If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Miramar, speaking with a skilled DUI lawyer right away can make all the difference. A DUI conviction in Florida can bring serious legal consequences that can affect nearly every part of your life. The legal process moves quickly, so it’s important to have someone on your side who understands how to build a strong defense.
Our team at Orlando Criminal Team knows that a DUI arrest can turn your life upside down. You may be concerned about how this will impact your family, career, or reputation. That’s why we take a client-focused approach, offering guidance, support, and aggressive defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Florida has strict rules when it comes to drunk driving. Under Florida Statutes Section 316.193, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if an officer believes your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs. The penalties depend on the circumstances of your arrest and whether you have prior convictions.
For a first DUI conviction, penalties may include fines of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and a license suspension lasting from six months to one year. Even if it is your first run-in with the law, the conviction leaves you with a permanent criminal record that can follow you long after the case is closed.
If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if a minor was in your vehicle, the penalties become more severe. Fines can increase to $2,000, jail time may be extended up to nine months, and you could be required to install an ignition interlock device. These harsher punishments are designed to discourage high-risk behavior.
A second conviction carries heavier penalties, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 and potential jail time of up to nine months. If the second offense happens within five years of the first, your license may be suspended for at least five years. This lengthy suspension makes it difficult to manage daily life, from commuting to work to caring for your family.
A third DUI may be charged as a felony. The penalties include up to five years in prison and a ten-year license revocation. In addition to the possibility of prison time, a felony conviction can carry collateral consequences that extend well beyond the criminal justice system.
Beyond court fines, jail, and license suspension, a DUI conviction in Florida brings long-term effects. Insurance premiums often rise dramatically, and a DUI remains on your record, potentially affecting employment opportunities and community standing.
Understanding these penalties can feel overwhelming. A lawyer who knows Florida DUI laws and local courts can guide you through each step. If you are facing charges, working with an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Miramar can help you move forward with greater confidence.
Not all DUI cases are the same. In Miramar, the type of DUI charge depends on your driving record, the circumstances of the arrest, and whether anyone was hurt. Each type of charge carries its penalties and long-term impact.
Most first and second DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors. Instead of being treated as minor traffic infractions, misdemeanor DUIs are criminal charges, meaning they leave you with a record. The consequences still include fines, possible jail time, and a license suspension that can affect your daily routine.
A DUI may become a felony if you have multiple prior convictions, caused serious bodily injury, or were arrested for a third offense within 10 years. Felony DUI convictions bring much harsher consequences, such as years in prison and the loss of your driving privileges for a long period.
If an accident leads to property damage or injury, the charge can be upgraded. These cases often involve higher fines, longer jail sentences, and stricter court oversight, even if it is your first offense.
Florida has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21. A blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02% or higher can lead to license suspension and other penalties. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that young drivers face higher crash risks when alcohol is involved, which is why the law is so strict.
After a DUI arrest, law enforcement may use chemical and field tests to determine impairment. These tests are often key evidence in a case, but they are not always foolproof. Common tests include:
Being arrested for DUI doesn’t mean you will be convicted. With the right legal strategy, it’s possible to challenge the evidence and protect your future. Every case is unique, but there are several proven defense approaches that may apply to your situation.
Some of the most common DUI defense strategies include:
By focusing on these defenses, a DUI case can sometimes be challenged successfully, giving you a chance at reduced charges or even dismissal. Talking with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Miramar can help you see which defenses may work in your case and guide you on the best path forward.
Facing DUI charges in Miramar can be stressful and overwhelming. Florida’s DUI laws are complex, and a conviction can affect your license, insurance, and future opportunities. A skilled Miramar DUI attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
A DUI lawyer can assist you in several important ways:
In Florida, drivers 21 and older can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02% due to the state’s zero-tolerance law.
Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test can lead to automatic license suspension under Florida’s implied consent laws. However, your attorney can review the circumstances to see if there are ways to challenge the refusal consequences.
Field sobriety tests are not always accurate and can be influenced by health, nerves, or road conditions. Failing one does not automatically mean a DUI conviction, but it may be used as evidence against you.
In some cases, first-time DUI charges may be reduced or eligible for diversion programs, but results vary depending on the facts of your case. A Miramar DUI lawyer can assess your situation and advise on the best course of action.
If you are facing DUI charges in Miramar, it’s crucial to seek guidance without delay. A skilled Miramar criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly review your case, explain your legal options, and help you make informed decisions to protect your rights.
Contact Orlando Criminal Team today at (239) 332-0430 to discuss your case and take the first step toward safeguarding your future.
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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) 332-0430.
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