Orlando is among the cities in Florida with the highest number of DUI-related accidents, with alcohol-related accidents being particularly common on roadways such as I-4. When a person is charged with driving under the influence in a property damage accident, they may face severe consequences including jail time, fines, and impacts to both their criminal and driving records. If you’re facing property damage charges in an Orlando DUI, it is important to speak with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer who can help you understand these charges and prepare to defend yourself against them.
A DUI with property damage occurs when an individual is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit or while impaired by drugs and causes an accident that damages someone else’s property. The legal blood alcohol content limit for most adult drivers in Florida is .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, though individuals under the age of 21 or that have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are subject to lower limits.
Property damage charges in an Orlando DUI are typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, with defendants facing up to a year in prison even if it is their first offense. They will also likely be ordered to pay a fine ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands, and may also be expected to pay for the damage done to the other person’s property. A DUI conviction will generally result in suspension of the driver’s license and use of an interlock device when the individual’s license is reinstated. Additional consequences may include alcohol education courses, community service, parole, and long-term consequences, such as increased insurance premiums, a criminal record, and more.
In order to be convicted of DUI with property damage in Orlando, it must be shown that the defendant was in control of the vehicle and that they were impaired by alcohol. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will research the details of the case to determine if there was a misunderstanding, such as the individual wasn’t in control of the vehicle or wasn’t impaired, that could result in a case dismissal. We will also look at the investigation process to ensure that the breathalyzer and other tools used to determine your level of impairment were properly configured and that the defendant’s rights were not violated during the arrest.
In addition to helping a client develop a legal strategy to defend themselves against property damage charges in an Orlando DUI, a lawyer is tasked with providing guidance and learning about the defendant’s goals for their case. This may lead to the decision to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors in order to limit or reduce the potential consequences, to seek a dismissal to the case, or even to present new evidence or witness testimony during trial that may help avoid a conviction altogether.
Many people think that a misdemeanor property damage DUI charge isn’t worth speaking with an attorney about because it isn’t a felony. However, it is important to understand that any criminal conviction will appear on your permanent record and a DUI-related conviction carries jail time and significant fines. Let us help you understand your legal options and rights during the criminal investigation and help you determine a strategy for defending yourself. Contact us today for a case evaluation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
