Consuming alcohol is only illegal for those under the age of twenty-one. Everyone else is free to enjoy the intoxicating beverage as they please, but there is one significant stipulation. It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The reason for such a restriction is due to the effect alcohol has on your cognitive abilities. Something as simple as safely switching lanes can become a daunting task when you’ve had one too many drinks. Those caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration level over 0.08% can be arrested for a DUI, but it is essential to know that you do have legal options.
Drunk driving penalties can range from a suspended license to years in prison. The only way to best position yourself for a favorable ruling is through the acquisition of an experienced defense attorney. An Altamonte Springs DUI lawyer with The Umansky Law Firm can analyze the details of your arrest and help construct a solid defense.
Driving under the influence is an offense that’s aggressively prosecuted in Florida as a result of the dangers of having intoxicated drivers on the road. It is for this reason why criminal penalties for a DUI conviction intensify each time you’re found guilty of the crime. First-time DUI offenders in Florida face the following penalties:
Upon your second and subsequent DUI convictions in Florida, fines can get up to $5,000 and incarceration can be as long as 5 years in the state penitentiary. These penalties can be avoided, however, with the legal counsel of a seasoned DUI defense attorney in Altamonte Springs.
DUI charges are far too often met with little to no opposition. The reason being is that the accused often believe that they have no chance of beating the case. This usually comes as a result of conversations with law enforcement where they try to sway the individual into believing that the evidence placed against them is irrefutable. They often boast the fact that you blew over the legal limit and how that’s the only evidence they need. That isn’t necessarily true. Your attorney can present the following defenses for your criminal case:
The breathalyzer test is one of the most commonly overlooked factors in a DUI case. Many individuals believe that these devices are faultless, but that is furthest from the truth. Law enforcement officers in Florida use the Intoxilyzer 8000, and there are many ways to challenge it’s test results including:
The officer must have had probable cause to pull you over. This means that your driving was erratic, reckless, or dangerous in any other manner. They can also pull you over for vehicle defects or violations including an improperly placed license plate, illegal tint, or an outed light. The officer will likely begin to ask you questions like if you’ve been drinking and where are you coming from. It’s vital that you do not give him a reason to investigate the matter further by providing unnecessary information.
If you or someone you know was arrested for a DUI, trust a local attorney to provide unmatched legal representation. The Altamonte Springs DUI lawyers with The Umansky Law Firm can help you seek justice for your case. William Umansky and his team of lawyers have represented ailed drivers in Central Florida for over 25 years and can help settle your case efficiently. Contact us for a free consultation today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys