West Palm Beach DUI Defense Lawyer
Law enforcement officers and courts are under public pressure to be tough on drunk drivers. While a strong interest in road safety sounds good, overzealous prosecution of DUI charges sometimes means that innocent people are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol without confirmed evidence. To make sure you are not swept up in the fervor and hit with overly harsh penalties, make sure you have the best legal defense available.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with DUI, or any other criminal offense in South Florida, you need seasoned legal advice and skilled representation from a trusted Florida criminal defense attorney. Contact our experienced West Palm Beach DUI Defense Lawyer today.
DUI Charges and Penalties in Florida
Florida law prohibits Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances. There’s one catch-all DUI offense for alcohol and drugs. DUI can be proven by showing the defendant had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or above, or by showing the driver’s faculties were impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, and driver’s license revocation for six months to a year. A second-offense DUI is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,000 in fines, up to nine months in jail, and license revocation for six months to a year.
If a defendant is convicted a third time for DUI within ten years, or a fourth DUI at any time, they can face felony charges, a $5,000 fine, and up to a year in jail. Defendants who had a minor passenger in the car at the time, or a BAC of 0.15% or higher, can face higher fines and penalties. If anyone was seriously injured or killed in an accident caused by an impaired driver, the driver will face felony charges.
Conviction for any DUI offense is likely to lead to license revocation as well as the installation, at your expense, of an ignition interlock device.
Timing Is Critical For Preserving Your Driving Privileges
Even if your driver’s license was seized when you were arrested for DUI, The Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A., may be able to recover it for you. Let us assess your drunk driving charges and develop the most effective defense strategy. We can request a hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in time to defend your right to drive while your case is pending. If you miss out on your chance to defend yourself, you could lose your driving privileges before you even have a chance to be heard.
Preventing a Criminal Record Is Even More Important
Keeping your driver’s license and protecting your freedom are, of course, critical objectives. However, the greatest negative impact of a DUI conviction might be a misdemeanor or felony on your record. If you are convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, your criminal record will be accessible to future employers, auto insurers and anyone else who conducts a background check. A criminal record can affect your ability to get a loan, earn a professional license, or even remain in the country.
At The Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, we’ll aggressively pursue all avenues of defense to achieve a more favorable outcome, including:
- Reduced charges — for example, from DUI to reckless driving or from a felony to a misdemeanor offense
- Probation instead of jail time
- Reduced fines and other DUI penalties
- Relief from tough requirements like installation of an interlock ignition device or lengthy alcohol dependency treatment
- Issuance of a hardship license through the end of your penalty phase
- Dismissal of charges or acquittal at trial
Prosecutors are often willing to grant leeway to first-time offenders and low-level offenders, but you’re much more likely to face the most serious charges if you don’t have the right legal representation on your side. Do not face your criminal case alone. Let the seasoned DUI defense legal team at The Law Office of Scott N. Richardson fight for you.
Contact The Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A. Today
If you’ve been arrested for DUI or other driving offenses in Florida, you need a dedicated legal representative on your side as soon as possible. The Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A. and our DUI defense attorney are ready to help protect your license, your rights, and your future. Whether you are facing DUI charges for the first time or you are accused of a repeat offense, there’s no time to waste. Your freedom may be on the line. Contact our experienced West Palm Beach DUI defense lawyer today.
