Coral Gables DUI Defense Attorney
While it is common knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious crime in the state of Florida, tens of thousands of people are arrested every year and accused of driving while impaired. Florida’s DUI statute prohibits driving with a blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of more than 0.08, as well as driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired. As a result of this law, people whose blood or alcohol level is less than 0.08 can actually be arrested for DUI if the officer who pulls them over believes that they are sufficiently impaired, regardless of their breathalyzer results. Contact our Coral Gables DUI defense attorneys for more information.
Fortunately, in many cases, an experienced Coral Gables DUI defense lawyer can help individuals who have been accused of DUI avoid the potentially serious consequences that come with a DUI conviction and may even be able to have the case against you completely dismissed.
Potential consequences of a Florida DUI
The state of Florida has significantly increased the penalties associated with DUI, even for first-time offenders. Some of the potential consequences include the following:
- The suspension of your driver’s license;
- The installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and all associated costs;
- Significant fines;
- Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling;
- Community service;
- 10-day impoundment of your vehicle; and
- Jail time.
These penalties can significantly affect your ability to get from place to place and may even make it impossible to keep your current job. In addition to these consequences imposed by the state, a DUI conviction on your record can result in difficulty obtaining employment, sanctions imposed by your employer or educational institution, issues obtaining professional licenses, and damage to your reputation in the community.
What defenses are available in a DUI case?
In order to convict a person of DUI, the state must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, there are often many legal defenses available to people who have been accused of DUI, including the following:
- Arguing that the initial stop was unjustified;
- Impeaching the credibility of the officer who investigated your case;
- Arguing that the breathalyzer device was improperly calibrated;
- Calling attention to the fact that the officer who administered the breathalyzer test was not adequately trained in using the device; and
- Introducing evidence that any signs of impairment were actually the result of a medical condition.
Which, if any, of these defenses apply in your DUI depends on the circumstances of your situation, so it is important to have a qualified DUI defense lawyer review your case as soon as possible.
Contact a Miami and Coral Gables DUI attorney today to discuss your case
A Florida DUI conviction can result in significant legal and collateral consequences that can affect you for years. It is extremely important, therefore, for anyone who has been accused of DUI to call a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest occurs. To schedule a free consultation with experienced and skilled Coral Gables DUI defense attorney Alfredo A. Izaguirre, please call our office today at 305-442-0425.
