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Category Archives: Criminal Law
DUI | JUSTIN BIEBER | DRINKING AND DRIVING CONSEQUENCES
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?
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 drunk driving, dui lawyer, is a dui a felony, JUSTIN-BEIBER, UNDER-THE-INFLUENCE
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Gasparilla Pirate Fest | Criminal Arrests | DUI
This Saturday, Tampa Bay celebrates the 2014 Gasparilla Pirate Fest. This all day celebration welcomes the public to a spectacular parade and festival inspired by Jose Gaspar. This highly anticipated festival accommodates over 300,000 people each year, resulting in a multitude of elated crowds and overly enthusiastic guests. Reports from earlier Gasparilla Parades recount numerous arrests for open container violations, and various citations for civil infractions. Arrests for alcohol related criminal offenses are also very prevalent, particularly in Disorderly Conduct, DUI, Boating, Under the Influence, and Underage Drinking.
Amid and following the Gasparilla events, it is crucial to practice safety and avoid a potential arrest. Be prepared and make the necessary arrangements ahead of time to get home safely. Be sure to protect the safety of others, and follow the following guidelines provided by the City of Tampa.
The City of Tampa recommends you:
- Plan your day in Advance – Save time by planning where you will park and the route you plan to take.
- Pick a meeting place – Select a spot where others in your party will know to return in the event you get separated.
- Know the “Wet Zones” – The parade route allows participants to drink alcohol openly, but only from vendors selling along the route. No coolers, kegs or open containers are allowed elsewhere on the streets; and absolutely no glass containers.
It is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney in the event you are arrested during the Gasparilla parade. A Criminal Attorney can advise you in regards to your rights, and what to do should an arrest take place. Call Blick Law Firm right away at (888) 973-2776 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!
Posted in Blog, Criminal Law
Tagged Criminal Arrests, criminal attorney tampa, dui, Gasparilla 2014 Parade, Gasparilla Pirate Fest
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George Zimmerman | Domestic Violence | Florida
According to CNN reporter Jason Hanna and Steve Almasy, Florida judge on Tuesday set a bail for George Zimmerman at $9,000 and ordered a number of conditions for his release which included no possession of weapons — while he awaits trial on charges he pointed a shotgun at his girlfriend.
Zimmerman was arrested this past Monday at his girlfriend’s Apopka home, only four months after he was acquitted of murdering teenager Trayvon Martin, might post bail Wednesday morning after all the conditions for his release are arranged, a public defender representing him said.
Zimmerman said little as a judge, during Zimmerman’s first appearance Tuesday afternoon in Seminole County court, said he found probable cause for Zimmerman’s arrest on a felony charge of aggravated assault and misdemeanor counts of domestic violence battery and criminal mischief. Zimmerman’s arraignment is scheduled for January 7.
A prosecutor revealed a new allegation against Zimmerman while trying to argue for a higher bail — that Zimmerman tried to choke his girlfriend a week and a half before Monday’s alleged shotgun incident, and that Zimmerman had talked about suicide.
Bail debates continue; Assistant State Attorney Lymary Munoz argued for $50,000 bail, saying that the new information should heighten concern for the accuser’s safety, though the alleged incident hadn’t been reported to police.
The new allegation is not reflected in the preliminary charges. But Judge Fred Schott cited the choking accusation when he put the bail at $9,000, saying it prompted him to set it higher than the $4,900 requested by the defense.
Jeff Dowdy and Daniel Megaro, the public defenders representing Zimmerman, told reporters afterward that they hadn’t known of the choking allegation previously.
“That was news to us,” Dowdy said. “… That was not contained in the arrest report, and that’s the first we’ve heard about it.”
Schott put conditions on Zimmerman’s bail: He cannot go to two Florida addresses; he cannot have contact with the accuser, Samantha Scheibe; he cannot possess weapons; he must wear a monitoring device; as well as he cannot travel outside Florida.
Megaro told reporters he was certain Zimmerman would be acquitted. Dowdy said Zimmerman would post bail perhaps by Wednesday, “regroup and try to address the charges.”
“He’s maintained his innocence, I’ll tell you that,” Dowdy said
Megaro was asked about Scheibe’s alleged claims that Zimmerman talked about suicide.
“He’s back in jail. Obviously that causes a certain amount of anxiety and stress on somebody. I would not characterize him as what the state attorney has said, meaning he’s suicidal and volatile. We did not get that impression from him,” Megaro said.
Get the rest of the full story here.
