DUI Defense Lawyer Tampa, FL
Most people acknowledge that driving and driving is dangerous, but every year, thousands of people have a lapse in judgment and are arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Florida. The consequences of a DUI charge go beyond jail time and fines. If you’re convicted, you could lose your driver’s license or see your job in jeopardy, especially if you depend on a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) for work. Potential employers may also view you differently with a DUI charge on your record.
At Stechschulte Nell, we believe everyone makes mistakes and is entitled to vigorously defend their legal rights. We support your interests and strive for the best possible outcome for a DUI case. Perhaps you were a victim of an unlawful stop, or perhaps the sobriety test wasn’t properly administered, and you were wrongfully charged. We explore every option in your situation and can protect your interests from start to finish. Contact us today for a consultation with a skilled Tampa, FL, DUI defense lawyer.
What Does A Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer Do?
Our DUI/ DWI defense attorneys defend your rights and freedom after a drinking and driving charge. We help you understand the laws that apply in your case and potential penalties if you’re found guilty. We also explore alternative sentencing options that can keep you out of jail and preserve your driving privileges.
As your legal representative, we are committed to providing a vigorous defense. We investigate your traffic stop and review that and any sobriety testing (including breathalyzers and field sobriety tests) that was administered, ensuring that your rights weren’t violated in the process.
We also inform you about what to expect in each stage of the legal process and make recommendations to help you make good decisions in your case.
Florida DUI Laws And Your Arrest
In Florida, someone can receive a DUI conviction if it can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher and that they were in physical control or operating a motor vehicle. In fact, you don’t even have to be driving to get a drunk driving charge! All the arresting officer has to assert is that you were in control of the vehicle. You may have been pulled over, waiting for someone to pick you up, or “sleeping it off.”
Florida also has strict penalties for people convicted of boating under the influence of alcohol, DUI-related manslaughter charges, and operating a commercial vehicle (CDL DUI charges). Our team of talented attorneys can help in any case wherein you were accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
You Only Have 10 Days To Save Your License – We Can Help
After an arrest, the DUI charge is reported to the DHSMV, which issues an administrative suspension of your license. You only have 10 days to contest this suspension by petitioning for a formal review hearing. This is just one of the reasons it’s so important to call Stechschulte Nell as soon as you’ve been charged – we know the deadlines, what to file and when, and the right way to present your petition and preserve your license. We also strive to protect your freedom – call us today to learn more about how a Tampa DUI defense lawyer can help you!