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Dui Defense

An arrest for driving under the influence can affect your life

Many individuals do not consider driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (DUI) to be a significant offense. It does not require any criminal intent and happens to many people regardless of age or demographic. Nevertheless, DUI penalties are serious and a DUI offence appears on employment background checks for the rest of that person’s life.

An attorney well versed in DUI law in Florida can help make sure this does not happen. Scott F. Kotler, P.A. focuses on criminal law in Southern Florida. As a prosecutor and a defense attorney with decades of experience, I have seen countless DUI cases. I know the technical aspect of the law that make a difference in a case.

What are the first-time DUI penalties in Florida?

It is easy to get arrested for DUI in Florida. The minimum threshold blood alcohol content is .08 percent, which requires only a small amount of consumption for most people. That minimum drops to .04 for commercial vehicle drivers and only .02 for people under the age of 21.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Florida, do not the the charge lightly.

Maximum penalties for a first offense include:

  • Nine months in jail
  • @2000 in fines
  • A suspended license for 180 days to one year
  • An ignition interlock device that can shut down your vehicle
  • The impoundment of your vehicle for ten days
  • A required course on DUI information
  • 50 hours of community service
  • Therapy sessions at your own expense

The loss of driving privileges, potential jail time and thousands of dollars in fines can be devastating to those who need their vehicle to commute to work. Significant jail time, loss of income and a criminal record can cripple a person’s future job prospects.

Florida police issue many DUI citations every year

According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, there were more than 55,000 DUI citations in the state, resulting in 33,000 actual convictions in 2011. Miami-Dade and Broward were among the top ten countless for DUI, with 2,274 DUI convictions in Miami-Dade and 985 in Broward.

However, there are defenses to DUI charges, especially those that resulted from a vehicle stop at a checkpoint. Police are allowed to stop vehicles at checkpoints in a random manner only, and a request to test a driver for alcohol consumption must be based on a reasonable suspicion. these and other requirements are extremely important, and if officers did not follow them precisely, the court may dismiss the charges. Speak to a DUI lawyer serving Miami to know more about your chances for a dismissal or reduction of your charges.

Call my office today to schedule a free initial consultation about DUI charges

DUI citations are serious, but a skilled attorney may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Scott F. Kotler, P.A. represents residents of Miami-Dade, Broward and surrounding counties. I have practiced criminal law in Florida since 1987, and have seen every sort of case. If you face DUI charges, contact my office at 305-804-2436 or online to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Are The Different Types of DUI?

There are different types of DUI (driving under the influence) offenses, each with different levels of severity. The most common type of DUI offense is a “per se” DUI, which occurs when someone drives with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit. Generally speaking, this is 0.08% in all 50 states. Another type of DUI offense is a “zero tolerance” DUI, which applies to drivers under the legal drinking age of 21, who have any presence of alcohol in their systems while driving. A third type of DUI offense is an “aggravated” DUI, which occurs when someone drives with a BAC that significantly exceeds the legal limit, typically registering at 0.15%. Aggravated DUIs are considered more serious and can hold harsher penalties than regular DUI offenses. Finally, a “drug-related” DUI is when someone drives under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. Every state has different laws in regards to drug-related DUIs, so it’s important to look up your state’s specific laws. All types of DUIs can lead to severe consequences if convicted, such as jail time, fines, license suspension or revocation, and more. Therefore, it is important to be aware of different types of DUI offenses and the potential punishments that come with them.

No matter what type of DUI offense you have been arrested for, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and build an effective defense. If you have been charged with DUI, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help reduce or dismiss your charges, as well as ensure that you receive a fair trial.

Remember, different types of DUI offenses can hold different levels of severity, so it is important to be aware of the laws in your state and how they may apply to your case. If you are facing any type of DUI charge, seek experienced legal counsel to help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

I Received a Dui, Now Whats Next?

Once you receive a DUI charge, taking the necessary steps as soon as possible is essential. These steps may vary depending on the severity of your offense and the laws in your state. Generally speaking, here are some of the following steps:

1. Seek legal advice: It is essential to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will help you understand the next steps in your case and the options available to limit any potential penalties or consequences.

2. Attend court proceedings: After a DUI charge, you may be required to attend court hearings to enter a plea and address the charges against you. It is essential to follow all instructions from the judge and court staff to ensure that your case is appropriately addressed.

3. Pay fines: Depending on the severity of your offense, you may be required to pay fines or other penalties. It is essential to research the laws in your state regarding DUI offenses to know precisely what you might have to pay for the charge.

4. Consider rehabilitation: If you receive a DUI charge, it may be beneficial to consider enrolling in a rehabilitation program for alcohol abuse. This can help prove that you are taking responsibility for your actions and show the court that you are committed to making positive changes in your life.

By understanding the next steps after a DUI charge, you can be prepared to face the legal consequences of your offense. Always seek advice from a qualified criminal defense lawyer and follow all court instructions carefully. Additionally, investing in rehabilitation programs or other services to help you with alcohol abuse can show that you are taking steps to make positive changes in your life.

In conclusion, the next steps after a DUI charge are to seek legal counsel, attend court proceedings, pay fines if necessary, and consider rehabilitation services. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your case is adequately addressed and take action to lessen potential penalties or consequences. Attorney Scott Kotler has excellent results and is passionate in this area.

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  • Miami Office
    420 SW 7th St
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    Miami, Florida 33130
    Phone: 305-804-2436
    Fax: 866-805-1566
Se Habla Español We speak Russian, Ukrainian, and Slovak We can make a payment plan
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I dont want to go too much into detail, but due to a misunderstanding I was facing serious child neglect charges. Mr. Kotler was able to explain my situation to the State Attorney who was able to dismiss the case. I really appreciate all his help. - a Criminal Defense client (5 star review)
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