There can be serious penalties for DUI charges in Florida with consequences that affect you for the rest of your life. The best thing you can do after being arrested for drunk driving is contact an experienced Orlando DUI attorney. Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal driving violations in Florida. More than 30,000 people are arrested for DUI in Florida every year. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, nearly 2,000 people are charged with drunk driving in the Orlando area annually. You may lose your license, face jail time, heavy fines, probation and a criminal record. You need an aggressive defense. Call the Orlando DUI lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm for a free consultation at (407) 349 – 4211.
Is it Smart to get a Lawyer for DUI?
Many of those who were handcuffed and hauled to jail on suspicion of driving under the influence left the courthouse with a DUI conviction on their records. They lost their licenses, paid heavy fines, and some went to jail. But many others who were pulled over on the same suspicions walked out of court as free people with clean records. In Florida overall, the average conviction rate for DUI is about 70%. In greater Orlando, a little more than half of the DUI charges end with convictions.
The best chance to beat a DUI charge is with an experienced and aggressive Orlando DUI lawyer. A drunk driving charge is a criminal offense that calls for a seasoned criminal defense attorney. There are no guarantees, but a good lawyer can make all the difference between turning the corner on a rough patch so you can get on with your life – or winding up living in a nightmare of court dates and a criminal record.
What is the Penalty for a First DUI Conviction in Florida
The penalty for a first DUI conviction in Florida can include:
- A fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000.
- Up to six months in jail.
- Driver’s license suspended up to 1 year.
- Vehicle impoundment
- Probation
- Community Service
Florida DUI penalties increase for repeat offenses, or if there was an accident or injuries, or a death. The Orlando DUI defense attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm can assess your case for free and let you know the best way forward.
Orlando DUI Defense Attorneys Can Help
While a DUI arrest is a traumatic and frightening experience that can leave you feeling desperate about your future, it’s important to know that help is available. An experienced and aggressive Orlando criminal defense lawyer can put things in perspective and help find a way forward. A good DUI attorney knows how to take on a prosecutor’s case and look for ways to challenge and exclude evidence and testimony. Many aspects of a DUI charge arise from an officer’s subjective interpretation of a defendant’s behavior. Did the police have probable cause to pull you over or good reason to search your vehicle? Did the officer read you your rights? Did the prosecutor make mistakes in bringing the case to court?
You have rights, and you can get an aggressive DUI defense lawyer to fight for you. The Orlando DUI lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm will review your case at no charge. Call (407) 349- 4211 for a free consultation.