On average, five people are arrested for a driving under the influence (DUI) in Broward County every day. Law enforcement detained over 1,900 people in the County on DUI charges in 2015, making it a common offense. While the risks associated with DUI have been widely publicized, Florida drivers continue to find themselves facing DUI charges. The causes for this are as varied and unique as the people of the state themselves.
Many times, good people simply make mistakes—they didn’t realize they were just above the legal limit for blood alcohol level, or they did not have another ride, or any number of other reasons or even desperations put them behind the wheel.
Have you been charged with a DUI offense in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?
You may be pondering the consequences that come with your charge. At Rossen Law Firm, our expert defense attorneys don’t just try to resolve your DUI charge, we aim for case dismissals so you can go on with your life without a DUI conviction that could lead to damage in your professional and personal life. We’re here to help you during this difficult time and we promise to fight hard for your reputation and freedom. We understand this is a stressful and uncertain time, and you likely have many questions running through your mind. If you’d like to learn more before giving a South Florida DUI lawyer a call, check out our DUI FAQs for some answers.
As a seasoned local lawyer can explain, a DUI crime is committed when an individual is unlawfully under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving a vehicle or is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs while in physical control of a motor vehicle. What categorizes driving under the influence as unlawful is the breath or blood alcohol level you have at the time of your arrest.
In Florida, and across the country, a driver is considered impaired when his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) level is .08 percent or higher. It’s even possible to be charged with a DUI even at a lower BAC if a person is significantly impaired. Law enforcement determines a person’s level of impairment through a number of tests, including:
The Florida Statute defines Driving under the Influence of Alcohol as the illegal act of driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle when under the influence of alcoholic beverages resulting in impairment to someone’s normal abilities and they have reached a breath or blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 or more. When a person is in actual physical control, they must be physically on a motorcycle, bicycle, car, or any other vehicle and have the capability to operate it regardless of whether or not the person is actually operating or running the vehicle at the time (for example, this could mean getting a DUI while sleeping in your car).
In Florida and all 49 other states, Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense. The level of charge depends on the number of prior DUI convictions you have and whether the DUI resulted in property damage, death or serious bodily injury. Florida takes the DUI offenses particularly seriously which means that a DUI conviction could possibly ruin your professional and personal life. If you have been arrested for a DUI it is important that you contact an experienced South Florida DUI defense attorney so they may represent you and work towards avoiding jail time and serious fines.
A First DUI conviction (without property damage or death or injury) is a second-degree misdemeanor. A DUI second-degree misdemeanor carries consequences of up to 6 months in jail, and a minimum fine of $500 and no more than $1,000.
A DUI manslaughter charge is a second-degree felony in Florida and carries consequences of up to 15 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. A person who is convicted of DUI manslaughter will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 4 years.
DUI penalties vary depending on factors unique to your case, and whether it is your first, second, third, or fourth DUI offense in Florida. In addition to possible jail time and fines, a DUI conviction can result in your vehicle being impounded, having ignition interlock devices placed in your vehicle, license suspension, probation, and hardship licenses.
Florida imposes harsh penalties on those convicted of impaired driving, even first-time offenders. The consequences can include:
DUI conviction penalties can be felt in your personal, professional, and financial life. A conviction can cause personal embarrassment, difficulty finding or maintaining employment, financial hardship, have consequences on your professional license, and more.
Regardless if it is your first or fourth DUI charge, it is important that you find an experienced DUI defense attorney to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Not every defense attorney or law firm has the legal experience and training necessary to defeat a DUI charge.
The good people of South Florida need a DUI lawyer they can rely on. At Rossen Law Firm, Adam Rossen and Manny Serra-Jovenich provide personalized service and aggressive representation to help minimize the negative consequences of a DUI charge. Adam, a former prosecutor, and Manny, a former public defender, have unique insights into the legal system and a wide range of experience to help clients anticipate their legal issues and address them effectively.
Rossen Law Firm has years of experience in dealing with all types of DUI charges. We have mastered the defenses to conquer your charges. We are attorneys who have your best interest at heart and we are dedicated to providing our clients with successful results. If you are facing a new DUI charge, call our office in Fort Lauderdale today. We will immediately begin pursuing a DUI case dismissal and collect all evidence that the State has against you to begin forming a master plan to win immediately.
We’ve successfully handled a variety of DUI charges and cases and are confident we can give you the results and aggressive defense you deserve and need to protect your liberty. We offer a FREE strategy session to new clients interested in discussing the details of their case so you know how we plan to get the best possible outcome for you and your case.
Adam and Manny understand that bad things sometimes happen to good people. Rossen Law Firm helps people facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and all South Florida by offering information and solutions. At the free strategy sessions, Rossen Law Firm takes the time to make sure you fully understand all your rights so you can decide together how to best move forward to meet your goals. Our dedication to service and aggressive representation have helped many clients just like you. Take a moment to see what those clients have to say about their experiences, and then call our office to speak to Adam or Manny to find out for yourself. A DUI charge does not have to ruin your life. Let Adam and his legal team help you fight your Florida DUI charge and protect your future. Call today to speak with a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer about your case.
Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.
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