The basic advantage of hiring a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney is that they are intimately familiar with the legal rules and what consequences an offender could suffer. If convicted of a DUI offense in Florida, you could lose your license, pay hefty fines, end up in jail and have a permanent criminal record that may discourage future employers.
If convicted, individuals who drink and drive may suffer stringent minimal penalties. First time offenders pay fines as high as $2,000, lose their license for up to a year and can land in jail for up to nine months. For a second offense, the penalties rise as high as one year in prison, $4,000 in fines and loss of license for five years. After that, the punishments can be much more severe.
Advantages of Hiring An Experienced DUI Attorney
One of the best reasons to hire a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney is because they know the legal procedures and standards of local courthouses. They know the lay of the landÃÂ so to speak. These attorneys have established relationships with local prosecutors and understand the expectations of local legal professionals that work in the system. This is not to say they can necessarily get someone a lighter sentence. However, being represented by a reputable Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney speaks volumes to how serious a defendant takes the charges and can only help your cause.
Challenging A DUI Charge
Florida adheres to the .08 blood alcohol content measure of an ÃÂimpaired driver, which is standard in the U.S. However, there may be things that a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney can challenge on your behalf if you are charged.
Legality of the initial traffic stop
Dispute officerÃÂÃÂs reasonable suspicion
Field sobriety test may be unreliable
Contest breathalyzer results
Contest legality of DUI checkpoint
Challenge police procedures and warnings
Racial profiling
Rising BAC argument
Depending on the specific facts of your case, these legal defenses may be available and an experienced Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney may be able to explore them.
An Attorney Can Help Weigh Your Options
Although Florida has very strict DUI penalties and enforcement, there may be circumstances and options that a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney can present on your behalf. Repeat offenders may face certain jail time, but a skilled attorney can discuss reason why you are a good candidate for probation or counseling. First time offenders may also be able to have their records expunged if they stay out of trouble for a period of time. The State of Florida, like many states, has complex DUI laws and local courts may be open to creative resolutions.
Because Florida has some of the toughest DUI laws and penalties, it'ÃÂs important to have proper legal representation and a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney can provide experienced legal guidance.
You Need a Solid DUI Defense!