Tampa Drunk Driving Lawyers
If you have been charged with DUI in Tampa or a nearby city, the attorneys at Escobar, Michaels & Associates are prepared to examine every detail of the facts of your case in pursuit of the key to your defense. We represent Florida residents, tourists and students accused of drunk driving in the Tampa area.
Society at large, and Florida law enforcement agencies in particular, are serious about curbing the dangers of drunk driving on our streets and highways. Unfortunately, sometimes police become overaggressive in traffic stops. They often overlook key principles related to our clients’ constitutional rights in connection with DUI charges and arrests.
Experienced Tampa Lawyers Protecting Your Rights Against DUI Charges
As zealous and passionate advocates of the accused, our lawyers will uncover every detail that might provide you with the greatest potential, preserving an assumption of innocence until proven guilty. When prosecutors attempt to prove our clients’ guilt by trampling on their constitutional rights, they soon discover our aggressive style of defense.
Charged with DUI while visiting Florida? Our lawyers are here to help you return home as soon as possible.
Police may engage in unlawful search and seizure when they stop motorists without probable cause. This becomes legally problematic when they later arrest a motorist on suspicion of drunk driving. A highly knowledgeable and aggressive drunk driving defense attorney will find those avenues of defense and put them to use in defense of the accused.
Are You Required By Florida Law To Take A Breathalyzer Test?
Under the Florida implied consent laws, everyone who has a driver’s license has already given their consent to certain tests: breath tests, blood tests or urine tests. If police officers believe someone is driving under the influence, that person is bound by these implied consent laws.
You may refuse a breath test. However, if you do, the state can impose administrative penalties because you violated implied consent laws. This typically means a one-year suspension of your driver’s license for the first refusal or an 18-month suspension for a second.
A possible advantage of refusal is that you may not have a failed test on your record. However, the administrative penalties are mandatory, and if your case goes to trial, your refusal of the breathalyzer may be used against you to support the argument that you were knowingly impaired.
To secure the most favorable chance of successfully defending yourself, take your story to an experienced DUI attorney.
What Are The Penalties For A Florida DUI Conviction?
Penalties depend on numerous elements, including aggravating factors and whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony DUI charge. Below are some potential penalties:
- First offense: Fine from $500 to $1,000 and a jail term of up to six months
- Second offense: Fine from $1,000 to $2,000 and incarceration for up to nine months
- Third offense: Fine from $2,000 to $5,000 and jail time for up to 12 months
Some factors can make it a felony, such as being involved in a fatal car accident, which is charged as second-degree felony DUI manslaughter. A conviction could lead to up to 15 years behind bars and a fine of $10,000.
A conviction also leads to a license revocation for a minimum of 180 days for a first offense. If a second offense happens within five years, the revocation endures for the next five years.
How Long Will A DUI Conviction Stay On Your Permanent Record In Florida?
A DUI conviction cannot be expunged in Florida and remains permanently on your criminal record. While driving and criminal records are distinct, a DUI stays on both. Florida driving records generally retain DUI convictions for 75 years, effectively lasting a lifetime. These consequences make it essential to work with an experienced attorney to navigate the legal process, explore defense strategies and mitigate long-term impacts.
We Are Ready To Defend You
If you have been charged with drunk driving in Tampa, attorneys at our law firm will evaluate your case at no charge. Call 813-513-0274 or contact us by email to arrange free initial consultation with one of our experienced drunk driving defense lawyers.
Free Initial Consultation ∙ Evening And Weekend Appointments ∙ Payment Plans Available ∙ Ofrecemos Consultas Gratis! · Se Habla Español
Learn more about DUI defense: