Blew over the Legal Limit? Here’s What to Expect
It’s a moment every driver fears; but a reality that hundreds—if not thousands—face every day. All it takes is a single breath for your life to change overnight.
Penalties for driving under the influence are severe, with even a first offense potentially resulting in jail time, exorbitant fines, and hours of community service. However, these punishments often pale in comparison to the long-term consequences of having a DUI on your criminal record; a blackmark that can impede your ability to lead a normal life ever again.
Finding yourself in this situation can be completely overwhelming. What should you do next? Can you fight the charges? Should you hire an attorney? To help give you clarity in the challenging weeks ahead, we’re here to give you some insight into what to expect.
You Have 10 Days to “Save” Your License
If you were arrested for drunk driving, you will have just 10 days to retain your driving privileges. After an arrest, your license is automatically suspended, and the arresting officers will usually grant you a permit that will let you drive for business or work purposes for 10 days following the arrest.
During that period, you can challenge this administrative suspension by requesting either an informal or formal review with the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Upon making this request, you will typically receive a temporary license extending your driving privileges by a further 42 days (provided your license was still valid at the time of your arrest).
At the hearing, it will be decided whether the officers had probable cause to arrest you. If you can prove that they did not have grounds to do so, your license may be reinstated. A DUI attorney can help you prepare for this hearing, filing the necessary paperwork on your behalf and representing you throughout proceedings.
You Can Fight the Charges
Whether or not your hearing was a success, you will still have an opportunity to fight the charges. There are many different strategies a skilled attorney might employ, but most—if not all—will revolve around attacking the prosecution’s case against you.
For instance, your attorney might find evidence that shows the arresting officers did not have probable cause to pull you over, thus rendering any proof obtained by the officers during the stop as inadmissible. Alternatively, your attorney may be able to show that breath tests were conducted improperly or that the device malfunctioned, potentially suppressing the results.
Speak to a Palm Beach Gardens, Florida DUI Attorney Today
Were you arrested for driving under the influence? You may be able to fight the charges to have the penalties reduced or the case against you dismissed. Todd A. Kawecki is a Florida DUI lawyer whose experience working as a prosecutor has equipped him with an in-depth understanding of the state’s criminal proceedings, laws, and statutes.
Todd can help investigate the arrest, gather the necessary to build a strong defense, and provide tenacious representation from the first day until the final verdict. Reach out to us today at 772-485-4500 or click through to our Contact Page to request a free consultation.