Category Archives: DUI
What Happens to My Auto Insurance Following a Florida DUI Conviction?
Under Florida’s drunk driving laws, any DUI conviction will lead to the suspension of a defendant’s driver’s license. Indeed, even if a person is charged but never criminally convicted of DUI, they can still face an administrative license suspension of 6 months. This also applies to “implied consent” cases where a driver is lawfully… Read More »
Orange County Jury Convicts Driver in DUI Accident Case
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious matter in Florida. Even a first offense carries the potential for 6 months in jail and a fine of between $500 and $1,000. Of course, those maximums can quickly escalate if a defendant has any prior drunk driving convictions–even outside of Florida–or there is another aggravating… Read More »
Former WWE Star Sentenced to 17.5 Years Following Fatal Volusia County Crash
A Florida DUI charge can quickly escalate due to a number of potential aggravating factors. While most first offenses for drunk driving are misdemeanors in Florida, it is still possible to face a felony charge if one of these factors is present. For example, if your blood alcohol content is 0.15 percent or higher,… Read More »
How Much Probation Time Can I Receive for a Reckless Driving Charge in Florida?
Many Florida criminal cases, particularly those involving misdemeanors, are resolved through a negotiated plea bargain. In exchange for entering a plea of “guilty” or “no contest,” the State Attorney often agrees to a reduced charge and a sentencing recommendation. Ultimately, the trial judge has the final say in whether to approve the plea bargain…. Read More »
Can Florida Police Arrest Me Without a Warrant on Misdemeanor DUI Charges?
In general, a police officer in Florida cannot arrest a person for a misdemeanor offense without first obtaining a warrant. There is an exception for misdemeanors committed in the presence of an officer. An officer attending the scene of a “traffic crash” may also make a warrantless arrest if, based on their investigation, they… Read More »
Do Florida Police Officers Need Consent to Administer Field Sobriety Tests?
When a Florida police officer suspects a person of driving under the influence (DUI), the officer may administer one or more “field sobriety exercises” or FSEs. For example, an officer might ask the driver to touch their finger to their nose or walk heel-to-toe for a specified distance. In theory, an FSE can help… Read More »
Your Guide to Field Sobriety Tests (Field Sobriety Exercises) and DUI Charges in Florida
Were you stopped for a possible DUI in Orlando or elsewhere in the region? If so, you may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. In Florida, field sobriety tests are also often referred to as field sobriety exercises. It is imperative that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Here, our Orlando DUI… Read More »
How Does A Child In A Car Change The Penalties Of A DUI Conviction In Florida?
The best advice when you have had a few too many adult beverages is to play it safe and call a ride. Refraining from drinking and driving keeps you and others near you safe. Plus, you will not have to worry about the legal consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest. A… Read More »
Should You Or Should You Not Participate In A Field Sobriety Exercise In Florida?
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) reported that in 2020, 746 people in the Sunshine State died in car accidents where drugs, alcohol, or both were factors. Despite the fact that the death toll that DUI crashes in Florida caused in 2020 was 33% lower than the previous year, in 2019, FLHSMV is… Read More »
Can You Be Charged With A DUI In Florida Without Driving Your Car?
The state of Florida, like all other states in the nation, has laws that make drunk driving illegal. Being caught, charged, and convicted of drunk driving will have significant penalties and harsh repercussions. Multiple DUIs will increase the severity of these punishments. After an arrest for an alcohol-impaired driving incident, speaking with an attorney… Read More »