Author - Kawecki Law

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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man driving car

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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people toasting cocktails at bar

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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marijuana plant

Arrested for Drug Trafficking? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re facing drug crime charges, it’s only normal to feel completely overwhelmed. A conviction could result in serious penalties such as jailtime, fines, and other life-changing consequences. However, these punishments are just the tip of the iceberg as a conviction on your criminal record could make it impossible for you to find work, rent an apartment, or continue your education for many years after you’ve served your sentence. Fortunately, a conviction isn’t a foregone conclusion. In this article, we look...
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lady of justice statue on lawyer's desk

When Should I Reach Out to a DUI Lawyer?

A drunk driving arrest can feel like a life sentence, with many people in this position believing that there is no way out. This mindset can lead many into accepting their fate, turning a conviction from a strong possibility into a foregone conclusion. However, you will have an opportunity to defend yourself, and—with the right strategies—have the penalties reduced or the case against you dismissed. While it is possible to fight the charges on your own, criminal proceedings are notoriously tricky...
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open beer in car

Arrested for Drunk Driving? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Driving under the influence is a serious mistake that can result in harsh penalties and a lifetime of problems. However, any errors you commit after the arrest could only make matters worse—so it’s important to take a deep breath so that you don’t do something you’ll later regret. While it might feel like a conviction is a foregone conclusion, there will almost always be an opportunity to fight the charges. Taking the right steps in the aftermath could make all the...
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