling out the form below, or call us at 321-332-6864.
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