The Penalties of Driving Under the Influence in Florida
Driving under the influence is a very serious charge, and the best thing to do is hire a Miami DUI lawyer to help you through the difficult situation. It is very important to be aware of the severe penalties that you can receive when charged with driving under the influence.
Penalties and Consequences
Several people are aware and understand that a suspended driver’s license is the first punishment one can receive when receiving a DUI, but there are several others as well.
1. Suspended drivers license: A license is suspended for up to one year. Under some circumstances the license can be revoked which means permanent loss. Many times a suspension can occur if the intoxicated individual refuses to take a breathalyzer or blood test.
2. Expensive fines: A fine for driving under the influence can be up to thousands of dollars. A Miami DUI defense attorney will walk you through the process of adding up the fines and help you find the best option available. The fees can come from attorneys, court costs, impoundment fees, etc.
3. Mandatory minimum penalties: This penalty is for those drivers who refuse to blow a breathalyzer or participate in drawing blood. It is also for those individuals with a blood alcohol content that is over the legal limit.
4. Community service: Hours of community service are mandatory if convicted of a DUI. Some jobs require clean driving records, so it can be difficult to get a driving job with a DUI on your record. If drugs were involved in the crime, then permanent vehicle loss is very possible.
5. Civil liability: If there was damage to another person or his or her property, then you may be placed under prosecution.
6. Ignition Interlock Installation: This device is attached to the convicted driver’s vehicle. Before the vehicle starts, the convicted driver must blow the breathalyzer and pass.
Miami DUI defense attorneys help clients understand his or her options of the crime. It is also a law that a driver cannot have any open containers in the vehicle.
Hiring a Miami DUI Lawyer
The first thing to do if you violate a driving law is hire an experienced Miami DUI attorney to help with all of the ins and outs. The prosecution has to, in fact, prove that you were the one in the car at the time of the crime, and you were intoxicated above the legal limit. The officer can prove this by giving you a breathalyzer or other field sobriety tests. A Miami criminal defense lawyer can also help your case if the officer that pulled you over had no probable cause to stop the vehicle.
It is the officer’s duty, as well, to read you your Implied Consent Laws and Miranda Rights. An attorney will do everything they can to help his or her client receive the lightest punishment. It is definitely a bonus if a blood test comes back negative as well as any other chemical tests. If you are ever in the position of being charged with a DUI, then hire the best Miami DUI lawyer that can be found. Call (305) 571-9800 to speak immediately to a Miami DUI lawyer.
