Daytona Beach Criminal Lawyer Blog

One of the most common crimes in the United States is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). When motorists choose to drive while intoxicated, they risk a DUI charge and criminal conviction.

If you are pulled over under suspicion of a DUI, the officer will likely test you. But in some instances, a blood test might be used to determine whether you are intoxicated.

In these cases, motorists should contact Daytona Beach criminal lawyers immediately. A knowledgeable criminal attorney will ensure that your rights are respected and give you the best legal protection possible.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge that can bring severe consequences to your life. If it’s your first time facing such a charge, you are likely anxious or scared. Although it’s impossible to escape all of the implications of a DUI charge, it is possible to lessen the damage to your life significantly with the help of a DUI lawyer.

Basics of a DUI Charge

In Florida, DUI occurs when a motorist drives with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If your BAC tests at 0.15% or higher, you’re looking at enhanced penalties.

Everyone makes mistakes, but if you’re facing a second DUI offense in Florida, you need strong Daytona Beach criminal lawyers to help protect your rights.

Penalties for a Second DUI Offense in Florida

Florida laws can be quite harsh if you’ve been arrested for DUI a second time. If the arrest occurred within five years of your first conviction, you might face mandatory jail time and probation. In addition to larger fines, increased license suspension time, and car impoundment, second-offense DUI penalties in Florida include a possible jail sentence of:

If you’ve been pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Florida, you’ll probably be asked to take a field sobriety test, a breath test for alcohol, or both. Some people may think that if they refuse to take the breathalyzer test, they can’t be convicted of DUI because there’s no proof.

However, this misinformation could get you into more trouble than taking the test.

Trusted DUI Defense in Daytona Beach

If you’ve been recently arrested on a DUI charge in Florida, you probably aren’t thinking about hiring a criminal defense attorney in Daytona Beach right away. You’re probably upset, worried about whether you’ll lose your license, and concerned that you’ll have to pay a hefty fine or spend time in jail.

However, the best time to hire Daytona Beach criminal lawyers for your DUI charge is as soon as possible. You may be faced with a night or even a weekend in jail before being released, but a lawyer may be able to get you out faster. There are other reasons to hire an attorney right away, too.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Daytona Beach Help My DUI?

Being charged with a DUI can impact many areas of your life. When a DUI is on your record, it can add challenges to getting hired or keeping a job. This is even more of a consideration for a career in the military.

The military does not tolerate DUIs. Because the military holds service members to a higher standard than civilians, being convicted of a DUI could severely impact your military career.

Getting a DUI as a Service Member

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and are going to trial, you’re likely nervous and worried. Criminal lawyers in Daytona Beach are your advocates in the courtroom and are there to protect your interests. Knowing what to expect can help calm your nerves and help you best advocate for yourself.

Florida DUI Cases

Florida DUI cases are handled in two different districts. The criminal case will be heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury.

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you probably had some form of test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) and whether you were intoxicated while driving.

Police have the right to administer these tests under Florida’s Implied Consent Law. If you believe your rights have been violated or this law was misused, then a Daytona Beach DUI attorney can help.

What Is Florida’s Implied Consent Law?