DUI laws in Florida impose serious consequences even for first time offenders. Defending your DUI case can make the difference between a future of embarrassment and a future free from a criminal record.
Handling a Florida DUI Charge
A Florida DUI involving property damage is considered a first degree misdemeanor. A Florida DUI resulting serious bodily injury to another party is a third degree felony. A Florida DUI resulting in the death of another person is DUI manslaughter, which can be a first or second degree felony. A felony conviction could impair your future opportunities and haunt you for the rest of your life. It is important to get legal counsel involved in your case at the beginning.
Your attorney can assist you from your first court date where you will be advised to enter a plea (probably of not guilty). Your attorney can argue that little or no bail be set in your case at your arraignment. After the arraignment, you will likely be set free on bail and you will meet with your attorney before your next court appearance to go over facts of your case, discuss the possibility of a plea negotiation and start to consider evidence that may help your case.
At a second court appearance, the prosecutor in your case may offer either a reduced charge in exchange for a plea of guilty to that charge or in some cases if evidence is sufficient, the case may be dismissed. Your attorney will advise you of the consequences of whatever plea is offered and if no plea is offered, then you will start to prepare for trial.
People are often scared of going to trial because you are taking your chances, and it can be nerve racking. If you have not been offered a reduced charge, then you really have nothing to lose by going to trial. If you have a good attorney, you may even be able to present a good defense to your DUI charges.
Once you present your case in trial, the trier of fact (either a judge or jury) will decide whether you are innocent or guilty of the charges against you.
Getting Legal Advice
A Florida DUI can permanently impact your life if you do not challenge your charges. An attorney can help you figure out the best way to defend your case. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor and in some cases get your charges reduced or dropped.
