Tampa, Florida Criminal Defense & Family Law Blog

Drunk driving arrests are so common that many people probably think that these are relatively minor incidents. But, while such arrests - for first-time offenders - are typically misdemeanors, which means they have a lower level of potential penalties involved, the all-encompassing penalties, beyond just what is involved from a criminal justice standpoint, can be significant.

For instance, some people probably think that serving a year under probation supervision, if convicted of DUI, isn't that big of a deal. However, think of how such a sentence will impact your life: you will be required to report regularly to a probation officer; you will likely be prohibited from visiting locations where alcohol is served, such as bars; and you will likely be required to attend substance abuse or alcohol counseling. These are time consuming obligations, which must be fulfilled to avoid probation violations.

Our readers in Florida probably know that individuals who have been convicted of a crime and who are under court supervision - such as probation - face conditions to their release which they must obey. Sex offenders, however, have even more strict requirements that they must meet than, say, a person who has been arrested and convicted for driving while intoxicated.

As a recent article noted, most sex offenders are required to comply with almost every legal obligation a person could be required to meet. If a sex offender, for example, fails to properly register their vehicles, that could be viewed as a violation of their terms of court supervision. At least, that is the way nearby Polk County has decided to view these requirements and, as noted in a recent news article, convicted sex offenders in that county may have been subjected to questionable arrests in a law enforcement sweep.

When facing charges of drunk driving, you probably feel overwhelmed. It's critical to take action to protect your future and your long-term interests, even if it is your first offense, but where should you begin? Appropriately defending yourself starts with choosing the right strategy for your defense plan.

One of the most significant steps in the defense process is to carefully evaluate your case. The right approach for your defense depends on the details of your individual situation, but you have the right to challenge the officer's actions, the results of a chemical test or even the validity of the original traffic stop. Before you move forward, it may be helpful to consider all of the defense options available to you.

Many of our readers in Florida may know that the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved with a plea agreement. There are many different ways these types of agreements can play out, such as agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge, or perhaps agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a less severe sentence. However, there are some cases in which other options need to be considered.

Are you considering all of your options when it comes to the criminal defense strategy for your case? To do so, the first step is to consider the evidence that will be used by the prosecution to attempt to prove each element of the charge you face. And, on top of that, consider if the evidence is enough to prove each element of the charge "beyond a reasonable doubt." Prosecutors are held to a high standard when a person's freedom is on the line.