dui defense lawyer florida why do i need a lawyer

Why getting a lawyer is important for a DUI With the serious consequences that can be experienced, Florida residents who have been arrested for drunk driving should contact an attorney for help with a defense. Seeing the flashing lights of a police car in the rear-view mirror is something that can make any Florida resident’s heart rate increase.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI case?

Most DUI cases end with a plea bargain. An attorney's knowledge and skill can certainly come into play in reaching a good deal. But if you want to take your case to trial, you might want an attorney who has a decent amount of trial experience. Free consultations.

Should I hire a private DUI lawyer or a public defender?

Whether you go with a private DUI lawyer or a public defender, you're generally better off with an attorney than you are representing yourself. This article addresses some issues you might want to consider when deciding on your legal representation. Generally, defendants who can't afford an attorney are entitled to court-appointed counsel.

Are there viable defenses to a DUI charge?

So, it's hard for the average person without any legal training or experience to know if there are any viable defenses or ways to minimize the consequences of a DUI arrest. And a mistake or oversight in handling a DUI charge can easily lead to a bad result that could have been avoided.

How do I find a good DUI lawyer?

Of course, there's no perfect formula for finding a good DUI lawyer, but here are some suggestions you might want to consider. Attorneys specializing in DUI law. Plenty of attorneys can represent you in a DUI case. But there are also attorneys who focus on DUI defense.

Why you need a DUI lawyer?

If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), a DUI lawyer will be able to offer you all the legal advice you may need. A DUI lawyer's job is to ensure that the outcome of the settlement or court case goes as much in your favor as it possibly can, by building a strong case in your defense.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Florida?

The cost of a DUI attorney ranges depending on the level of experience, skill, and reputation that an attorney might have. A novice attorney will cost less than one with an established reputation. If your DUI in Florida is a misdemeanor offense, attorney fees will range from around $1,500 to $7,500.

What can I expect from a DUI attorney?

Even if you are convicted of the DUI offense, then still an experienced DUI lawyer can help you to keep the driving license. Advice and Seek Special Court Orders: The advantage of hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is that they know DUI as well as traffic laws in detail.

Can a DUI be dismissed in Florida?

If any of the evidence can be shown as invalid or errors made during your arrest can be proven, the DUI charges against you will be dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense in most circumstances.

Do you need a lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

Seek Legal Counsel: A first-time DUI in Florida is a serious matter. It can make all the difference in your first DUI case to have a Florida licensed attorney—with experience handling DUI defense cases like yours— to stand by your side.

Do first time DUI offenders go to jail in Florida?

Criminal Penalties You May Face for a First-Time DUI Conviction. A conviction for a first-time DUI offense in the state of Florida could cost you as much as $1,000, up to six months in jail, the possibility of losing your driver's licenses for up to six months, and fifty hours of community service.

What does DUI mean in America?

DUIs and DWIs have slightly different meanings: A DUI refers to driving under the influence, while a DWI means driving while intoxicated or impaired. With a DUI, the charge could mean that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Georgia?

Legal fee: Cost $2,000- $25,000. Some lawyers charge as little as $1500 for a quick plea but with so much at stake, many people accused of DUI fight the charge. That's when legal fees start to add up. Fines: Cost $300 - $5000.

How do you beat a DUI in Georgia?

If you want to beat a DUI, you need to remain SILENT.(2) Every Field Sobriety Test Is Voluntary and Optional – Just Say NO. ... (3) In a Georgia DUI, do not blow into the Portable Breathalyzer at the roadway! ... (4) Do not Resist Arrest for a DUI in Georgia. ... (5) You Have No Privacy in a Police Car in the Peach State.

How often do DUI cases go to trial in Florida?

Probably, somewhere around 1 or 2% of cases actually make their way to trial, whereas the vast majority of cases end up in a plea agreement with another small percentage ending in the dismissal of the case in full.

How long can a DUI case stay open in Florida?

According to Florida Statue 316.193, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed. Once you have a conviction it will remain on your record for 75 years. This is much longer than an individual typically remains driving–in theory a DUI will stay on your record forever.

How can I get rid of a DUI in Florida?

