Pompano Beach DUI Lawyer

Pompano Beach DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI or drug crime arrest is an overwhelming and traumatizing experience, and it can be difficult to know how to proceed. A Pompano Beach DUI lawyer from Demmery Law, PLLC, is here to help you understand your legal protections and options as you move forward in your DUI case.

A DUI charge can have long-lasting impacts on your life, whether that is due to associated fines, jail time, and license suspension, or personal and social consequences such as loss of freedom due to the license suspension, job loss, career limitations, the creation of a criminal record, and other repercussions. Due to the far-reaching ramifications that a DUI can have on your life, it is essential that you take action while you can to protect yourself.

What Is the DUI Process in Pompano Beach, FL

In Pompano Beach the DUI process, from the initial traffic stop to sentencing, follows a general process that involves many steps. While the specific process can vary by case, below is a general overview of the typical DUI process to give you insight as you prepare:

• Initial Traffic Stop: The DUI process often begins when law enforcement pulls over a driver they suspect of impaired driving. This can be for several reasons: speeding, swerving, running a red light, erratic driving, and other traffic violations.
• Tests: If an officer suspects intoxication through slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol, and other signs, they may perform a series of tests. Common sobriety tests include the walk-and-turn and the one-leg stand. In many jurisdictions, agreeing to field sobriety tests is voluntary. The officer may also request a preliminary breath test using a handheld breathalyzer to determine the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
• Arrest: If the officer has probable cause to believe the driver is impaired based on their testing and observations, the driver can get arrested for DUI and read the driver their Miranda rights, which details the driver’s right to remain silent and their right to an attorney.
• Booking and Chemical Testing: The driver is then taken to the police station, where they are “booked,” meaning their personal information, fingerprints, and photographs are taken. Once at the police station, the driver may be asked to take an official chemical test, and if their BAC is over the legal limit, the DMV may suspend the driver’s license.
• Release From Custody: The driver will then be released from the police station and given a court date for their arraignment.
• Arraignment: The arraignment is the first court appearance where the driver is formally charged with DUI. Generally, the judge will read the formal charges and ask if the driver is pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Depending on how the driver pleads, the court will then schedule a future date for either a pretrial hearing or a trial.
• Pretrial Hearing or Plea Bargain: If the driver pleads not guilty, their attorney will review evidence to assess if there are available legal defenses they can apply to their client’s case. This is also the time that a plea deal can be bargained with the prosecutor.
• Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case will proceed to trial with either a jury or bench trial. During trial, both the prosecution and defense will present their case, and a judge or jury will determine a verdict.
• Sentencing: If the driver is found guilty, the judge will then detail the penalties. These penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, revocation, probation, community service, and other consequences.
• Post-Conviction: If the driver is convicted, they may have the ability to appeal the verdict or sentencing. The appeal must be to challenge any procedural errors or lead rulings that were made during the trial.

The DUI process can be a complex legal journey and requires the careful care of an experienced DUI lawyer.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: How much a DUI lawyer costs in Florida depends on several factors that can be unique to each individual case. Lawyers’ costs can be impacted by fee structures, the experience level and reputation of the lawyer, jurisdiction requirements, the nature of the case, the timeline of the case, and other related factors. Speak with your lawyer to understand the financial expectations of your specific case.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

A: Yes, you should get a lawyer for a DUI in Florida. While working with a lawyer is not necessarily a legal requirement, it can be advantageous due to the complex legal landscape that can impact your case and the long-term consequences that a DUI can have on your life. Speak with a trusted lawyer as soon as possible to learn your legal options.

Q: How Can I Get a DUI Dropped in Florida?

A: To get a DUI dropped in Florida, it is key to get the support of an experienced DUI lawyer who can review your case and identify any potential weaknesses in the evidence against you or in law enforcement practices to challenge your charge. DUI cases are complex, making it essential to get the support of a trusted lawyer, no matter your goal.

Q: What Is a DUI Arraignment?

A: A DUI arraignment is the first court appearance that is required after a DUI arrest when an individual is formally charged and asked to enter a plea. It is essential to understand your rights going into an arraignment and understand that how you handle the arraignment can significantly impact the outcome of your DUI case.

Speak With a Trusted Pompano Beach DUI Lawyer as Soon as Possible

At Demmery Law, PLLC, we understand just how scary it can be to navigate the aftermath of a DUI arrest, and we are here to help support you at this time. By offering you high-quality legal advice and representation, we can work together to find a way forward that you are comfortable with. Reach out today and set up a consultation so we can begin protecting you and minimizing the fallout of this event.