The Law Offices Of R. David Williams, P.A., Vigorously Defends Clients Charged With Misdemeanor And Felony Duis In Florida.
DUI Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you are likely terrified of what the future might bring. A conviction could lead to significant penalties such as jail time, a large fine, and a suspended license, not to mention the damage to your reputation. Additionally, a conviction on your record could impact your employment opportunities and even your ability to secure housing.
Fortunately, you have the right to defend yourself against these charges. Our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can investigate the case against you and then go over all possible options. These options generally include negotiation to reduce or dismiss the charges or challenging the prosecution’s case in court. It is crucial to get started on your defense early, so contact our firm to set up a consultation today.
Types of DUI Charges in Fort Lauderdale
Our Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney represents clients charged with a:
- First-time DUI
- Subsequent DUI
- Felony DUI
- DUI with serious bodily injury
- Aggravated DUI
- DUI with property damage
- DUI manslaughter
- DUI under the age of 21
Regardless of the charge, our firm is here to help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with the attorney.
Misdemeanor Vs. Felony DUI
Florida charges DUIs as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the circumstances. If this is your first or second DUI charge, it is a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating factors. While you might feel relieved to just have been charged with a misdemeanor, the penalties include up to six months in jail, a one-year license suspension, and a fine of up to $1,000. Thus, it is vital to take misdemeanor DUI charges seriously.
The state can upgrade your charge to a felony DUI under certain conditions. First, you will face a felony DUI charge if this is your third DUI within the last 10 years or fourth DUI in any timeframe. Finally, DUI manslaughter is a felony, even if it is the first time you have been charged with driving under the influence. The potential sentences vary based on the degree of the felony and can include years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Because the consequences are so severe, it is important to have representation by your side. Thus, reach out to our Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney to discuss a legal strategy.
Driver’s License Suspension
Many people think they have to be found guilty of a DUI to lose their license, but that is not the case. In fact, the state will automatically suspend your license 10 days after the arrest unless you request a hardship license or an administrative hearing. Many people choose to apply for a hardship license so they can continue to drive to work. However, your Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer might discover that an administrative hearing to request full driving privileges makes sense for your case.
With so little time to act, contact our firm today. We can discuss your options and then take steps to help you maintain your driving privileges.
Pretrial Diversion
If you are facing your first DUI charge, you might be eligible for the Broward County DUI Diversion Program. The program includes DUI school, random drug and alcohol testing, and other conditions and takes up to 15 months to complete. After completing the program, the DUI charge will be reduced to reckless driving with adjudication withheld. However, your license will be suspended for six months. When you are able to drive again, you will need to get an ignition interlock device installed as part of the program. It is essential to consult with a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer before agreeing to pretrial diversion. Your attorney can review the evidence to determine the likelihood of a guilty verdict. Additionally, your lawyer can discuss the program in greater detail to help you decide if you are interested in pursuing it or would prefer to further challenge the charges.
What Happens If You Refuse A Breathalyze?R
Law enforcement will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test when you are arrested for a DUI. While many people are afraid to take the test, refusing has consequences. Upon refusing a breath, blood, or urine test, your license will be suspended for 12-18 months due to the refusal. Fortunately, there are legal steps you can take if you have already refused a breathalyzer. Contact our DUI defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale to learn more.