St. Petersburg DUI Attorneys

Defending DUI Charges in Florida

Driving under the influence (DUI) is the act of operating a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, commercial vehicle) while one’s abilities are impaired as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs. “Drugs” refers to illegal drugs as well as to abuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs and medicines.
 
A DUI charge in Florida is heavily punished. License probation or suspension is the immediate action upon one’s failure of field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. Sentencing for a DUI conviction can include fines, jail time, mandatory classes or counseling and possible impounding of the driver’s vehicle.

DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, although any resulting injuries or deaths will escalate the charge to a felony. Sentencing will depend upon several factors:

• Prior violations, if any
• Traffic law violations
• The age of the driver (whether under or over the age of 21)
• The presence of children in the vehicle
• Property damage
• Injury to other drivers, passengers or pedestrians

DUI in St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida

Florida observes an “implied consent” law – stating that a person, when they drive, automatically gives consent to accept field sobriety tests, breathalyzer or chemical tests to check their blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

In Florida the acceptable BAC for an adult over 21 years old is below .08%. If the driver’s blood alcohol concentration it is at or above that percentage they are deemed to be driving under the influence. If the driver is under 21 years of age, their BAC must not be above .02%.

The Leavengood & Nash Criminal Defense Firm has extensive experience in the area of DUI in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Hiring a lawyer immediately after your DUI arrest is imperative to have any chance of getting your charges dropped or case dismissed. Instead of going to jail or paying a fine, you may be able to simply attend classes or counseling – and get your license back.

Have you been charged with a DUI in St. Petersburg? Contact us today!