Westin DUI Lawyer
Florida is known for many great things (perfect weather and fantastic beaches, for starters) but it is also known for its dangerous roads. Part of the problem is driving under the influence. There are over 5,000 drunk driving crashes in the state of Florida each year, resulting in over 3,000 injuries and up to 500 deaths. State prosecutors are well aware of the problem and will make an example out of anyone in order to crack down on drunk driving within the state. Whether this was your first offense, and you barely blew a 0.08 BAC, this was your third DUI and you were well over 0.1, or you are being wrongly accused of a crime that you did not commit, you need representation. The Westin DUI lawyer at Haber | Blank LLP has seen it all when it comes to DUI cases and knows how to prepare a winning defense for our clients.
A Florida DUI will Ruin Your Life
A DUI is a second degree misdemeanor at best, and a second degree felony at worst, resulting in up to 30 years in prison if someone was seriously hurt or killed because of the defendant’s actions. A full list of potential consequences of a DUI are as follows:
- Jail sentence
- State prison sentence
- Probation
- Heavy fines
- Driver’s license revocation
- Vehicle impounding
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- DUI driver’s school
- Substance abuse counseling and monthly reporting
- Community service
- Increased auto insurance premium
- Loss of your job
- Damaged status within your community
- Loss of custody rights
A DUI stays on your driving record for 75 years, so even when your jail or probation period is up, the DUI will follow you for decades, impacting your ability to be gainfully employed, qualify for loans, and much more.
DUI Causing Bodily Injury or Death
A DUI that causes serious bodily injury is a third degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000. A serious injury is defined as, “creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ,” which leaves a lot to interpretation, but generally includes broken bones, serious lacerations, and most other common injuries sustained in a car crash. You can be charged with DUI resulting in serious bodily injury whether the injured person was a cyclist, pedestrian, other car driver, or even an occupant in your own vehicle, such as a family member or friend. A DUI resulting in death is considered manslaughter, punishable by up to 30 years in state prison.
Call a Westin DUI Lawyer Today
Driving under the influence is one of the most common crimes out there. It has the potential to seriously harm or kill other road users. As such, it is punished as a serious crime, not as a minor traffic offense like speeding or changing lanes without using a turn signal. If you were arrested for a DUI, call the Westin DUI lawyer at Haber | Blank LLP today at 954-767-0300 to schedule a free consultation.
