Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney

Any arrest can be a stressful experience, but drunk driving can be especially devastating. As a DUI offender, you could face severe consequences that impact your driving privileges, finances, and future employment.

The gravity of these cases is significant, and creating a strong defense requires extensive experience with the legal system. At Demmery Law, PLLC, our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can help protect your rights and freedoms.

A DUI occurs when someone is driving or in actual control of a vehicle while under the influence. An example is an intoxicated person sitting in the driver’s seat with the car running. In this situation, a court could consider them in actual control of the vehicle, while someone outside the car or in a passenger seat would not be charged with a DUI. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you understand the nuances of DUI charges and how to protect your rights.

Like in many states, you can receive a DUI based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) or impaired faculties.

Legally Under the Influence

While an officer can legally arrest anyone driving seemingly impaired, a designation of legally under the influence results from a BAC level. BAC levels must be under the legal limit to pass a BAC test. However, an officer cannot ask you to take a breathalyzer test unless you have already been arrested.

Driving With Impaired Faculties

You could also receive a DUI by being affected by alcohol or any other controlled substance, which makes you drive differently than you normally would. Driving with impaired faculties is a subjective standard that some believe helps officers keep impaired drivers off of the road to protect others. Florida has an extensive list of controlled substances applicable to this designation.

How a DUI Can Impact Your Life

While some people believe DUI charges will only be temporary setbacks, a criminal conviction like this can carry significant consequences that change your life forever. Potential repercussions can include effects ranging from court-mandated ignition interlock devices to societal implications.

Losing Your Driving Privileges

Depending on the factors of your case, you could face the suspension or revocation of your license. The amount of time for which your license will be suspended or revoked can differ. Some cases can end in the permanent loss of driving privileges.

Losing a license can significantly disrupt your routine. Having the option to get to work, run errands, take children to activities, or maintain independence on your own terms can be invaluable. Relying on public transportation, ridesharing apps, taxis, or friends and family for rides can become inconvenient and more expensive.

Bearing Immense Financial Burdens

DUI convictions can result in significant fines, depending on the case details. A first offense could result in fines of $500 to $1,000. Fees for legal proceedings can add to the financial burden. Additionally, outside of court-mandated costs, DUI convictions can increase car insurance premiums, making it more expensive to own a vehicle. In some cases, insurance providers can even drop you from your plan altogether.

Facing Employment Challenges

Employers who conduct background checks in the hiring process can see DUIs on an offender’s record. DUIs can make it challenging to find a job, especially when professions require driving or clean criminal records. Although DUIs are relatively common crimes, convictions can limit your career opportunities and earning potential.

Living With Social Stigma

Even if you avoid the most severe penalties possible, the public knowledge of a DUI can carry social stigma. After a conviction, it can be impossible to determine how society views you. Facing judgment from friends, family, or colleagues can be emotionally stressful and, for many people, can decrease their quality of life.

Serving Potential Jail Time

The most severe DUI cases can result in jail time. Time in jail can lead to job loss, relationship strain, and other long-term consequences.

Understanding DUI Case Timelines in Fort Lauderdale, FL

One of the most common considerations defendants have when facing a DUI case in Fort Lauderdale, FL is how long the legal process will take. The answer is the timeline can vary depending on different factors, including:

Case Complexity

The complexity of a DUI case is a significant factor in determining the timeline. Straightforward cases can often be resolved quickly. Quicker cases may involve first-time DUIs, low blood alcohol content levels, and minimal evidence. Often, cases with less complexity can result in plea bargains or case dismissals.

More complex cases can include elements such as:

• Witness inconsistencies
• Breathalyzer malfunctions
• Traffic stop illegalities
• Prior DUI offenses

Complexities can extend a case’s timeline while an attorney investigates the details, gathers evidence, and attempts to file motions to suppress evidence. The necessary back-and-forth process can add months to a case before a resolution is reached.

Seeking a Plea Bargain

Plea bargains require negotiation with prosecutors. This process can take additional time due to the discussions needed to finalize agreements before settling the case. While negotiations could lead to a quicker resolution overall, they can add further complexity to DUI case timelines.

