Author - Kawecki Law

parked car damaged after accident

What Happens If I Cause an Accident While Intoxicated?

Getting caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit carries strict penalties. However, these consequences often pale in comparison to those you might face if you cause a car wreck while you’re intoxicated. Not only might you have to pay more in fines, but you could also spend time behind bars and may—if you caused serious bodily harm to someone else—be barred from driving for years after the wreck. In this article, we take a closer look...
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Florida’s Drug Schedules: What You Need to Know

Across the country, controlled substances can fall under one of five distinct categories based on their effects and potential for abuse. These categories are known as schedules, and you will need to understand their importance if you are arrested for drug possession or trafficking as they will usually determine the types of penalties you might face. For instance, if you were arrested with “Schedule V” drugs in your possession such as painkillers or cough suppressants, you will typically receive less serious...
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Can I Be Charged with Drug Possession If I Have a Medical Marijuana Card?

While marijuana is classified under the strictest category of “Schedule I” controlled substances in Florida, certain individuals are able to obtain this drug legally for medical use. A medical marijuana card is granted to those suffering from “debilitating conditions” enabling them to purchase this drug in restricted quantities from legal dispensaries. However, just because you have this card doesn’t mean you’re immune to the law. There are strict rules around the purchasing and usage of legal marijuana in the state, and...
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breathalyzer test at traffic stop

Will I Be Convicted for a DUI If I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?

Before you are arrested for driving under the influence, police officers will usually have to conduct various tests to determine whether you’re intoxicated. Some, such as field sobriety tests, will involve assessing your coordination, balance, and reaction times to see if any of your motor functions are impaired by alcohol or drugs. However, in many cases, officers might ask you to blow into a breathalyzer to get a rough reading of your blood-alcohol content. If you’ve been drinking, you may be...
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Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer If I Was Arrested for Drunk Driving?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense throughout the state. As such, it’s rare for those arrested to escape with just a slap on the wrist—even if it’s just your first offense. While there are many drivers who choose to represent themselves throughout proceedings, this approach can be risky as criminal proceedings are notoriously unpredictable, complex, and unforgiving. Often, even just a minor mistake could turn a possible conviction into a foregone conclusion. In this article, we will explore...
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Is Soliciting a Prostitute Illegal? Florida’s Laws Explained

While there are many countries that have legalized prostitution, most parts of the United States still have strict laws prohibiting solicitation. Rather than primarily targeting sex workers, many states seek to punish “customers” or “Johns” in a bid to stamp out demand for illegal prostitution. In Florida, you can expect to face strict penalties if you’re caught soliciting the services of a prostitute. Depending on the nature of the offense, you won’t just have to pay sky-high fines and perform community...
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Sealing Your Criminal Record: What You Need to Know

Your criminal record is easy to access, giving almost anyone a window into your arrests, charges, and convictions. Fortunately, in the state, certain individuals can request to have their records sealed or expunged. However, not everyone will have this opportunity, so it’s important to know whether or not you can get back to having a clean slate. Both sealing and expunging are processes that serve similar purposes; namely preventing the public from unearthing information regarding prior convictions. However, having your records...
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Will My License Be Revoked If I’m Arrested for Drunk Driving?

While you may have been warned about the legal consequences for driving under the influence, you might not be prepared for the many ways in which a conviction can affect your life. With this blemish on your criminal record, you may struggle for years after you’ve served your sentence, turning job hunts, signing a new lease, or furthering your education into uphill battles. However, in the short term there are other issues you should worry about. Namely, losing your license. Unfortunately,...
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First DUI in Florida? Here’s What You Should Know

Whether you blew over the limit, failed a chemical test, or were unable to successfully navigate the officers’ field sobriety checks, one thing is for certain: You’ve now found yourself in a terrifying situation. While a first-time DUI offense could be chalked up to a simple mistake, officers won’t see this transgression as anything other than a blatant violation of the law. As such, you could be facing strict penalties and a permanent mark on your criminal record. With so much...
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man drinking beer while driving

Can You Drink Alcohol as a Passenger in a Vehicle?

While we’re all aware that drinking and driving is a serious offense in the state, many think only those behind the wheel have to stay dry. After all, those in the passenger seat aren’t in control, so their level of sobriety won’t raise the risk of a wreck. However, while passengers can be inebriated, there are specific laws that make it illegal to consume alcohol in a vehicle. In this article, we take a closer look at these laws, the penalties...
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