Ocala DUI Attorney
Do I really need a lawyer for a DUI in Ocala? Yes you do! DUI laws in the State of Florida are strictly enforced and the penalties quite severe. The severity of a conviction for DUI depends upon a number of factors and a DUI could under certain circumstances be treated as a felony. To possibly avoid a DUI conviction and the mandatory sanctions required by Florida law, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to review your case. Do not risk having a DUI conviction on your record when you might have a legal defense. In addition to reviewing your DUI case for defenses, Carrie Proctor, an experienced Ocala criminal defense attorney can also guide you through the process of retaining your driving privileges which may be suspended upon an arrest for DUI.
The State of Florida can prove a DUI either by presenting evidence that a drivers “normal faculties” were impaired or that the driver had an unlawful blood or alcohol level. DUI’s can involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages, chemical or controlled substances or a combination of the two. Neither the way in which the offense is proven or the substance involved changes the legality of a conviction or the statutorily required sanctions that will be imposed upon a conviction for DUI.
A conviction for a first DUI in Ocala or the surrounding area will result in the following:
- A minimum fine of $500.00 plus court costs
- Supervised probation
- Community Service
- DUI School
- Random Screens
- Up to six months of jail time
- Driver’s License Suspension
Any subsequent DUI’s have the potential to carry more severe consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, it is important to obtain an experienced Ocala criminal defense attorney at once. Carrie Proctor will personally analyze your case and fight for your rights. She will work with you to develop a defense that may help reduce your charge or even in some circumstances lead to it’s dismissal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DUI
What is the officer looking for during the initial detention at a DUI scene?
Any indication that you've been drinking and that you're operating your car. So he will be looking at your eyes, he'll be looking, or trying to detect the odor of alcohol. He'll be observing your motor abilities, or your motor skills, and he'll also be looking to see...
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What should I do if I am asked to take a field sobriety test in Florida?
A: Because field sobriety tests are designed in a way that a person cannot possibly pass them, if you’re asked to take one you should simply refuse. In all likelihood of the officer has asked you to do a field sobriety test he has already made a decision to take you to jail.
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Will I lose my license following a conviction for DUI in Florida? For how long?
A: Any conviction for a DUI in the State of Florida requires a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license. The length of that suspension varies depending upon whether or not it’s a first offense and whether or not you have completed certain mandated requirements by Florida Statutes, such as the completion of a DUI school.
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What happens if I refuse to take a breathalyzer in Florida?
A: If you refuse to take the breath test in the state of Florida, you will lose your license for a minimum of one year. Because driving is a privilege and not a constitutional right, when you get your driver’s license you consent and have already consented to the fact that you will submit to the breathalyzer. Therefore, if you refuse to take the breathalyzer, you will lose your license for a year.
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What are the defenses to a DUI in Florida?
A: There are a number of defenses to a DUI in the state of Florida. Some of those defenses would be that the law enforcement officer did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle to begin with, that the officer did not conduct the field sobriety test in a manner prescribed by law. You may have a medical condition that could possibly be a defense. Again, there are numerous defenses to an DUI and it’s important that you consult with an attorney.
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How do I get a work permit?
A: The first thing you need to do in order to get a work permit following a DUI arrest or a conviction would be to enroll in and then successfully complete the DUI school. Once you have proof of completion of the DUI school, you need to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will then make a determination as to whether or not they will issue the work permit.
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