Miami Out-of-State DUI Attorney

Even people simply visiting the state of Florida are expected to adhere to the rules, guidelines, and laws of the state, including those pertaining to driving while intoxicated (DUI).

Violating Florida's DUI laws could result in the following consequences for a first-time DUI conviction, which may have to be completed in its entirety while in Florida:

• $500 - $1000 fine;
• up to six (6) months in jail;
• driver's license suspended for 6-12 months;
• car impounded for up to 10 days;
• ignition interlock device installed on all owned vehicles;
• community service; and
• substance abuse treatment program.

Reducing Florida Court Appearances for Non-Residents

The costs associated with a DUI offense can create a substantial financial burden. Unfortunately, when the defendant lives in a different state, those financial burdens are quickly multiplied by traveling expenses, lodging, and missing multiple days of work to make your court dates.

However, a knowledgeable Miami DUI lawyer would be prepared with strategies available in Miami-Dade County that could make the burden a little lighter for an out-of-state defendant. Some of these tactics include:

• diligently attempting to have case dismissed prior to trial;
• pleading to a less severe offense with deferred adjudication;
• pre-trial diversion program for first-time offenders;
• plea in absentia;
• probation by mail; and
• transferring probation, community service, and other penalties to defendant's home state.

Florida and the Interstate Driver's License Compact

A typical misconception is that a driving-related offense that occurs in State A will not affect the person's driving privileges if they live in State B. However, that could not be further from the truth. Any driving-related offense that occurs while a person is in Florida, including DUI, will negatively impact their driving privileges back home if they do not resolve their legal matter.

The Driver's License Compact has enabled the 46 states in agreement, including Florida, to exchange information regarding traffic infractions committed by an out-of-state driver and to inform other states of a driver having his or her driver's license suspended by another state.

After disseminating the information related to your DUI charge, the state where you reside will then apply its own DUI penalties, such as suspending your driving privileges. However, hope is not lost. An experienced Miami-Dade criminal defense attorney could help you dispute the charges and protect your privilege to drive.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or a nearby community but you live in another state, contact The Hoffman Firm at 305-249-0090 submit an online contact form so we can begin defending both your freedom and driving privileges.

Florida DUI Resources for Non-Residents

NHTSA – National Driver Register (NDR): Visit this website to learn more about the National Driver Register powered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to identify individuals whose driving privileges have been revoked, suspended, canceled, or who have been convicted of a serious traffic-related offense.

National Driver License Compact: Visit this website to acquire more information concerning the United States driver license compact and how it enables states to exchange information regarding license suspension and traffic violations of motorists.

Miami DUI Defense Attorney for Non-Residents

If you were visiting Florida and were arrested for driving under the influence, commonly referred to as "DUI," you need an experienced defense lawyer to help guide you through the criminal courts of Florida.

Attorney Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm has extensive experience representing clients visiting Miami, Miami Beach, South Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Fort Lauderdale, Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park, and various other tourist destinations throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida.

The Hoffman Firm has successfully litigated a myriad of DUI related offenses, including, but not limited to, First DUI , Second DUI, DUI refusal, and more.

If you reside in Miami call 305-249-0090 now. If you reside in Broward County call 954-524-4474 now.