Tampa Misdemeanor DUI Attorney
Florida is known for having stringent DUI penalties, even for those who are facing misdemeanor charges. If you find yourself facing accusations of driving under the influence in the Sunshine State, it’s important to take these charges seriously, as even a misdemeanor can significantly affect your opportunities, your freedom, and your future.
As a seasoned Tampa DUI lawyer, I, at the Law Office of Christopher G. Frey, Esq., am here to provide you with the strategic defense and robust legal counsel you deserve. I can help you uphold your constitutional rights, challenge evidence, and make a compelling case to reduce or drop your charges entirely. Schedule a consultation with my office today by calling 813-322-2419.
The 10-Day Rule: Act Quickly
When facing a misdemeanor DUI charge in Florida, it’s important to act quickly. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you miss this crucial window, the state may automatically suspend your driver’s license. As your attorney, I can help you navigate all the necessary steps to request a formal review, all while protecting your rights and upholding your interests.
First-Time DUI Penalties
Even if this is your first DUI offense, the penalties can be significant. In Florida, you could face:
- A fine between $500 and $2,000 (this can depend on your BAC level)
- One year on probation
- Mandatory completion of a 12-hour DUI program
- Vehicle impoundment for up to 10 days
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 180 days
These consequences can impact your personal and professional life. That’s why acting quickly and seeking experienced legal counsel to defend against these charges is crucial.
Refusing The Breathalyzer
If you refuse to take a breath test during your arrest, you may face additional consequences. In Florida, refusing to take a breath test can result in automatic license suspension. Additionally, this suspension could be longer than if you had taken the test. At the same time, this refusal can also be part of a defense strategy. My role is to assess your situation and determine how best to leverage these actions in your defense.
Florida Misdemeanor DUI FAQs
These are a few I tend to hear a lot from my clients:
What is the difference between a misdemeanor DUI and a felony DUI charge?
A misdemeanor DUI charge typically applies to first or second offenses without aggravating factors, such as causing bodily injury or having a minor in the vehicle. A felony DUI charge is more severe and can result from multiple DUI offenses, causing serious injury or death, or having certain aggravating factors present at the time of arrest.
How long will my driver’s license be suspended for a first-offense misdemeanor DUI?
For a first-offense misdemeanor DUI in Florida, the state can suspend your driver’s license for between 180 days and one year. The specific length of suspension can vary depending on the circumstances of your case and whether you comply with additional requirements, such as attending DUI school.
What are common defenses to fighting a misdemeanor DUI charge?
Common defenses against a misdemeanor DUI charge include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Challenging BAC results
- Questioning the accuracy and administration of field sobriety or breathalyzer tests
- Arguing the lack of probable cause for arrest
Each case is unique, and the defense strategies that can be most effective for your case can depend on the specifics of your situation.
Seek The DUI Misdemeanor Defense You Need
As your attorney, my goal is to guide you through both the administrative and criminal aspects of your DUI case. I will represent you in the DHSMV hearing and in Hillsborough County court, where I can fight to mitigate the impacts of your misdemeanor DUI charges on your future. Whether you aim to reduce your charge to a “wet reckless” or challenge the validity of the stop or test results, I am dedicated to fighting for your future and your freedom.
To schedule an initial consultation, please call my Tampa office at 813-322-2419 or visit my firm’s contact form. Let’s start developing your defense strategy today.