Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in the State of Florida. Many people who are otherwise law-abiding can find themselves in a situation where they made the mistake of driving a car with too much alcohol in their system. Getting arrested and charged with DUI can be an incredibly traumatic experience with life-altering consequences.
Some of these consequences include a criminal charge on your record, hefty fines, driver’s license suspension and possible probation or jail time.
Driving under the influence is defined by Florida Statute, § 316.193 as being in actual physical control of a vehicle while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point where your normal faculties are impaired. Normal faculties include the ability to see, hear, walk, balance, talk, and the ability to perform the mental and physical acts of daily life.
After it is determined whether or not a person was in actual physical control of a vehicle, law enforcement will ask a person suspected of DUI to submit to field sobriety exercises to test a person’s normal faculties.
From there, law enforcement will also request that an individual submit to breath and urine tests. Under the law, a person is considered to be under the influence of alcohol if their breath or blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit of .08. Law enforcement can use several tests to determine your BAC including a blood, breath, or urine test.
If you are facing a DUI charge it is important that you seek qualified legal advice as soon as possible. The DUI laws are complex and an experienced criminal defense lawyer can begin to examine your options and defenses immediately.
As a former prosecutor from Palm Beach County, I have years of experience handling DUI cases. This invaluable experience has given me unique insight into the issues and defenses available to her clients. If you have been charged with DUI, call me today.
