Tampa & Clearwater DUI Lawyer

In every state, it is considered a crime for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Most states have a limit as to what they consider acceptable. In Florida, like the majority of states, that number is .08 BAC (blood alcohol content). Also in Florida, there are two cases that arise due to an arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. There is the standard court case where fines and jail time can be assigned; however, there is also the case that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) brings against you. The FDHSMV will try to take away an individuals license.

When stopped for suspicion of drunk driving, if an individual has a higher BAC than .08 or refuses to take a blood, breath, or urine test, they then have 10 days to schedule a hearing with the FDHSMV to save their driver's license. Failure to request this hearing will result in a license suspension that is, at a minimum, 6 months long. The maximum allowed by law is 18 months.

DUI can be proven in Florida in two ways. The first is by judging the impairment of normal faculties of the driver. These normal faculties include walking and talking. Also, an unlawful BAC can be used. The penalties for a conviction are the same regardless of which manner of proof is used. These penalties include escalating jail sentences and fines based on the number of convictions as well as administrative license suspensions that come from the court. The FDHSMV can suspend an individual's license in addition to the time given by the court.

If you or someone you know is in need of a Tampa & Clearwater DUI lawyer, contact the Law Office of Tragos & Sartes, P.L.