Florida Drunk Driving and DUI Attorney
There are serious consequences to drunk driving. If you have been charged with drunk driving — referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), formerly known as,driving while intoxicated (DWI) — it is extremely important that you immediately contact a DUI defense lawyer to avoid losing your rights and available defenses.
West Melbourne DUI/DWI defense attorney Mark Anthony Gager provides legal counsel to individuals charged with a first-time DUI, second-time offense, and multiple-offense DUI. He has more than 20 years of experience in handling Florida drunk driving defense for people charged throughout Brevard County.
For a free consultation, call (321) 724-5600 or e-mail our firm.
Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Drunk Driving
If you are charged with DUI or DWI, it means that alcohol or a controlled substance has impaired your normal faculties and reactions. Even though most people arrested for DUI are generally nice people in the wrong place at the wrong time, DUI has long been considered a serious threat to public safety. This is because drunk driving can and does kill people.
When pulled over or arrested for DUI, the police will request that you submit to a breath test. If your blood alcohol content is .08 percent or above, or if you refuse to submit to a breath test, the police take your driver's license on the spot. We know the issues with breath tests and field sobriety tests and can help you fight results.
Your DUI citation will serve as your temporary permit to drive but only for a period of 10 days. After that your license will be suspended and you will not be eligible for an employment permit for an additional 30 days if you take the breath test or 90 days if you refuse the breath test. You have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing to fight this license suspension.
The DUI and DWI laws are designed to be harsh and are very specific about the numerous DUI penalties you must suffer if you are convicted. These can include jail time, mandatory community service, probation, prolonged driver's license suspension, and compulsory driver improvement school. Repeat offenders are treated even more severely.
How to Beat a DUI Charge
Attorney Mark Anthony Gager is often asked in social settings about how to beat a DUI. There is one foolproof way: Simply, do not drink and drive. Even if your blood alcohol level is as low as .05 percent, you can be arrested. Practically speaking, many people are at risk after only one beer. Remember, a taxi is about $10,000 cheaper than costs, fines, fees, and increased insurance rates which directly stem from a DUI arrest.
For assistance in finding substance abuse counseling or if you have additional questions about drunk driving charges, contact DUI and DWI defense lawyer Mark Anthony Gager at (321) 724-5600 or e-mail our firm to schedule a free initial consultation.
