West Palm Beach DUI Defense Lawyers
Even the most law-abiding citizen can make the mistake of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) is a very common criminal offense and a very serious matter in the State of Florida. When stopped and suspected of DUI a person can expect law enforcement to perform several field sobriety tests along with a breath, blood or urine test to determine whether or not a person’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is at or above the legal limit of 0.08%.
If a person is found to be under the influence or law enforcement has probable cause to believe that they are under the influence, then an immediate arrest will take place and the officer will confiscate their driver’s license. According to Florida’s Implied Consent Law, failure to agree to submit to a breath test, blood test or urine test can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension or other severe penalties.
Knowledgeable Drunk Driving Attorneys in West Palm Beach, Florida
Once booked, a person will be detained until they either sober up or until someone is able to pick them up from the police station. They must then schedule a DHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) Administrative Hearing within 10 days to appeal the DUI and work to get their driver’s license back. However, the decision made by the DHSMV will have no bearing on the criminal court case, even when/if your driver’s license is returned.
A person charged with DUI will also be required to attend a criminal court hearing, known as arraignment, to enter his or her plea. If a not guilty plea is entered then a preliminary hearing will be scheduled. Otherwise the arraignment will typically be the last time a defendant enters a courtroom for the charges they are up against.
DUI penalties vary and are determined upon whether or not a person has been previously arrested, how much alcohol or drugs were in their system and whether or not any other crimes were committed.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Florida
The following penalties may be enforced if convicted of DUI in West Palm Beach, Florida:
- Possible Jail or Prison Sentence
- Fines
- Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation
- Alcohol/Drug Counseling
- Drunk Driver Education Classes
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device
- Community Service
- Probation
- Parole
It is very important for anyone who is facing DUI charges to retain the legal services of a West Palm Beach DUI attorney to represent them at both the DHSMV administrative hearing and at criminal court. An attorney can advise you of your legal rights and what would be in your best interest. In addition, an experienced DUI defense lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, possibly resulting in the lowering of charges or even a dismissal.
At Musca Law as West Palm Beach DUI defense lawyers we have the legal knowledge and skill necessary to build a strong defense on your behalf. As experienced attorneys we are very familiar with the many problems often associated with many DUI arrests. Once we conclude our own investigation we will determine whether or not mistakes were made in your case. If any are found we can work to have evidence suppressed and possibly your charges dismissed altogether.
Musca Law represents clients facing DUI, traffic offenses and other serious criminal offenses throughout South, Southwest and Southeast Florida.
Arrested for DUI? Contact Musca Law today!