DUI Crimes

Follow These Top Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving and Arrive Alive

January 15, 2022 | Genine Ann Mejia

It is extremely unsafe to drive when under the influence of alcohol. You might be fined, have your license revoked, or even go to jail if you’re detected driving over the legal limit. Of course, none of these repercussions compare to the shame and regret you’ll feel if you cause someone harm or death as a result of driving drunk.

DUI defense in Daytona Beach isn’t just about the level of alcohol in your blood. Even if you’re under the legal limit, you may be convicted of a DUI in Florida if it can be proven that your faculties are impaired. That’s why it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether when you plan to drive.

Planning on going out for the evening? Here are some tips to keep yourself and others around you safe.

4 Long-Lasting Consequences of a DUI Conviction

September 18, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

One of the most common criminal offenses that drivers are charged with is driving under the influence. Even individuals with a clean record can suddenly see their lives take a stressful turn after a DUI arrest. Being convicted of driving under the influence in Florida can have long-lasting ramifications – some of which can linger for years to come. Below, we go into greater detail about some of the long-term consequences that DUI offenders may face to help you understand the importance of hiring DUI attorneys in Daytona Beach for your defense.

Background Checks

Some employers conduct criminal background checks for offenses such as driving under the influence before hiring job applicants for work. DUI convictions will show up permanently on a background check, which could stop an individual’s efforts to be hired by certain companies. Furthermore, other organizations also rely on background checks before making important decisions, such as financial institutions, college admissions, and housing applications. Because of this, a DUI conviction may even hamper an individual’s chances of finding a place to live.

What Happens to Your Florida Driving License After a DUI Arrest?

September 13, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

After being convicted for driving under the influence in Florida, the state will remove your driving privileges. Without access to this means of transportation, you are sure to find it much more inconvenient to go from place to place, whether for work or personal needs. As such, after a DUI conviction, you’ll want to get your license back as soon as possible. To learn what happens to your license after a DUI conviction, continue reading below.

Florida Hardship License

For first time offenders, the state will revoke your license for between 180 days to a full year. Furthermore, if the court determines that your offense included a charge of serious harm, then your suspension could last as long as three years. In order to qualify for a hardship license in Florida, applicants must complete DUI school or a substance treatment program within 90 days of reinstatement. Failure in completing these courses on time may result in a cancellation of your license.

4 Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Arrest

September 3, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

After getting pulled over and arrested by law enforcement for driving under the influence, you may find yourself asking what comes next. The terrifying truth is that being convicted of driving under the influence can have consequences on your record and ability to drive. It’s easy to get lost in a haze of questions, but experienced defense attorneys are available to help clear the air. Help yourself and your Daytona DUI defense by taking these 4 steps if you are ever arrested for driving under the influence.

Your Driving Privileges Have a Time Limit

After a DUI arrest, your Florida driver’s license will likely be seized by law enforcement. However, the citation issued to you for your offense acts as a temporary driving permit for 10 days. When those 10 days conclude, so too will your ability to drive legally in Florida. It is possible within that window of time to preserve your driving privileges by applying for a hardship license. Taking on this process alone can add more stress to a difficult situation, but defense attorneys in Daytona Beach are able to help.

Florida Court Discusses Evidence Needed to Establish Guilt for DUI Manslaughter

July 6, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

In many cases, people who drive recklessly due to intoxication and ultimately cause another person’s death will be charged with DUI manslaughter. In some instances, though, people may be charged with DUI manslaughter, even if it is not immediately clear that impaired driving caused the accident and subsequent loss of life. In such instances, a DUI defendant may be able to argue that the prosecution cannot establish that there is sufficient evidence to establish guilt. In a recent Florida opinion, a court discussed what evidence the State must produce to establish a driver operated a vehicle while intoxicated, and in doing so, caused a fatal accident. If you are charged with DUI manslaughter, it is prudent to meet with a trusted Florida DUI defense lawyer to evaluate your rights.

The Fatal Accident

It is reported that the defendant was operating his ATV with his son riding on the back. They were on a rural road that had decreased visibility and no shoulder. At approximately 9:00 pm, the ATV tipped into a ditch. The defendant was able to get the ATV back onto the road, and he and his son got onto the vehicle and attempted to start it. A truck began approaching the ATV, and witnesses nearby tried to alert the truck to slow down and advise the defendant and his son to get out of the road.

Allegedly, the truck hit the ATV, killing the defendant’s son and injuring the defendant, who was airlifted to a hospital. The defendant admitted that he consumed alcohol, and a blood test revealed his BAC to be .16. He was charged with DUI manslaughter, and following a trial, was convicted. He appealed, arguing that the State failed to produce sufficient evidence to establish his guilt. Continue reading ›

Are DUI Charges Possible if I Wasn’t Driving? Prepare for Anything with a Volusia County DUI Attorney

June 21, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

Even though DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence, police can still make an arrest without proof of driving. Due to the severe consequences that these charges can have, it is important to understand the unique circumstances in which these arrests may occur. Plus, you will need the very best DUI defense Daytona Beach on your side. Continue reading to learn more about these important situations.

Being in control of the vehicle is just as important as driving it

What does it mean to “be in control” of your vehicle? This question is often the deciding factor for police when making DUI arrests of people in parked cars. Simply put, being in control of the vehicle means that you have the power and means to operate the car. If you are inside a car with its keys, police may determine that you are in control of it without so much as ever turning it on.