Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney

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In 2018, law enforcement officers arrested over 32,000 Floridians driving under the influence. DUI charges have serious consequences, and the state of Florida has little sympathy for drivers who choose to break the law.

If you have been arrested or accused of driving under the influence, you must speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The Hoffman Firm has over two decades of experience working with clients to help them potentially get the charges reduced or dismissed. Our attorney is proud to aggressively defend clients in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas.

Call The Hoffman Firm at 954-524-4474 for legal counsel you can trust.

DUIs in Florida

According to Florida law, a driver is guilty of a DUI if he or she is actively operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The blood alcohol concentration or BAC quantifies the level of intoxication. If a driver has a BAC of 0.08 or higher, he or she is driving under the influence.

Police officers can also gauge intoxication with field sobriety tests, but BAC is typically the most reliable measure of intoxication. The legal limit in Florida varies depending on the age or occupation of the driver. For example, minors who drive with a BAC of 0.02 are legally intoxicated. If the officer has reasonable suspicion to assume that controlled or illegal substances are involved, they may require a blood test. Never undergo a blood test or any other evaluations without a lawyer present.

How do Attorneys Defend DUI Cases?

Being accused of driving under the influence can feel like the end of the line, but law enforcement officers have to follow strict guidelines for DUI arrests, and any errors can result in the case being dismissed. There are no legal defenses guaranteed to win your case, but the law does offer strict guidelines for how cases are handled. This can often work to your advantage.

Defenses against DUI charges may include:

• Probable Cause: This is a legal term that refers to objective circumstances that suggest criminal activity. In other words, the officer finds proof of a possible crime that leads to an arrest or a warrant. If the arresting officer in your case did not have probable cause to suggest driving under the influence, your attorney could make the case that any evidence collected during the arrest be inadmissible.
• Test Error: Like all other scientific inquiries, chemical tests must follow specific procedures and steps to be accurate. If there is an error during the test, the results will not be upheld in a court of law. In some cases, the arresting officer may not perform a chemical test correctly or fails to maintain the breathalyzer machine. If this is the case, any evidence from the chemical test is inaccurate.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you must speak with an attorney. A qualified legal professional can build a strong defense on your behalf to lessen the sentence or eliminate the charges. However, building a defense becomes difficult if you incriminate yourself in the presence of an officer. Always contact an attorney as soon as possible after the arrest to avoid self-incrimination.

DUI Cases We Handle

Not all DUI cases are the same, and many people may find themselves in a tough situation that requires a strategic solution. The Hoffman Firm has experience with a variety of cases, and we can provide the solution you need for your specific situation.

Our attorney defends the following cases:

• First Offense DUIs
• Second Offense DUIs
• Third and Fourth Offense DUIs
• Underage DUIs
• DUI manslaughter
• Commercial DUIs
• Out of state DUIs
• DUI with a minor passenger
• Boating under the influence
• Driving under the influence of a controlled substance
• And more

Understanding the Consequences of a DUI in Fort Lauderdale

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida, carrying both immediate and long-term consequences. Whether it’s a first-time offense or a repeat occurrence, a DUI charge can significantly impact various aspects of your life, from your driving privileges to your professional reputation. If you're facing a DUI charge, it’s important to understand the potential penalties and the differences between a first-time DUI and subsequent offenses, especially if the individual is under the legal drinking age.

What are the consequences of a DUI?

A DUI conviction in Fort Lauderdale can lead to significant legal penalties, financial costs, and personal consequences. Florida law takes DUI offenses seriously, and even a first-time offender can face severe repercussions. The primary penalties associated with a DUI include:

• Fines: Depending on the circumstances, fines for a DUI in Florida can range. These amounts increase with additional aggravating factors, such as having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or causing an accident.
• License suspension: A DUI conviction typically results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Subsequent offenses can lead to even longer suspension periods, and repeat offenders may face a permanent revocation of their driving privileges.
• Imprisonment: Florida law allows for jail time in DUI cases, even for first offenses. For a first-time conviction, jail sentences can last up to six months, but this can increase to up to nine months if there are aggravating circumstances, such as a BAC of .15 or higher.
• Probation: Probation is often part of a DUI sentence, and the individual may be required to complete certain conditions, such as attending DUI school or substance abuse counseling.
• Community service: Courts may order DUI offenders to complete a certain number of community service hours, typically at least 50 hours for a first-time offender.

These penalties can have ripple effects beyond the legal system, affecting a person’s employment, insurance premiums, and even personal relationships.

How Does a First-Time DUI Differ From a Second DUI?

The consequences of a DUI become more severe with each subsequent offense. A second DUI conviction within five years of the first carries heightened penalties, including:

• Harsher fines
• Longer jail time
• Extended license suspension
• Vehicle impoundment

The courts also look less favorably on repeat offenders, which means that defenses that may have been more successful in a first-time DUI case may be less effective the second time around. Additionally, second and subsequent DUIs may result in mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, requiring offenders to pass a breathalyzer test before starting their vehicle.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of an Underage DUI?

Underage drivers are held to a different standard when it comes to DUI offenses in Fort Lauderdale. For individuals under the age of 21, Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy, meaning that a BAC of .02 or higher can result in a DUI charge. The long-term consequences of an underage DUI are particularly severe, as they can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future.

• License suspension: An underage driver convicted of DUI faces an automatic suspension of their license for six months. For repeat offenses, the suspension period may extend to one year or more.
• Educational and career implications: A DUI conviction on a young person’s record can affect their ability to attend certain colleges or universities, secure scholarships, and pursue careers in professions that require clean background checks, such as law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
• Increased insurance premiums: After an underage DUI, the individual will likely face significantly higher car insurance premiums. In some cases, they may have difficulty securing coverage at all.
• Criminal record: An underage DUI conviction becomes part of the individual’s criminal record, potentially affecting future job prospects, housing opportunities, and eligibility for loans or other financial assistance.

In some cases, underage DUI offenders may also be required to attend alcohol education classes, complete community service hours, or participate in substance abuse counseling.

If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge in Fort Lauderdale, it is critical to seek legal representation. An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life.

We Have Your Back

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony level DUI, our firm has the experience you need. We offer client-focused representation and 24/7 service to meet your needs whenever and wherever you need us most. With a proven track record of success and decades of experience, the Fort Lauderdale legal team can create a case strategy to fit your unique situation. Our firm investigates the details of your case and aggressively advocates for you in and out of court.

Don’t hesitate – contact The Hoffman Firm today for a free initial consultation.