Category Archives: DUI Defense
Understanding the 10-Day Rule in Florida: How to Protect Your License After a DUI Charge
If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI, you probably have a lot to worry about. Court dates, fines, and jail time are all on the table. It’s easy to overlook your driver’s license. Under Florida law, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to act before your license is automatically… Read More »
Facing a First-Time DUI—How the Charge Will Impact Your Life and What You Can Do to Improve Your Outcome
If you’ve been arrested for DUI for the first time, you’re probably pretty stressed out about it. The flashing lights, the sobriety tests, and the sound of handcuffs clicking can leave the best of us feeling frightened and uncertain. In Florida, even a first offense for DUI carries serious penalties. These penalties can impact… Read More »
Challenging Breath and Blood Tests in Florida DUI Cases
For many individuals facing a DUI charge in Florida, the breath or blood test feels like a nail in their coffin. If the number is over .08, they assume that the case is already lost. In reality, breath and blood test results are not as ironclad as prosecutors would lead you to believe. Skilled… Read More »
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest in Florida
Anyone who’s been arrested for DUI in Florida knows how stressful and overwhelming it can be. In those first few hours or days, the decisions you make will have a major impact on your driver’s license, your criminal case, and, yes, even your future. Unfortunately, many folks make serious mistakes that can make their… Read More »
Refusing a Breath Test: Consequences, Myths, and Realities in Florida
When an officer of the law pulls you over on suspicion of DUI, one of the very first things they ask is for you to provide a breath sample. For a lot of drivers, this moment can be confusing. Some folks believe that refusing the breath test is the safest choice. Others assume refusal… Read More »
What to Expect from a DUI Trial: From Jury Selection to Verdict
Facing a DUI charge in Florida can feel overwhelming. Many folks hope their case will be resolved before trial. Sometimes, however, a fair plea deal isn’t possible, and going to trial may be your best option. Knowing what to expect from a DUI trial can help reduce uncertainty and prepare you for the process…. Read More »
How to Challenge a DUI Stop: What Counts as Reasonable Suspicion in Florida?
Getting pulled over while driving under the influence is an intimidating experience. But one of the first questions your DUI defense attorney will ask is: Did the officer have a valid reason to stop your vehicle in the first place? Under Florida law, officers are not allowed to pull you over just because they… Read More »
State of Florida versus Geiss: Does the State Need a Warrant for a Blood Draw?
On September 5, 2009, Gregory Geiss was pulled over for “failing to maintain a single lane.” In other words, he was weaving out of his lane. He was pulled over by police and refused to perform any field sobriety tests, as is his right under Florida law. But he also refused to take a… Read More »
Velazco v. The State of Florida: Does Double Jeopardy Apply to DUI Charges?
Can you be charged and convicted with two DUI crimes at the same time? For example, can you be convicted of DUI causing serious bodily injury and DUI causing property damage at the same time? Under Florida law, DUI charges are a matter of degree. You have simple DUI charges, aggravated DUI charges, DUI… Read More »
Can You Be Charged with Both Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter at the Same Time?
This is an important question under Florida law. The defendant, Alex D. Goodwin, was convicted of both vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter stemming from a single fatal incident. These are two very serious crimes that come with mandatory minimum prison time. In the case of Goodwin, the state charged and convicted the defendant of… Read More »
