Experienced – Knowledgeable – On Your Side

An Effective DUI Defense

Anyone who has a few drinks and gets behind the wheel could be arrested for driving while under the influence (DUI). A DUI is a serious offense with the potential for major penalties.

It is a frightening time that could result in the loss of your driver’s license, preventing you from commuting to work, school or taking care of your family. If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are charged with a DUI, you could lose your job and your ability to support loved ones.

Let our experienced lawyer at Norris Law help you after an arrest and during the stressful prosecution. He is up to date on the most current alcohol-related legal issues, has represented clients in numerous drunk driving arrests and will work to obtain the most positive outcome for you.

Two Separate Elements Of A DUI Arrest

There are two separate issues after a DUI arrest: the criminal charge of DUI and the administrative procedure involving your driver’s license. If you are charged with a DUI in Tallahassee or the surrounding areas, it is incredibly important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to minimize the impact of your charges.

The Consequences Of A DUI

Under Florida law, it is a criminal offense to drive with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher. The penalties of a first DUI offense can include:

  • Time in jail after your arrest (usually at least 8 hours)
  • Immediate suspension of your license, with a potential suspension of between 180 days and one year
  • Up to six months in jail after conviction
  • At least 50 hours of community service
  • Mandatory DUI education classes
  • A fine of between $250 and $500
  • Up to one year of probation
  • Required participation in a victim awareness program
  • Impoundment of your vehicle
  • A criminal conviction on your record

Penalties for additional DUI offenses increase and may result in a permanent suspension of your driver’s license.

Types Of DUI Charges

The range of charges for drunk driving is as follow:

  • Felony charges for DUI You may be arrested with this charge if you have either three DUIs within a 10-year period or a fourth DUI, a DUI-related accident that caused bodily injury or a DUI with a suspended license.
  • Underage DUI — The charge brought against anyone under the age of 21 who is arrested for driving under the influence.
  • Multiple DUI — The charge for a second or third DUI offense.
  • DUI with serious bodily injury — You will be charged with this crime if you caused permanent disfigurement or the loss or impairment of any bodily member or function.
  • Aggravated DUI — This charge will be deemed if your blood alcohol level is .15 or higher or if there were children in the car.
  • DUI with property damage — The charge when someone else’s property is damaged because you were driving under the influence
  • DUI manslaughter — A manslaughter charge is deemed when someone dies as a result of your DUI.
  • Commercial vehicle DUI — This DUI charge is given to those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Higher standards apply.

We Know DUI Law

Our attorney is ready to protect your rights and has successfully defended clients charged with numerous drinking and driving charges. We’ll analyze every detail in an attempt to build a bold defense that may include fighting your chemical test results or arguing that you were stopped illegally. Our attorney is well-versed in all legal proceedings and is a member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

Police Are Trained, But Do They Follow Procedure?

Officers are required to take training in standardized field sobriety testing as indicated from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. DUIs are one of the only crimes in which police have specialized education. We’ll hold officers accountable if they do not follow the federal guidelines in your arrest and will work to successfully resolve your case prior to trial.

Protecting Your Right To Drive

If you have been arrested for a drinking and driving offense, your driver’s license is automatically suspended. However, you will be allowed to drive for 10 days after your arrest, during which time you can request a formal review of your license suspension with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you file a request during this 10-day window, you will be issued a temporary license that is valid for seven days after the scheduled hearing. If you do not request a review, your license will be suspended for a period of time between six and 18 months, depending on the facts of your case. Our skilled DUI attorney can handle both the criminal and administrative aspects of your case, which includes filing a request for formal review to protect your right to drive.

Get Answers In A Free Initial Consultation

Talk to us about your drunk driving arrest. We may be able to reduce the penalties and the charge. Contact us online or call 850-629-0044 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your arrest and determine the next steps.