
If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Florida, you have ten days from the day of your arrest to protect your driving privileges. Upon your DUI arrest, your driver’s license will be immediately suspended. However, you are allowed to drive for the next ten days for business purposes, using your DUI citation ticket as a permit. Once these days have passed, you will suffer a full license suspension, partial suspension, or have your license reinstated.
The actions you take after your DUI arrest are important. If you act quickly and contact a DUI defense attorney, you have a greater chance of getting your license reinstated and a DUI charge dropped. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us now at (941)-444-4444.
What Is a Formal Review Hearing?
A formal review hearing takes place with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The purpose of this hearing is to challenge your administrative suspension if you have been arrested for DUI. We advise that everyone who has suffered a license suspension in Florida requests an administrative hearing.
To request an administrative hearing with the DMV in Florida, you must follow the steps below:
- First of all, you will need to make the formal review request in writing.
- Your request must include your name, address, driver’s license number, and date of birth.
- You need to state the date of your suspension and the county where you suffered the suspension of your driving privileges.
- You must ensure that your request is postmarked or filed with the necessary clerk within ten days of when you received notification of your disqualification.
Although this process may not seem straightforward, you don’t have to worry. If you contact an attorney at The Law Place, they can help you file this request and make sure that all the paperwork is completed correctly.
What Is an Informal Review Hearing?
During an informal review hearing, a hearing officer will examine the evidence submitted by the driver and police officer. The hearing officer will then decide whether the driver’s license suspension is supported by the evidence provided.
These hearings are conducted without a testimony, the driver, or witnesses. However, a suspension can be overturned if there is not enough evidence to prove the Florida DUI case.
Regardless of whether you participate in a formal or informal review hearing following the administrative suspension of your license, our law firm can help you.
What Is the Florida Law on DUI?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a major criminal offense in Florida that can send offenders to a criminal court. Florida’s DUI laws can be found under Florida Statutes 316.193. It is against the law for a person to operate a motor vehicle if their normal faculties are impaired by intoxication, or if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. Driving while intoxicated over the legal limit is incredibly dangerous. The state punishes offenders severely because drunk driving causes hundreds of fatalities every year.
Can You Be Charged With DUI Days Later in Florida?
It is possible to be charged with DUI the day after drinking or taking drugs in Florida. This is because the human body takes time to process these chemicals and a night of rest sometimes isn’t enough to eliminate these chemicals from a body.
Therefore, if you have consumed lots of alcohol, don’t assume that you can drive the next day. If you think you may still be intoxicated over the legal limit the next day, do not risk getting behind the wheel. Being arrested for DUI is very serious and you can be handed severe penalties. For example, for your first DUI criminal case, you can expect to face at least $500 in fines and up to 6 months of jail time.
What Is a Hardship License?
A hardship license in Florida is a special license issued to those who have had their driver’s licenses revoked or suspended following an arrest. When offenders request and receive hardship licenses, they can continue to drive in Florida. However, an offender will only be able to use this license for business purposes and other necessary reasons. This temporary license does not grant offenders the freedom to cruise around anywhere like they used to.
What Can a DUI Be Reduced to in Florida?
A DUI charge in Florida can be reduced to reckless driving. This reduction is beneficial because the consequences of reckless driving charges are far less severe than DUI charges. For example, offenders will face lower fines and less jail time.
If you are facing a DUI conviction in Florida, it is worth hiring an attorney to fight your charge. At The Law Place, we have helped countless clients get their DUI cases reduced or dismissed. We have accumulated vast amounts of knowledge over the years that can prove to be very beneficial to your case.
Do I Need to Complete a Breathalyzer Test?
Florida’s implied consent law requires all drivers to complete breathalyzer tests if requested by a police officer. You will be subject to a mandatory license suspension if you refuse to complete your breathalyzer test. For your first refusal, you can have your driver’s license suspended for one year. For a second or third refusal, you can have your driver’s license suspended for 18 months and possibly have to serve jail time.
We know that breathalyzer tests are known for producing incorrect and skewed results. Your hesitancy to complete one is valid. However, it is advisable in most cases to complete these tests. Our team of experienced attorneys will examine the usage of your test and its results to determine whether it is legitimate evidence. If we prove that your test was administered improperly, your Florida DUI case can be dropped.
What Can a DUI Attorney Do for Me?
A Florida DUI defense attorney can help you in several ways. The main role of your attorney will be to get your charges dismissed or reduced. To do this, they will examine your case and build you a solid defense strategy. However, they can do so much more for you.
A defense attorney can be a hugely supportive figure in your life. They can guide you through this difficult time and answer all of your questions. Our team will act in your best interest. They will do all they can to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome from your case.
Should I Contact The Law Place?
You should contact The Law Place if need a South Florida, Miami, Orlando or Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney. DUI cases are punished severely, and they should never be taken lightly. Our team of attorneys has years of experience helping clients beat their cases and we can help you too.
Losing your driving privileges can have a huge impact on your life. Don’t waste another moment.
Call us now for a free consultation at (941)-444-4444.