DUI Lawyers And Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. are DUI attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who work closely with individuals facing drunk driving charges. Being convicted of a DUI in Florida can have serious consequences for your driving record, your right to drive, can result in time in jail, and can also result in collateral consequences, including increased insurance rates, difficulty getting jobs, and loss of your job if your work involves driving. Our DUI lawyers will take the time to review the circumstances of your arrest, the charges against you, the evidence officers have gathered, and we will offer you an honest assessment of your case. We can use a range of DUI defenses to fight your charges or we may be able to negotiate lesser charges. If you are facing a DUI lawyer Fort Lauderdale, Florida you need the DUI law counsel at the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. If, however, you are not in this area, you will want to look at a dui attorney Springfield IL, or one more local to where your charge is based.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Under Florida law, you can be charged with a DUI if you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. The fines, time in jail, and consequences of your charges will depend on whether this was a first-time DUI or subsequent DUI, whether there were minors in the car, whether other people were injured or killed in an accident, and the circumstances of your arrest. While the state may levy certain fines and criminal penalties, it is important to understand that there may be other collateral consequences associated with your charges, including higher insurance rates, ongoing driving restrictions, and a criminal record.
What are the penalties for a DUI? For a first-time DUI, you could face a fine up to $1000 and be required to serve 50 hours of community service. You may also have to serve a jail sentence up to 6 months in length or be required to attend a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program. You could also lose your driver’s license for up to one year. Second, or subsequent offenses carry far more serious penalties, consequences, and fines. If you had a higher blood alcohol concentration at the time of your arrest, your penalties may also be much higher. You can also face felony charges if another person was killed due to your drinking and driving.
These are very serious charges. If you are found guilty of a DUI once, it could put you at risk of facing far more serious charges if you drive with a suspended license or if you later are found guilty of a second DUI. The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. are DUI attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who understand that people drink and drive for many reasons. Florida doesn’t have adequate public transportation services and sometimes individuals make a terrible mistake. Alcohol can seriously affect your judgement and while you may not have intended to drink and drive, it may have happened despite your best intentions. Our DUI attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida also support diversion programs that put recovery before jail time. Sometimes people struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. For many, a DUI is a wake-up call and a chance to change. Our firm can review your unique circumstances, help you understand your options, and work with you to protect your rights.
DUI Defenses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Under Florida’s implied consent laws, when you get behind the wheel, you consent to take a breath test if an officer suspects that you have been drinking and driving. While an officer will need a warrant to get a blood test, officers are granted immense powers when it comes to gathering evidence against those who have been suspected of driving while under the influence. Despite this, it is still sometimes possible to fight a DUI arrest. What are some valid DUI defenses in Florida?
- Probable Cause. Officers must have proper probable cause to stop you. For example, if you believe that you were racially profiled during your stop, evidence gathered after your stop may be thrown out during trial.
- Miranda Warnings. When officers arrest you, they must read you your rights. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to seek legal counsel. If an officer fails to read you your rights, your charges or evidence gathered after your arrest could be thrown out in court.
- If you have an illness that can impact your ability to pass a field sobriety test, and if you are able to provide medical support, any testimony related to this test could be tossed in court. Additionally, if you use certain types of medications, these can also impact the results of field sobriety tests and other testing.
- Improper handling of evidence. While Florida’s implied consent laws permit officers to require you to take a breath test if you are under arrest, you still have the right to refuse. However, refusal can result in the automatic suspension of your license. If a breath or blood test was not administered properly, the results may not be admissible in court. For example, officers must inform you of your rights regarding Florida’s implied consent laws. If officers want to draw blood, they must have a proper warrant.
- Test Machinery. The DUI lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida also understand that machinery that tests for blood alcohol concentration in your breath must be properly maintained and calibrated. Failure to properly maintain this equipment can result in false results. Our lawyers will review how officers handled and maintained their equipment.
A DUI is a serious criminal charge in Florida. If you are facing these charges, it is important to protect your rights. There are many valid DUI defenses that could result in your charges being reduced or dropped. The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida work closely with individuals facing charges to help them get the best possible outcome under the law. Contact us today to protect your rights.