The Trial Process

If a DUI case goes to trial, the defendant can expect their timeline to lengthen. Depending on the court and existing backlogs, the system can schedule trials far in advance, and court proceedings can vary in length. The trial process can be drawn out and stressful. In these situations, it is essential to have a skilled DUI attorney to help navigate the complexities of trial.

While predicting an exact timeline is challenging, understanding key factors contributing to case length can help you manage your expectations.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Fort Lauderdale?

The cost of a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale varies depending on the aspects of your case. Factors influencing cost can include:

• The severity of your offense. A DUI with a high BAC level, property damage, or aggravating factors can cost more to defend against. First-time DUI offenses with low BAC levels could cost much less.
• Your attorney’s experience. While some attorneys may have lower costs than others, you should pay attention to the experience level of the lawyer you select. An attorney with more experience can have more insight into the Florida DUI system. This insight can be invaluable when advocating for your optimal outcome.
• Case complexities. Cases involving intricate legal issues may require extensive investigation. Longer and more detailed investigations will likely be more expensive.

Do You Need an Attorney for a DUI in Fort Lauderdale ?

It is essential to have a lawyer in every DUI case. At Demmery Law, PLLC, we understand Fort Lauderdale DUI law and the potential consequences you face. Our comprehensive services can help you through your challenging situation. Achieving the optimal outcome on your behalf is our priority.

Initial Consultations

Our team provides open communication and support throughout the legal process. During your initial consultation, we can maintain a safe and judgment-free environment, answer all your questions, and help you understand potential strategies. These meetings can give you confidence about your case, knowing we can provide invaluable guidance.

Thorough Investigations

A strong defense requires a thorough investigation. Our skilled team can:

• Review police evidence. We can comb through police reports, body cam footage, and witness statements. We can seek to dismiss or prohibit the prosecution’s evidence from reaching the court if it is irrelevant, incompetent, or illegally collected.
• Consult with experts. When necessary, we can consult with professionals in fields like breathalyzer technology to gather additional insights for your defense. Finding that an officer used a malfunctioning breathalyzer test or improperly administered yours can help us deny the results.
• Examine improper traffic stops. Many officers can conduct traffic stops without probable cause. Discovering a lack of probable cause in your case can allow for the suppression of the officer’s evidence obtained during your stop.
• Identify rights violations. Although law enforcement officers have specific procedures to follow during DUI arrests and investigations, many can fall short of the law. We can determine whether officers violated your rights. If we find that they did, we can seek a dismissal of your case.

Challenging Your License Suspension at a Formal Review Hearing

At Demmery Law, our Fort Lauderdale attorney is adamant about the importance of requesting a formal review hearing to challenge the DUI administrative suspension as opposed to waiting 10 days and getting a hardship license.

This part of the process is often pivotal in the overall case and is something we have a great deal of experience and success with. The information collected during this hearing can be instrumental in benefiting your criminal case.

The location of the Fort Lauderdale Bureau of Administrative Review Office is at 3718-3 W W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311.

We issue a subpoena to every witness mentioned in the relevant documents, except in cases where it is tactically advantageous not to do so. Prior to the hearing, we conduct a comprehensive examination of the DMV’s files, the discovery materials from the State Attorney’s Office, and any video recordings that may pertain to the case.

Negotiating With Prosecutors

Often, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor for the most favorable outcome. We can work diligently on your behalf to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges or alternative sentencing options. If our team believes there is a high chance of conviction, we can pursue DUI programs or community service sentences to minimize other consequences.

Presenting a compelling argument can involve balancing our Florida DUI knowledge with the strengths of your case. During negotiations, we can inform you of any developments and ensure you understand the agreements before deciding.

Court Representation

You can be confident that our skilled legal team can fervently represent you in court. We can develop a comprehensive defense strategy if your case goes to trial. Presenting your case clearly and professionally is vital to advocating for your rights, and introducing reasonable doubt of your guilt is our priority.

Get Help with Your Fort Lauderdale DUI Case Today

If an officer arrests you for a DUI in Fort Lauderdale, please call our skilled legal team. We are here to guide you during this challenging time. We can fight for the ideal outcome in your case and protect your rights. Contact Demmery Law, PLLC, today.