Maybe you had a couple of drinks with dinner and had the misfortune of running into a sobriety checkpoint. Or maybe you already have a DUI on your record, and you just added another one. Either way, what you do immediately after a DUI arrest could determine how seriously you will be affected by this charge.
The first thing you should do is contact the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, PA. The sooner you talk to experienced DUI defense lawyer, Matthew Konecky, the more he may be able to do to get you a favorable outcome. The next thing you should do is view the Palm Beach County 1st Time DUI Offender Program here.
A Florida DUI Charge Is Always Serious
There is no “minor” DUI offense in Florida, and a DUI does not have to involve drinking alcohol. You could be charged with DUI for being under the influence of drugs, including over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Whether it's your first DUI arrest or your fifth, a conviction can affect all areas of your life. Not only could you lose your license and be unable to get to work, but you could also end up with a felony conviction on your record. The following are some of the civil sanctions and criminal penalties for a first time DUI conviction in Florida:
- Mandatory adjudication (finding of guilt)
- If your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or greater with a minor in the vehicle, possible jail time of up to nine months
- Fine of not less than $500
- Attendance at DUI school
- 50 hours of community service
- License suspension for a minimum of 180 days
- For a blood alcohol level of .15 or greater, mandatory ignition interlock device for up to six months
- Insurance rates up to five times what you currently pay
It’s not hard to see how seriously these penalties could affect your life and your family. Subsequent convictions carry heftier fines, longer license suspensions, and a greater possibility of jail time.
The impact of a DUI is immediate. Even before you are tried and convicted, you could have your license taken away. You may be able to request a hardship hearing to get a temporary driving permit to get to work or school, but you will have to act fast.
Possible Defenses to a Palm Beach County DUI Charge
Your case may seem cut and dried to you. After all, you failed a field sobriety test, so there’s no way out now—right? Wrong!
It’s important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty—and a roadside sobriety test is not irrefutable proof of your guilt. Matthew Konecky will draw on nearly 20 years of experience as he examines the case against you to find the best defense. Some of the points he will look at include:
- Was the traffic stop legal?
- Was the breathalyzer calibrated correctly?
- If a blood test was taken, was it timely?
- Were there any issues with the administration of the field sobriety test?
- Do you have any medical or vision problems that could affect the results?
- Were procedures followed in filing the case?
We will build the strongest possible case to defend you when you have been charged with DUI.
Underage College Students Risk Their Entire Future
College students have their whole lives ahead of them, so when they make a dumb mistake that could jeopardize everything, it’s vital to consult an experienced attorney to learn about their options. For drivers under the legal drinking age of 21, it is illegal to drive with any amount of alcohol in their system. A blood alcohol level of .02 is enough for a DUI conviction and license suspension, which could affect their ability to continue in college, get a job, qualify for financial aid, and more. If your child was arrested for DUI while home on break or as a student at Palm Beach State College, get them the help they need now to protect their chance at a bright future.
We Offer Honest Advice and Dedicated Service
The primary objective of a skilled DUI lawyer is to protect the client’s rights in all aspects of the case. We have years of experience and have handled hundreds of cases for individuals charged with driving while intoxicated. As your dedicated DUI legal team, we will put together the best possible strategic defense and negotiate the most favorable outcome. You will receive our personal attention and one-on-one service throughout the process. Contact our Palm Beach Gardens office as soon as possible after your arrest so we can get started on your defense right away.
