Tag Archives: is a dui a felony

Driving Under The Influence | DUI | Consequences

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Blick Law

Driving under the influence is a common arrest in the sate of Florida; many Florida drivers are unfamiliar with the definition of a DUI, or what the consequences are if arrested for one. It is essential to be familiar with the full description what a DUI is, as well as what to do if pulled over for suspicion of these actions.

Driving Under the Influence is the act or crime of driving while impaired by:

  •     Any type of drug
  •     Alcohol
  •     Illicit drugs
  •     Prescription medication

If your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol, or any of the substances previously listed while having physical control of a vehicle, you can be arrested for driving under the influence.

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. Nonetheless, if law enforcement suspects that you are driving under the influence, you may still be arrested if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit. If you are arrested for a DUI and your BAC is under 0.8, this can decrease the outcome of a DUI conviction. However, you will still have to bear several inconveniences that accompany battling a DUI charge.

Once pulled over, police officers look for several symptoms of impairment. A driver will initially be pulled over for a minor traffic violation, then the officer will immediately proceed with dialogue in order to determine if the driver is impaired. This procedure may result in a DUI conviction.

Some of the common signs law enforcement will look for to determine the potential impairment of a driver include:

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

UNDER-THE-INFLUENCE, IS-A-DUI-A-FELONY, DUI-LAWYER, JUSTIN-BEIBERIt is indeed your right to refrain from answering any questions without a lawyer present however; not doing so will surely rouse the police officer’s suspicions, which will likely consummate a further investigation.

If the police officer asks you to exit your vehicle, you must do so. However, if asked to submit to a sobriety test, you may kindly refuse. If you are confident that you can pass a sobriety test, it is still in your best interest to refrain from doing so because the officer will determine if you have passed or not solely on his or her own judgment.

The consequences for driving under the influence in the state of Florida may include:

  •        Suspension of drivers license
  •        Radical Insurance increases
  •       Present and future employment complications
  •       Driving restrictions requiring additional costs
  •       Probation
  •       Legal fees
  •       Court Fees

When disputing a DUI charge, these consequences are among a multitude of difficulties that one can encounter. Fully understanding the severity of these consequences is very important, and it is crucial to be familiar with the precautions needed to avoid being arrested for a DUI.

It is important to immediately seek legal counsel if you are charged with a DUI. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, Call Blick Law Firm today for a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

Think Quick Call Blick!

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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.

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