What Happens When an Out-of-State Driver Gets a DUI in Florida?
The State of Florida draws in millions of tourists each year, as well as business travelers. Sadly, some folks find themselves in trouble during their vacation. An arrest in another state for DUI can cause major problems. You may not be able to legally drive back home. If you’re from out of state and you’ve been arrested in Florida, you will need to face the charges here. It will help to have an experienced Orlando DUI attorney manage your case.
Florida DUI laws apply to visitors
Drivers from other states are held to the same DUI laws as Florida drivers. If law enforcement feels that the driver is intoxicated because of alcohol consumption or drugs, they will be able to arrest the person, whether or not they’re a resident of Florida.
Penalties include:
- Fine
- Probation
- License suspension
- DUI classes
- Community service
- Potential jail time
The residency of the driver does not change anything.
Your home state will learn about the arrest
Most states belong to the Driver License Compact. Information is exchanged between states concerning traffic violations and DUI. Hence, there could be an instance where a DUI conviction in Florida gets recorded on the license of your home state.
This could mean that there might be further punishments for DUI convictions in accordance with the laws of the state where the person lives once they go back home.
Different states handle different cases differently.
You may need to appear in a Florida court
Sometimes, people who have been charged out of state think that all they need to do is go home and leave their troubles behind. That’s simply not how the law works. If you miss your court date, you can expect:
- To be under an arrest warrant
- To face other criminal accusations
- To have their driving privileges revoked
- To encounter troubles obtaining a driver’s license
In some DUIs, a person’s lawyer can attend court for him or her. However, whether it is possible or not would depend on the circumstances.
Defending an out-of-state DUI charge
Problems associated with out-of-state DUI convictions include difficulties in coordinating trips, communicating with courts in another jurisdiction, and dealing with consequences from both Florida and their home state.
It is best to hire a Florida DUI lawyer who will consider the following factors:
- Was the traffic stop legal?
- Were the sobriety tests administered correctly?
- Did the chemical tests follow all required protocols?
- Did the officer have probable cause to make an arrest?
Sometimes, the flaws in the presented evidence might serve to your advantage.
Talk to an Orlando, FL, DUI Lawyer Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of out-of-state drivers who are facing DUI charges in Florida. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your defense strategy today.
