If you have recently been arrested for DUI, you probably have lots of questions and concerns. This is a violation with serious consequences and the steps you take in the wake of your arrest can have serious implications for your future. If your incident occurred in Florida and you are undecided about hiring a lawyer, here is some information regarding hiring a Florida DUI attorney.
According to the official Florida DMV website, drivers who are pulled over and asked by an officer to take a blood, urine or breath test must comply. Compliance is required due to Florida’s Implied Consent Law. Signing one’s driver’s license serves as an agreement to take these tests upon request. Any driver who refuses to comply with even one of these tests will have their license suspended immediately for an entire year.
Florida has adopted strict penalties for those who are found guilty of driving while intoxicated. If you have violated Florida law, you may face jail time, revoked drivers license, large fines and a steep increase in car insurance rates. Additionally, conviction of DUI is on your driving record for seventy-five years.
There are even stricter laws for drivers under the age of twenty-one due to Florida’ Zero Tolerance law. A limit of . 02 or higher restricts drivers under 21 from having even a single drink and operating a car. The penalty for DUI under the age of 21 is an immediate six month license suspension in addition to other penalties.
Keep in mind; the above penalties are for a first DUI offence. For a repeat offender, Florida DUI penalties are more severe with each additional offense. Facing these penalties without a professional lawyer to advise and represent you could make an already horrible situation much worse.
While hiring a lawyer will add to the immediate expenses resulting from your arrest, a lawyer may be able to minimize long-term implications. In essence, a professional and experienced Florida DUI lawyer may be your most effective means of damage control.
Once you have made the decision to hire a lawyer you will want to limit your search to lawyers who specialize in handling DUI cases. DUI laws can change regularly, and subtle differences or amendments can have large implications for your case.
DUI lawyers have a unique and specific approach toward presenting your case, and have an understanding of how your particular case will unfold based on previous experience. A Florida DUI lawyer will be best equipped to help you with your specific needs. While a specialist may cost more, this is your opportunity to affect the outcome of your case, and minimize penalties.
Additionally, the skill level of the Florida Dui lawyer you select will potentially add to your costs. However, good lawyers are able to charge higher fees if they have a proven, successful track record. If you are able to pay a higher rate for a highly skilled lawyer, you increase your chances of diminishing penalties and improving your record.
No matter what your budget allows for, you will want to research the reputation of the lawyer you select.
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