Monthly Archives: February 2014

DUI | JUSTIN BIEBER | DRINKING AND DRIVING CONSEQUENCES

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Blick Law

In recent new, pop star Justin Bieber was arrested this Thursday morning in Miami Beach for drag racing, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest. The 19 year old pop singer was charged with a DUI, and reportedly admitted to having alcohol, marijuana, and other prescription drugs earlier that night.

According to police reports, Bieber’s blood alcohol level was .04. In Florida, a blood alcohol concentration of.08 or higher constitutes impairment beyond the legal limit. Although Bieber’s blood alcohol concentration was below the legal limit, the state of Florida has a zero tolerance law for drivers under the age of 21. If you are over the age of 21, a police officer may still arrest you for a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below the legal limit if they suspect that you are impaired while operating a motor vehicle.

WHAT IS A DUI?

A DUI, or Driving under the Influence is the act or crime of driving while affected by alcohol or drugs.

Arrests for drunk driving are very common among celebrities, as well as drivers in the state of Florida. However, many Florida drivers are unaware of what a DUI is. If you are in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, prescription medication, illegal drugs, or any other type of drug, you are driving under the influence.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM PULLED OVER?

If you are pulled over by law enforcement, follow these tips to avoid possible DUI conviction.

There are common signs and behaviors that police officers look for in determining an impaired driver. You may initially be pulled over for violating a minor traffic offense, and then the police officer will proceed to initiate immediate conversation to determine if you are driving while impaired. Signs that police officers look for include:

  • The ability to maintain eye contact
  • Slurred speech
  • The smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath
  • Bloodshot eyes

Although you have the right to remain silent, doing so will certainly raise an officer’s suspicions of your driving under the influence. It is wise to answer the officer’s questions without going into specifics. Details such as the amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party or football game should be cautioned.

If the police officer is suspicious and tells you to exit your vehicle, you may consider these directions. You may refuse to submit to a sobriety test, and remember that you always have the right to contact a DUI Lawyer before submitting to any test that may be conducted.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A DUI?UNDER-THE-INFLUENCE, IS-A-DUI-A-FELONY, DUI-LAWYER, JUSTIN-BEIBER

If you or a loved one is convicted of a DUI in the state of Florida, consequences may include the following:

  • Probation
  • License Suspension
  • Legal Fees and Court Costs
  • Driving Restrictions that require additional costs such as an Interlock Device installed in your vehicle for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or even 2 years, depending on your situation
  • Complications with Employment; both present and future
  • Drastic Insurance Increases; especially when required to obtain FR-44 insurance coverage

If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately from a criminal defense attorney! Call Blick Law Firm today at 888-973-2776. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward.

Posted in Blog, Criminal Law, DUI | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Texting and Driving | Florida | Car Accident

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Blick Law

car-accident-lawyers, consequences-of-texting-while-driving, florida-lawsAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a reported 18 percent of all fatal auto accidents were caused by driver distraction in 2010. Distracted driving not only endangers the life of the driver, but the lives of others as well. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that you are 23 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident if you are texting while driving.  Distracted driving in any form is extremely unsafe. The triple threat of texting and driving is exceptionally dangerous, distracting the driver visually, manually, and cognitively.

Laws restricting the use of handheld devices behind the wheel are currently being enforced in 39 states including D.C. In the state of Florida, the bill against texting and driving is only a signature away. The senate has already passed a bill that classifies texting and driving as a secondary offense.  Distracted driving violations can cost from $30 or more with additional penalties for subsequent offenses.

Efforts to discourage the use of handled devices while driving continue to rise thoughout the nation.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is encouraging all states to legislate strict laws forbidding the use of cell phones while driving. Major cell phone and insurance companies have become part of the movement to raise awareness on this critical problem. The fight against texting and driving has also inspired the media as well as celebrities, to reach out to the community and reveal the dangers that exist in driving distracted.

photo (16)

Blick Law Firm stands behind the message to not text and drive and continues in support of the cause.

If you or a loved has been a victim of an accident involving distracted driving and you have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (888) 973-2776 and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

Posted in Blog, Personal Injury | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment