Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI Offense In Pinellas County, Fl?
Have you ever looked in your rearview mirror and seen a local or state police car's flashing lights behind you? It sends chills down your back if you are like me, and sweat breaks out on your forehead. Even if you aren't aware that you have done anything wrong, it is a sinking feeling that you are the one.
If you have been drinking, it is worse. Now you know that you have a serious problem and are not sure what your rights might be when you roll down the driver's window.
Which state has the most DUI arrests?
Florida ranks 40th on the lists for the number of DUI cases!
Maybe this is due to the severity of penalties for DUI in Florida, or we have enough sense to stay home or call Uber when drinking?
These statistics are from background checks.org.
Do you need to call an attorney in the State of Florida for DUI arrest?
There are several reasons why you should call an attorney. DUI/DWI is a serious offense. Worse if it resulted in an accident.
You only have ten days from the date of arrest to apply for a hardship license and work permit. It is essential to avoid adversely impacting your job/income as a result of a suspended license.
With COVID, courts backlogged, you don't want to get penalized for not taking the appropriate steps in requesting the hearing. Having your license suspended for 6-18 months, maybe longer with COVID, could be disastrous to your financial situation.
In the State of Florida, a conviction of a DUI will remain on your record for 75 years. The National Highway and Safety Administration annual Traffic Safety Fact stated that 1 out of every 135 people would be arrested for driving under the influence each year.
Questions best discussed with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
- Were you asked to perform sobriety tests?
- Were you put into handcuffs?
- Were you read "implied consents"?
- Was your license suspended or revoked for not taking the breath test?
- Were you given a bond after booking?
Questions an experienced criminal defense lawyer should ask you.
- Where and when were you stopped, by what agency?
- Were the roadside sobriety tests taped?
- Did the arresting officer perform a gaze nystagmus test?
- Did you blow into the breath analyzer?
- If you did, what were the results?
- Do you have a prior DUI? Is it in Florida?
- What is the status of your license?
- Are there other charges besides the DUI, including infractions?
- Were you given a court date, or do you have to set one yourself?
If the lawyer you called doesn't ask these questions?
Hang up and call us
This information is key to a successful defense. In Florida, if the lawyer doesn't ask you these questions, hang up and get another one, because the information is the key to a successful defense. It is never too early to plot a strategy for a successful defense.
Get an experienced attorney.
Edward M. Panzica has been serving Largo and Pinellas County, Florida, for 30 years.
Call his office today for assistance. 727-588-0966.
Your future could depend on making the right decision.