Driving Under the Influence/ DUI
What is a DUI?
According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and DUI law in Orlando, a DUI is a single offense, proven by unlawful blood or breath alcohol levels of .08 or more. It can also be proven by the impairment of normal faculties while operating a motor vehicle, or by a urine test. Regardless of the manner in which the DUI is proven, the penalties upon conviction are the same.
If you refuse to submit to a blood alcohol test, this is admissible as evidence in court. DUI laws in Orlando state that refusing blood alcohol tests is a criminal charge.
Florida has implied consent laws—if you choose to drive on Florida roadways then you are implying that you will obey all Florida and Orlando DUI traffic laws, and that you are required to submit to a blood or breath alcohol test at the request of a Florida police officer. Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
Refusing the test the first time will result in a one year suspension of your license. If you refuse a second time, during a second incident, then you will be subject to 18 months in jail.
What to do if you have been charged with a DUI?
Being charged with a DUI in Orlando does not lead to an automatic conviction, but if you want to fight the charge you must act quickly. Under Florida law you have only 10 days from the time you were arrested to request a hearing. You can only fight the charge if a hearing is held. It is critical that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible to take on your case. There are many DUI law firms in Orlando, and it is necessary that you do research to ensure that you find the right law firm for you.
Florida DUI laws
If you are charged with a DUI in the state of Florida, the law states that you will be subject to two cases. The first case will be a court case to determine your liability. It is important that you be represented by an experienced Orlando DUI attorney during your court case.
The second case is brought on behalf of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor vehicles. This case determines the fate of your future as a motor vehicle operator. The future of your drivers license is decided in the second case.
Orlando DUI first offense
There are many penalties for being convicted of an Orlando DUI first offense. For your first DUI you can spend up to nine months in jail, depending on your blood alcohol content. You will pay a fine from $500 to $2,000, and your license will be suspended for 180 days to one year.
An experienced Orlando DUI lawyer will fight to make sure you receive the best possible outcome for your Orlando DUI charges.
Orlando DUI second offense
A second DUI offense in Orlando has more serious consequences, such as nine to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $4,000 in fines. It is essential that you contact an experienced DUI lawyer to help you build a winning DUI defense in Orlando.
Orlando DUI third offense
Your third DUI offense in Orlando is considered a felony and you are facing up to one year in jail, and $5,000. Do not present your Orlando DUI defense without a skilled attorney by your side.
If you are an Orlando DUI offender, contact our office today for a free consultation. With over 40 years of combined legal experience and thousands of Orland DUI cases to date, the attorneys at Carsten & Ladan, P.A. are well-equipped to build you a strong defense in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Lake Counties, and in the federal court of the Middle District of Florida (Orlando).
- Drunk Driving
- The Best Lawyer for Your Case
- How Do I Build an Effective Defense
- What are the Punishments for DUI
- How to Find an Experienced Firm
