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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most common considerations defendants have when facing a DUI is how long the legal process will take. The answer is the timeline can vary depending on different factors, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The cost of a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale varies depending on the aspects of your case. Factors influencing cost can include:
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.
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.
A strong defense requires a thorough investigation. Our skilled team can:
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.
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.
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.
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.