Leesburg DUI Lawyer

Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Serving The Villages, FL

Have you been pulled over and charged with a DUI? Are you worried about how the charge will affect your future as well as your finances? 

You have the right to your day in court and your choice of a criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In the face of DUI charges, you should retain the services of a skilled legal advocate sooner rather than later.

DUI Charges in Florida

In Florida, DUI charges can be complicated because the severity of your charges will depend on the circumstances of the incident. 

There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining precise charges, including your blood alcohol content (BAC), the passengers in your car, whether an accident was caused, whether anyone sustained injuries, and whether it was your first offense.

In Florida, driving with a BAC of .08% or more is grounds for a DUI charge.

Understanding DUI Penalties in Florida

Being charged with a DUI in Florida can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's important to understand the potential penalties you may face if convicted of a DUI offense in the state of Florida.

Some common DUI penalties in Florida include:

• First-time DUI: Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, license suspension of up to one year, and possible jail time of up to six months.
• Second DUI: Increased fines, longer license suspension, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and potential jail time of up to nine months.
• Third DUI: Higher fines, longer license suspension, mandatory jail time, and possible felony charges.

Our experienced Leesburg DUI attorney is well-versed in Florida DUI laws and can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work towards minimizing the impact of a DUI charge on your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Do You Always Go to Jail for a DUI in Florida?

Jail time for a DUI in Florida is not mandatory for a first offense. However, it is possible to go to jail for a first DUI. The court will determine the amount of jail time based on the severity of the case. 

Florida judges are required to place all DUI first offenders on probation. 

How Much Does a First-Time DUI Cost in Florida?

A first-time DUI conviction in Florida can cost between $500 and $1,000 in fines. The judge might be willing to entertain a lowered or dismissed criminal charge if it is your first offense and you did not cause car accidents or damages. 

However, the court will likely not be lenient if you face your second or subsequent DUI charge. At the Law Office of Jody L. Fisher, our DUI lawyer serving Leesburg and The Villages knows the impact that a DUI conviction can have on you and your future. 

We believe that effective drunk driving defense takes hard work and a dedication to truly caring about meeting peoples' needs. We make it our priority to get to know the real person behind the criminal charges.

Is a DUI Charge a Felony in Florida?

In Florida, a first or second DUI can become a felony if there are aggravating factors. 

For example, suppose someone is severely injured in a DUI. In that case, it is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. 

What To Do if You Are Pulled Over For DUI in Florida

Being pulled over for a DUI in Florida can be a stressful experience, but knowing how to handle the situation can help protect your rights. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this scenario:

• Stay Calm and Polite: Remain calm and polite throughout the interaction. Avoid making sudden movements, and comply with the officer’s instructions.
• Provide Required Documents: Hand over your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance when requested. You are legally required to provide these documents.
• Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Politely decline to answer any questions about your drinking or whereabouts. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in court.
• Field Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests, which can be subjective. You are able to decline, as these tests can be used as evidence against you.
• Breathalyzer Test: Florida has implied consent laws, meaning refusal to take a breathalyzer can result in license suspension. However, an attorney may challenge the test later.
• Contact an Attorney: After the stop, contact an experienced Leesburg DUI attorney immediately. We can help protect your rights, assess the case, and build a strong defense.

Following these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your DUI case in Florida.

Our Leesburg DUI Attorney is Ready to Fight for You!

Getting representation as soon as possible following any DUI-related charge is the best way to encourage a positive result from a subsequent trial. 

These severe charges can result in expensive fines, losing driving privileges or professional driver's licenses, and even incarceration. Only an experienced DUI lawyer in Leesburg or The Villages can defend your criminal case.

To speak with our experienced Leesburg DUI lawyers, give us a call at (352) 503-4111 or contact us online today.