Over 31,700 drivers were arrested in Florida for DUI in 2015, reports MADD. There were over 26,200 convictions, which can mean serving jail time and/or probation, paying large fines, doing community service, losing driving privileges, amongst other penalties. If you were arrested for DUI, do not make these four mistakes that could worsen your case or lead to additional charges.
Mistake #1: Driving without a license.
When you were arrested for DUI, the officer most likely took your driver’s license. The officer also may have given you a citation that served as a temporary, limited license for the first ten days after your arrest. If you do not request a hearing to appeal your license suspension within that 10-day grace period or get a BPO (business purposes only) license, you are not allowed to drive.
Driving with a suspended license is a serious offense in Florida. It may mean new charges on top of your DUI charges, and it may result in a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. It is not worth it.
Mistake #2: Not hiring an attorney.
Many DUI defendants make the mistake of thinking they can handle the case on their own, that they should listen to their friend’s advice, or that they should plead guilty to “get the case behind them.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. Your freedom, job, and reputation are on the line. It is in your best interest to speak to the DUI defense team at Goldman Wetzel about your options before making any decisions.
There are legal strategies and options you may not be aware of. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may be able to get evidence suppressed or get your charges dropped or reduced. Note: (unfortunately we don’t have diversion programs for DUIs)
Mistake #3: Blindly accepting the breathalyzer results.
Breathalyzer results are not always 100 percent accurate or reliable. Breathalyzers are machines, and, like all machines, they may falter. They may be incorrectly calibrated, poorly maintained, or improperly administered. Plus, many factors can affect test results when you are pulled over for DUI, including certain medical conditions or medications.
Explore your defense options with our team. We may be able to successfully challenge the breathalyzer results and request that your case be dismissed.
Mistake #4: Showing up late to court.
Nothing hurts a defendant’s credibility in court quite like showing up late to court, or worse, not showing up at all. Judges take their job seriously and will not take kindly to disrespect.
If you show up late, the judge presiding over your case may say you have forfeited your bond and you could be jailed until your trial. If you fail to appear in court, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.
Talk to a DUI attorney in St. Petersburg at Goldman Wetzel today.
If you have been arrested for DUI in St. Petersburg, call Goldman Wetzel and speak to our team about your case: 727-828-3900. Our team pools its resources and knowledge to approach your case from every side for comprehensive legal defense.