For a first-time DUI, you can turn to the experience and dedication of The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., to defend you.
First-Time DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
If you have exercised poor judgment and chose to drink and drive, then you have potentially placed many people in harm’s way. You may face harsh consequences for your actions because the law seeks to strongly discourage behaviors that are likely to risk serious injury to yourself or others. For many, this kind of experience is their first serious brush with the law. If you exceeded the legal amount of alcohol and then found yourself behind the wheel, you may be charged with a DUI. Even a first-time DUI can be accompanied by stiff penalties. You are not alone. At The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A. we have helped many people in your shoes when they have needed a first-time DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
Drunk driving is dangerous, and if you are now facing charges after placing others in danger on the road, the harsh punishments you face are intended to encourage a correction of such risky behavior. Nevertheless, you still have rights that must be upheld as your criminal case proceeds, and a Florida DUI attorney can help you pursue your interests. If you are facing your first DUI charge, you need an experienced first-time DUI lawyer on your side.
The team at The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., will review your case and examine the test that the officer administered, and whether it was done correctly. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale first-time DUI lawyer to build an effective case and seek a satisfying outcome.
What Constitutes a Misdemeanor First-Time DUI in Florida
In the majority of cases, a first-time DUI in Florida is a misdemeanor. An officer can arrest and charge you for this offense under the following conditions:
- You have a blood-alcohol concentration of .08% or more
- The arresting officer deems that you are “deprived of full possession of normal faculties”
If you are facing DUI charges, our Florida first-time DUI attorney is ready to answer your questions and discuss your legal options. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Penalties For A First-time DUI Conviction
Penalties for even one DUI can include fines and jail time, among other consequences. The specifics can vary depending on the circumstances. A conviction requires that the court mandate one-year probation and 50 hours of community service. In addition, your vehicle will be subject to a 10-day impoundment.
The judge in your first-time DUI case may hand down a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000. You could also lose your license for 180 days to one year. In addition, the court could place an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for up to six months. This penalty is required if your blood-alcohol content is .15% or more.
Be aware that if you have a minor in the vehicle with you, and that person has a blood-alcohol content of .15% or higher, you could spend up to nine months in jail, and the judge could order that you pay a fine between $1,000 and $2,000. Also, if someone is killed during the incident, a DUI conviction would automatically increase your charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Felonies can bring with them a host of difficult implications for your future. Regardless of the level at which you are being charged, you need to work with an experienced first time DUI lawyer to strategize an effective defense.
Defense Strategies Your Attorney Could Take
Your Fort Lauderdale first-time DUI attorney will take your case seriously and give you the attention you need. Police officers serve many important functions, and they are motivated and encouraged to keep our roads safe by removing individuals who appear intoxicated. Without erratic driving that could lead to strong suspicion of intoxication, an officer may require additional interactions in order to make reasonable judgments. Depending on the unique details of your case, the limits of the officers’ perspectives may present opportunities for your defense.
Your attorney will determine whether the police had probable cause to pull you over. In Florida, evidence gathered without probable cause cannot be used against you. However, there are many common reasons to pull you over that can qualify as probable cause. Issues like speeding, a stop sign violation, or a damaged tail light can be enough justification to stop you.
Another possible defense is to see whether the arresting officer administered the field sobriety test properly. Improper administration may serve to invalidate the test. Such tests are far from 100% accurate in detecting intoxication, and there are many confounding factors that can lead to false positives for intoxication. If you are taking certain prescription drugs or if you have existing health conditions, these factors could lead to a mistaken determination of intoxication.
Call today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.