To seal or expunge your DUI records, you must first file an application with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. You will need to include items such as your fingerprints, and you will need to get a certified form of disposition of the case from either the court or the law enforcement agency that arrested you.

How long does a DUI attorney have to pay insurance premiums?

Your DUI attorney can also negotiate lesser charges in your case in order to avoid high-risk insurance premiums. These premiums are mandatory for at least three years after receiving a DUI and can have a serious impact on your financial situation.

How long do you have to report a DUI?

As with any criminal case tried in the court system, you will be required to report for probation for at least ninety days if you’re found guilty of a DUI charge. But, a DUI attorney may be able to reduce your charges so that probation is not on the table.

Is driving under the influence illegal?

Driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal . And, if you’re caught you could face jail time and fines, not to mention humility. The best thing you can do to avoid a DUI is to hand over your keys or find a different mode of transportation if you’ve been drinking.

Can you drive after being arrested for DUI?

As soon as you’re arrested for a DUI, your license is immediately restricted until further notice. You won’t be able to drive at all for the period of time which you are going through court proceedings. But, a DUI attorney may be able to get your charges reduced enough so that you can get your license back when the case is over.

What is a panel attorney?

Panel attorneys are private lawyers who are paid by the court to represent indigent criminal defendants.

Can a defendant get enough attention from their attorney?

Defendants often complain about not getting enough attention from their court-appointed attorney. Court-appointed counsel—especially public defenders—are usually very busy. So, it can be difficult for a defendant to get lots of one-on-one time with an appointed attorney.

Can I get an attorney after a DUI?

Whatever your process for finding an attorney, it's important not to delay. Even though your court date might be a ways off, it's often necessary to take immediate action to challenge the DMV's suspension of your license. So, getting in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest is crucial.

Is DUI a complicated case?

However, DUI law is complicated and the facts of every case are different. So, it's hard for the average person without any legal training or experience to know if there are any viable defenses or ways to minimize the consequences of a DUI arrest.

Can a mistake in handling a DUI be avoided?

And a mistake or oversight in handling a DUI charge can easily lead to a bad result that could have been avoided. Whether you go with a private DUI lawyer or a public defender, you're generally better off with an attorney than you are representing yourself.

Do DUI cases end with plea bargains?

Most DUI cases end with a plea bargain. An attorney's knowledge and skill can certainly come into play in reaching a good deal. But if you want to take your case to trial, you might want an attorney who has a decent amount of trial experience. Free consultations.

What happens if a DUI is not on the record?

When the first DUI is not on the record, no hardship hearing will occur. Instead, the hearing officer will check for the driver’s eligibility. If the driver is eligible, the hearing officer will issue a 30-day temporary permit with a C restriction.

How long does a Florida driver's license suspension last?

In Florida, the DHSMV will suspend a driver’s license for one year if the person is accused of fraudulently obtaining a driver’s license. The driver may petition the department for a hearing to determine whether or not fraud has been committed.

What is the hardship hearing in Florida?

Florida Statute Section 322.271 gives the department the authority to conduct your hardship hearing. This hearing allows you and the department an opportunity to evaluate your driving record and to determine whether a hardship license should be granted. Before we begin this hearing, I must place you under oath.

Can you get a hardship license if you have a DUI?

You are not eligible for a hardship license if you have any of the following: a first DUI conviction with two or more prior refusal suspensions under §322.271 (2) (a); a DUBAL or Refusal suspension with two or more DUI convictions under §322.271 (2) (a);

Do I need an attorney to get a hardship license?

Most people do NOT need an attorney to obtain a hardship license. Some people, however, want to hire an experienced attorney to help them through every step of the process. If you need help, call Sammis Law Firm to schedule a consultation. Call (813) 250-0500 today.

Can a Florida driver's license be transferred to another state?

The conviction will go to another state and the driver must deal with the requirements in that state. The conviction will NOT be recorded on the Florida driving record. If a Florida driver’s license has been issued, the conviction should be transfer back through NDR so that no revocation occurs.

Can a driver's license be revoked for any reason?

Any driver whose driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled for any reason, other than those that are statutorily prohibited, and habitual offenders during the first year of their five year revocation may apply immediately to the Department for the modification of the order or the reinstatement of a license.