At Adams & Luka, we understand how individuals charged with DUI or driving under the influence feel. You may be angry, fearful, or even confused about what will happen next, and how it will affect your career or future. Today, driving under the influence of alcohol is a far more serious offense than it was twenty years ago. Those convicted may face jail time, substantial fines, driver's license suspension, and more. If caught driving with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or higher, it is critical you consult with a seasoned Orlando DUI defense lawyer immediately.
We understand that everyone is human, and that humans make mistakes. Often times, someone who has had a couple of drinks feels perfectly capable of driving - and you may be. However, if you get stopped by law enforcement for some other reason, it may be suspected that you have been drinking. For instance, a police officer may detect the odor of alcohol, notice red eyes, or slurred speech. When you are arrested, it is critical to remain silent and contact an attorney who will work vigorously to protect you from a conviction and the resulting criminal penalties.
The fact is, there are many things that can go wrong in a DUI arrest throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Field sobriety tests are not reliable, and whether you pass or fail is left up to the opinion of the police officer. Equipment used for breath testing may malfunction. Police may not have had reasonable suspicion to pull you over in the first place. There are many areas during the process of a DUI arrest which could ultimately be to your advantage.
Defenses to Charges of DUI in FloridaThere are many effective defense strategies to charges of DUI in Florida, depending on your particular situation, whether it is a first or subsequent offense, and more. Ultimately, challenging the initial stop, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and whether an officer followed proper procedure is often the best defense, and can actually result in having charges thrown out before you ever go to trial.
In Florida, law enforcement must have reason to stop you. Either the officer has probable cause that you are committing a crime, or a reasonable suspicion that the driver is committing a traffic infraction. You cannot be stopped on a "hunch." Essentially, prosecutors must provide strong, compelling evidence to go forward with trial; if one element is lacking or missing, it is not unusual for charges to be dismissed by the judge, or for the state to negotiate a deal to a lesser charge. There are many ways to successfully defend charges of driving under the influence.
Criminal Penalties for DUI in Orlando & Central FloridaThe criminal penalties an individual will face if found guilty of driving under the influence in Orlando depend on several factors, including whether it is a first, second, or subsequent DUI, whether blood alcohol content was .08 or higher, or .15 or higher, whether a minor was in the vehicle at the time, and more.
Some of the penalties defendants face if convicted include jail time, probation, driver's license suspension, vehicle impoundment, installation of an ignition interlock device, fines, and more. In addition, you will have a permanent criminal record, and likely face increased insurance premiums. Community service and completion of DUI or other treatment program may also be required.
Contact Adams & Luka TodayAs you can plainly see, DUI in Florida definitely IS a big deal, and not to be taken lightly. A first offense is bad enough, but when you are convicted for a second DUI within five years of the first or a third within 10 years, the penalties are substantially harsher. Don't put your reputation, freedom, and career at risk. At Adams & Luka, our Orlando DUI defense lawyers are dedicated to securing the best possible results in your case. Call us for a free consultation now at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm of Adams and Luka did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of the Adams and Luka and Tom Luka.