Facing a DUI charge in the Florida Keys can be a frightening experience. It is essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of state laws related to DUIs and has the skill to build an effective defense for you.
Last year, over 43,000 Floridians were arrested and charged with driving under the influence. When you’re staring down the barrel of a DUI, you have to focus on building a case to beat this charge.
Below are some basic elements of building a strong defense for your DUI case.
Florida Keys DUI Laws and Penalties
Florida has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, and those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the Florida Keys can face serious consequences. In Florida, it is illegal for a person to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in the Florida Keys vary depending on factors such as whether it is a first-time offense, the driver’s BAC level at the time of the arrest, and any other aggravating circumstances.
Penalties for a first-time DUI offense in the Florida Keys include:
- Fines up to $500-$1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- 2 to 18 months of probation
- Mandatory community service hours
- A suspended driver’s license
- Participation in DUI school
Penalties for subsequent DUI offenses in the Florida Keys include:
- Increased fines and jail time, up to five years
- Permanent revocation of driving privileges
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for multiple years
- Restitution to victims in certain cases
Drivers who are facing DUI charges in the Florida Keys should seek out experienced Florida Keys DUI lawyers who can help them navigate the criminal justice system.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence
Evidence for your case, like witness statements and police reports, is important. This evidence can help you build a strong defense to fight your DUI charge. A defense attorney will review all available evidence to determine the best way to proceed with your case.
Your Florida Keys DUI lawyer can help you identify potential witnesses, including any passengers in the vehicle when the traffic stop occurred or bystanders who may have seen what happened. Your lawyer can also submit requests for additional documents and records related to your case, such as the police report, dashcam footage, and breathalyzer results.
The more evidence you have to support your case, the better chance you have of getting a favorable outcome.
Building a strong defense for a DUI case in the Florida Keys is essential to avoid severe consequences. Taking on a DUI case alone can be disastrous, which is why hiring a lawyer is vital. At Hutchison and Tubiana, PLLC, you can get the help you need following a DUI arrest.