Multiple DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
The charge of driving under the influence is not limited to just alcohol. Illicit drugs, and in some cases, even prescription medication can cause sufficient impairment to warrant a DUI charge.
While a first DUI offense is a misdemeanor, multiple offenses can be classified as felony charges which potentially carry long prison terms. As you can see, the repercussions can be severe, and certainly life-altering. You need an experienced attorney by your side.
How Multiple Offenses Differ From a First
In the state of Florida, if you receive three DUI charges within any ten-year period, the most recent charge will become a felony. Plus, a fourth offense will automatically be a felony, no matter how long ago the others occurred. Other important points regarding multiple DUI charges include:
- You must enroll in a substance abuse course
- You must enroll in monthly-reporting probation
- A second offense within five years of the first will result in a 30-day vehicle impoundment
If you have received one or more DUI charges, call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney.
The Penalties For A Second DUI Conviction
Any DUI charge is serious, but the penalties become more significant with each conviction. In Florida, a driver can get a DUI while driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher. In cases when the intoxicating substance is something other than alcohol, an arresting officer has the discretion of evaluating whether the driver is “deprived of [his or her] full possession of normal faculties.” Consequently, the driver can be deemed as driving under the influence.
A second DUI offense carries penalties of up to nine months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. If the second DUI occurs within five years of the first conviction, the judge must order a mandatory sentence of 10 days in jail and a 30-day vehicle impoundment. If one of the passengers is a minor with a blood-alcohol content level of .15% or higher, you could face up to one year in jail and fines between $2,000 and $4,000.
The Penalties For A Third DUI Conviction And Beyond
Florida law states that a third offense is a felony if it occurs within 10 years of the last instance. You could face up to 12 months in jail, pay up to $5,000 in fines, and lose your license for as long as one year. Any subsequent DUI will automatically be a felony regardless of the elapsed time. You may also be required to submit to drug monitoring on your third DUI offense and beyond.
The Law Offices of R. David Williams will work hard to ensure your rights are upheld throughout every step of the process. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced DUI attorney.
Suppression Defense
One possible defense option is to file a Motion to Suppress. With this defense, your lawyer will request that the court excludes incriminating evidence against you. This can include mistakes and improper procedures by the arresting officer during the administering of the blood, urine, or breath test. Another common tactic is for the defense attorney to challenge and negate specific details of the DUI charge. In any case, you need to hire a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer who is familiar with local legisltation.
What To Expect From Your Attorney?
The Law Offices of R. David Williams will take your case seriously, and give it the individualized attention it needs. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer will explore every possible defense. Regardless of the particular circumstances of your case, it is imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Take the first step today and call us to schedule a free consultation, so that we may begin building your defense strategy.