Posted in Blog, Criminal Law
Tagged CNN, CNN Trend, criminal attorney tampa, criminal defense, George Zimmerman
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DUI | DUI Conviction | Criminal Attorneys Tampa
In Florida, Law Enforcement Officers pull over drivers for numerous reasons, driving under the influence (DUI) being a common arrest. Many Florida drivers are unaware of the definition of a DUI, the consequences that result from such actions, as well as what to do if pulled over for suspicion of DUI.
DUI
DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, generally refers to a person who has physical control of a vehicle while that person’s normal faculties are impaired by:
- Any type of drug
- Alcohol
- Illicit drugs
- Prescription medication
Therefore, if you are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol and are in actual physical control of a vehicle, you can still potentially be charged with a DUI.
In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. However, a police officer may still arrest you for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if they suspect that your normal faculties are impaired while operating a motor vehicle. Having a BAC under a .08 will increase your chances of overcoming the DUI conviction, but you may still be arrested and endure several hassles that go along with combating a DUI charge.
Police officers look for many physical signs of impairment once pulled over. Initially the driver may only be pulled over for a traffic offense, even minor ones; and then an officer will initiate immediate conversation to determine the potential impairment of the driver, which may result in a DUI conviction.
What to do when pulled over? 
Common signs that police will be looking for to suspect an impaired driver: the ability to maintain eye contact, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath, or bloodshot eyes.
While it is your right to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, not doing so will certainly raise the officer’s suspicion and they will likely investigate further. It is wise to answer questions vaguely and avoid delving into specifics, including any amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party, bar, or football game.
If the Police are suspicious, they will tell you to exit the vehicle, and you must. However, you may refuse to submit to any sobriety tests conducted. Even if you think you can pass the sobriety exercises, it is likely in your best interest to politely refuse because the officer determines whether you passed based solely on their own judgment. Know that you always have the right to contact an attorney before you submit to any test.
DUI Conviction
Florida drivers that are pulled over as a result of driving under the influences whether by alcohol or from a substance may result in the following consequences:
- License Suspension
- Drastic Insurance Increases; especially when required to obtain FR-44 insurance coverage
- Complications with Employment; both present and future
- 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
- Probation
- Legal Fees and Court Costs
These consequences contribute to a multitude of difficulties that one faces when battling a DUI charge. It is important to fully understand and appreciate the severity of possible consequences associated with DUI, and always take all possible steps to avoid Driving Under the Influence.
Criminal Attorneys Tampa
If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately from a criminal Tampa attorney! Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward.
Criminal Law | Driving with a Suspended License | Christian Lawyer Tampa
In Florida, it is a criminal traffic offense if a driver operates a motor vehicle with knowledge that their driver’s license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked. Additionally, being issued a citation for Driving with a Suspended License requires a court appearance, which must be filed for with 10 days. Obtaining legal representation to defend against a charge for Driving with a suspended license is important, and may help you avoid future consequences associated with multiple infractions for driving with a suspended license.
It is important to know that multiple infractions of Driving with a Suspended License can lead to very serious consequences, and drivers with repeated violations can become listed as a Habitual Traffic Offender.
The following charges may result from Driving with a Suspended License with knowledge of the suspension:
(1) First conviction is a second degree misdemeanor;
(2) Second conviction is a first degree misdemeanor;
(3) Third, or subsequent conviction, is a third degree felony and possible jail time may have to be served.
The penalty of driving with your license suspended, whether you have knowledge or not, can be serious and generally lead to complications with your future driving privilege.
If you or a loved one have been arrested or issued a citation for driving with a suspended license, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.
Criminal | Driving with a Suspended License | Tampa Attorney
Everyday Florida drivers get behind the wheel unaware that their driving privilege has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked. Law enforcement officers make daily arrests for driving with a suspended license which can lead to complications when trying to reinstate your driving privilege.
In Florida, it is a criminal traffic offense if a driver operates a motor vehicle with knowledge that their driver’s license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked. Receiving a citation for Driving with a Suspended License requires a court appearance.
The following charges may result from Driving with a Suspended License with knowledge of the suspension:
(1) First conviction is a second degree misdemeanor;
(2) Second conviction is a first degree misdemeanor;
(3) Third, or subsequent conviction, is a third degree felony and possible jail time may have to be served.
It is important to know that multiple infractions of Driving with a Suspended License can lead to very serious consequences, and drivers with repeated violations can become listed as a Habitual Traffic Offender.
The penalty of driving with your license suspended, whether you have knowledge or not, can be serious and generally lead to complications with your future driving privilege.
If you or a loved one have been arrested or issued a citation for driving with a suspended license, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.