People charged with driving under the influence (DUI) for the first time sometimes have certain beliefs this article hopes to explain and clarify. Some common false beliefs are: 1. Because it’s the first time they’ve been charged with a DUI, the consequences won’t be serious. 2. A belief that hiring an attorney for a first time DUI will not be worth the cost. Both of these beliefs are false, and we explain why.
In the State of Florida, consider that a DUI conviction will go on your Florida driving record for 75 years. This will affect your car insurance for years.
The lack of truth to these beliefs begins with the consequences someone arrested for a first time DUI may face. The repercussions for a first time DUI conviction in Florida are much more serious than most people realize. Furthermore, people tend to be unaware of the benefits involved when represented by a private attorney; whether that representation is for a first time DUI or any other matter.
To help understand the consequences you could face if convicted for a first time DUI, Florida law provides that you can be subjected to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, having to install an ignition interlock device, and jail time. Moreover, the potential for increased penalties exist if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .15% or more, if you were involved in an accident resulting in injuries or property damage, or if you had a passenger under 18 years old. We hope this information helps in understanding that regardless of whether you are charged a DUI for the first time, the penalties of being convicted could indeed be life altering.
Attorney Brendan Riley has significant experience in representing individuals charged with a DUI in Florida. When charged with a DUI, any number of issues can be challenged. Having an attorney knowledgeable and willing to challenge such issues can make the difference between a conviction and the charge being dismissed; a very significant difference indeed. Fortunately, attorney Brendan Riley made contesting issues in his clients’ cases standard. Doing so earned him a reputation anyone would want their attorney to have – a reputation for not backing down when dealing with opposing counsel. A reputation for bringing mistakes made by law enforcement to light and challenging the resulting criminal charge. A reputation for having a contested issue heard before a Judge in a motion hearing or a trial. Yes, earning this reputation required more work on attorney Brendan Riley’s behalf. By, “more work,” we mean more effort than what is typically seen by other attorneys. Motivation for engaging in additional efforts on a client’s behalf comes from a simple and significant principle upon which Brendan Riley’s approach to the practice of law is based: The motivating principle is that his clients deserve nothing less than the best legal representation. Providing the best representation involves putting forth time and effort. It means doing the work necessary to achieve the best outcome for his clients. A private attorney with experience in representing someone charged with a DUI is your best option when it comes to achieving the best outcome. Hiring a private attorney willing to put forth the necessary time and effort on your behalf is something very worthwhile indeed.
As with most things, people don’t realize how important something is until it’s gone. In terms of being convicted of a DUI, you can lose your driver’s license. To help put the importance of your driver’s license in perspective, consider how much time you spend in your vehicle. You likely drive to and from work, run various errands, visit friends and family; and if you have young children, driving includes picking up and dropping them off at day care or school. How would you accomplish these tasks if your driving privileges were suddenly gone? How quickly do you think you would become a burden to friends and family involved in driving you to the same places you used to drive yourself? Imagine what feeling like such a burden would be like. Retaining private counsel as quickly as possible after being charged with a DUI is crucial. The faster you retain counsel, the better your chances are of remaining eligible to drive. Because the consequences of a first time DUI conviction are serious, hiring private counsel is justified. You’re going to want the best outcome possible. Having a private attorney In order to have the best chance at obtaining the best outcome,
If you decide to drive despite your license being suspended, you’re likely to be pulled over and subject to being arrested again. In this scenario, you would have a new charge – driving while license suspended or revoked (DWLSR). Know that not having private counsel work towards preserving your driving privileges means your license remains suspended. With a suspended driver’s license, you cannot renew your vehicle’s registration. This means that the sticker on your license tag will eventually expire. Driving around with an expired tag is sufficient cause for being pulled over. Unfortunately, some people decide to gamble. Playing the odds in hopes of not being pulled over. The truth about gambling is that eventually, you lose. When it comes to criminal matters, you lose more than money. You are gambling with your freedom.
Contact our office to discuss your case and ask any questions you may have. You can visit our website at www.bettercallbrendan.com or call 727-312-3748. The initial consultation is free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
