If you get arrested and convicted of a Driving Under Influence (DUI) in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, you may face severe consequences, such as loss of driving privileges, mandatory driver’s license suspension, heavy fines, and even possible jail time. It can also have a big impact on your criminal record and your finances.
A DUI charge can, therefore, leave your family with financial burdens, especially if you have family members who depend on you financially.
A DUI conviction also stays on your record for the rest of your life. If you have been arrested for DUI, we recommend hiring a DUI defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens. You can trust your lawyer to mount a viable defense. Your lawyer can assist you to persuade the prosecution to reduce or drop the charges and prevent the suspension of your driver’s license.
At Steinberg Law, we are ready to help you mount a viable DUI defense. We can help you reduce your charges and avoid being convicted. We will protect your rights and protect you from legal consequences, such as huge fines, extensive fees, and license suspension. If you want to increase your chances of getting a more favorable outcome from the jury, feel free to contact our criminal defense attorneys at 877-783-4611 today.
What Is the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) Limit in Florida
If you are over 21 years, then it is illegal to drive with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Florida. If you are, however, under 21 years, then it is illegal to drive with a 0.02% BAC in Florida. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you can face severe consequences in Florida.
What Penalties Can I Face for a DUI in Florida?
If you are arrested and charged for DUI in Florida, you charge multiple penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license, community service, huge fines, and even jail time. Therefore, your DUI charge can affect your family emotionally and financially.
First time
If you are convicted of DUI for the first time in Florida, you may get a maximum of 9 months in jail and pay fines from $1,000 to $2,000. In addition, you may have to spend up to one year of probation and do 50 hours of community service. Your driver’s license may be suspended for 6 months to one year.
Repeat Offenses
If it is your second DUI conviction, you may spend one year in jail and pay fines from $2,000 to $4,000. If you are convicted twice of DUI within five years, then you may lose your privilege to drive for up to 5 years. If you are convicted of DUI, you may pay much higher car insurance premiums.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Florida?
Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida. If you, however, refuse a breathalyzer test, your driver’s license may get suspended for one year to eighteen months. If a police officer pulls you over without any probable cause and you refuse a breathalyzer test, then the refusal of a breathalyzer test cannot be used against you.
If your driver’s license is suspended after refusing a breathalyzer test, you have the right to challenge the suspension in court. It is best to hire a DUI defense lawyer to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license in Palm Beach Gardens. Contact us at 877-783-4611 to consult with our experienced and skilled DUI defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens.
Implied Consent Laws in Florida
The state of Florida is governed by implied consent laws. Therefore, if you decide to drive a car in Florida, you automatically give consent to a breathalyzer test. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, then the consequence is a mandatory one-year driver’s license suspension for your first offense and an 18-month driver’s license suspension for your second offense.
What Is a Felony DUI in Florida?
A felony DUI is a DUI involving severe injuries or deaths. If you cause severe injuries to another party while driving under the influence, then you can be charged with a third-degree felony. If you are convicted, you will pay a maximum of $5,000 in fines and spend up to five years in prison.
If you, unfortunately, killed someone while driving under the influence, then you may face a second-degree felony charge for DUI manslaughter. If you are convicted, you may pay a maximum of $10,000 in fines and spend up to 15 years in prison.
In our opinion, it is wise to hire a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer to help you fight a felony DUI. Lawyers understand the laws. So, we use our knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf. We encourage you to contact us at 877-783-4611 to get sound legal advice and strong legal representation in your felony DUI.
Common Defenses in DUI cases
If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you may face serious penalties. Therefore, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence, then you need to hire a good DUI defense lawyer to fight the charge. Here are the common defenses in DUI cases:
Lack of Probable Cause for Stop
If the police officer did not follow proper legal procedures during your arrest or the officer did not have probable cause to stop your car, detain you, or arrest you, then the police officer’s testimony and your breathalyzer results might not be used against you. The prosecution could, therefore, drop DUI charges against you.
Challenging Accuracy of Tests
If a police officer stops your car, then they may have to administer chemical tests to measure the BAC in your saliva, urine, breath, or even blood. They administer chemical tests if they suspect you are driving under the influence.
However, several factors can affect the accuracy of your tests. You are, therefore, free to challenge the accuracy of these tests. If you can successfully challenge the accuracy of your tests, then your DUI charges brought against you could be dropped.
How Can a Palm Beach Gardens DUI Defense Lawyer Help Me?
Hiring a good DUI defense lawyer can improve your chances of winning your case. Your lawyer will carefully review the details of your case to come up with the best defense.
Your lawyer will work hard to prove your stop or arrest was not lawful and challenge the validity of your chemical tests. If they are, however, applicable in your case, your lawyer will ensure you get the most favorable outcome.
It is, therefore, crucial to hire the right DUI defense lawyer. If you hire the wrong lawyer, you can still lose your case. Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case.
Contact Steinberg Law to Help You With Your Case
If police officers stop you and/or arrest you on suspicion of driving under the influence, we do not encourage you to share specific information with the police officers. Why? Police officers will use your statements against you.
It is not easy to fight a DUI charge on your own. It is wise to hire a good DUI defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens. Your lawyer will protect your rights and help you get the best possible outcome. If you do not have strong legal representation, you can lose your reputation and job and spend several months in prison.
If you are facing DUI charges in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, feel free to contact our team at Steinberg Law to help you build a strong case. We have several years of experience fighting DUI charges. So, we have the resources and experience to fight your DUI charges and get you a favorable verdict from the jury. Call us today at 877-783-4611 to schedule a meeting with our DUI defense lawyer.
