Tampa Florida DUI Drunk Driving Arrest Information
If you've been arrested for drunk driving in the Tampa Bay area, there are several facts of which you need to be aware. The most important aspect of properly defending a drunk driving charge is timeliness, as there are two "modes" of defense that need to be addressed to protect your driving privileges and to potentially mitigate your exposure to the penalties that can be imposed if you are convicted. Each of these "modes" is briefly explained below, but you need to contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden as soon as possible for a full explanation of your rights.
Florida DMV "Mode"
The first "mode" of defense that you need to work with your attorney in preparation for is the DMV hearing that results from any drunk driving arrest. Within ten days of your DUI arrest, you will need to file for a hearing with the department of motor vehicles that will determine whether or not your driving privileges will be removed. This is an "administrative" hearing, which means that your case will be presented to a Hearing Master, and the Hearing Master will make the decision based on the facts presented during the hearing.
The DMV hearing is a completely separate process from your court proceedings. This hearing deals only with your continued ability to legally drive, and your license can be suspended or revoked at this hearing depending on your case and any relevant DUI history. Suspension of driving privileges can range from six months to years, but this aspect of a DUI arrest is often overlooked in importance.
Legal "Mode" in DUI Defense
The legal "mode" of your DUI defense concerns the criminal charges that are filed in conjunction with a Florida DUI, and this aspect of your defense will determine several factors for the defendant. First, a decision on guilt or innocence is made based on the facts and evidence presented, and your DUI attorney will help you prepare for this trial.
If you are convicted of DUI, the court decides on sanctions. These sanctions include fines, jail time if necessary and in accordance with the Florida statutes and any other penalties that may be imposed, including the requirement of alcohol treatment and classes if the court deems them to be necessary.
Overall, there are two aspects to your Florida drunk driving arrest, and the DMV portion of your defense requires timeliness above all else. The legal portion of your defense will concern the penalties you face. The one common denominator in terms of how to deal with your case is that a Tampa Bay DUI attorney will be able to help guide you through this process, and attempting to navigate these complicated procedures without an experienced and skilled hand at your side will only increase the chance that you pay a severe price as a result. Contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney from Fluke, Palma & Seiden today.
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