DUI Lawyer for Longwood, Sanford and Tavares
Defending Clients Throughout Lake and Seminole Counties
No matter the particular circumstances of your DUI case, there are almost always viable defense strategies that an attorney can look into. An attorney can evaluate all aspects of your arrest, the initial police stop, field sobriety tests, breath and blood tests, and more to determine whether law enforcement violated protocol or infringed upon your rights in any way. A single mistake or violation of your constitutional rights may greatly impact the outcome of your case, if your DUI lawyer acts quickly and uses the legal system to your advantage.
At Katz & Phillips, P.A. we have a unique advantage in DUI defense. Founding attorney David Katz is a former DUI/Intoxilyzer Specialist and prosecuting attorney who has particular experience with the technical aspect of Florida DUI charges due to his unique knowledge of the Intoxilyzer 8000, the breath test machine used in Florida in drunk driving cases. Our attorneys work together to defend our clients in the face of their DUI charges. We combine our knowledge, passion and experience to provide a better experience for our clients and a better opportunity at the best outcome possible.
Focus on DUI Defense – Issues We Can Help With
If you have recently been criminally charged with drunk driving, it is highly important that you do not hesitate to get the involvement of an experienced DUI lawyer that you trust. At our firm, we have years of experience in handling some of the most complex cases. No matter whether you are in the Lake and Seminole Counties, you can rest assured knowing that you will have an attorney on your side that is fully prepared to going the distance in their efforts to protect your legal rights. Just some of the different areas of DUI law that we are able to assist with include the following:
DUI Penalties
If you have been criminally charged, one of the most pressing questions on your mind likely has to do with the penalties that you are at risk of. Like most criminal charges, there is the risk of incarceration, as well as the possibility of incarceration. DUI-related penalties, however, also focus on stopping the possibility of repeat offenses and require such things as alcohol and treatment and the installation of the ignition interlock device. Read more about DUI penalties.
Underage DUI
There is a very little tolerance for drivers under the legal drinking age to be driving drunk. For this reason, the law has lowered the blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold to the absolute minimal. This, however, means that a driver can be pushed over the limit even if they were not drinking. Even taking cold medicine could raise their BAC over this low amount. Read more about underage DUI.
DMV Hearings
DUI cases are unique in that they have more than just the criminal case that you will have to deal with. There is also the civil case that will begin as soon as you are arrested and will require that you go forth into the DMV hearing. This is a confusing topic as this is a completely independent hearing and will deal with two separate topics. Still, it is a good idea to have experienced legal representation on your side to ensure that your rights are fully and comprehensively protected. Read more about DMV hearings.
Breath and Blood Tests
One of the most important aspects of the DUI case will rest on the foundation of the evidence that is secured from the chemical testing – such as the breath and blood tests. These are strictly regulated and have stringent guidelines; if these guidelines are not met in the way that they are administered, the validity of the test is thrown into serious question. Even if administered perfectly, however, these are not flawless and can be prone to serious error. Read more about breath and blood tests.
Field Sobriety Tests
The first test that is often used by law enforcement officers are known as field sobriety tests. These, however, are not the most scientific of tests and are unfortunately extremely subjective in error. The bias of the arresting officer could play just as large of a role in determining the outcome of the case as the sobriety of the subject in question. Read more about field sobriety tests.
Felony DUI
In most cases, a DUI-related charge is going to be a misdemeanor although this is not always the case. In some situations the extenuating factors of the arrest can cause the prosecutor to elevate the charges to a felony. This is typically in cases where an accident occurred, especially if an injury was sustained due to the accident. Read more about felony DUI.
Out of State DUI
It is never simple to deal with a DUI arrest. What if you weren’t even in your home town when you were arrested? What if you weren’t even in your state? Unfortunately, this is not completely out of the question. People travelling are just as likely to get arrested as those near their home; however, being far away can significantly complicate the situation as there are certain laws in place that will need to be addressed when an arrest stretches across geographic lines. Read more about out of state DUI.
DUI with Injury
If you were arrested in a DUI case that involved an accident, then you are likely aware of the stress that can come from a situation of this nature. Law enforcement are always on the alert for cases of this nature, but when an injury was involved during the commission of the alleged crime, then the stakes are raised even higher. Read more about DUI with injury.
DUI & Ambien
Charges of driving under the influence are not limited exclusively to driving under the influence of alcohol. The law takes an equally harsh stance on those they believe to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. This often times, however, can include perfectly legal prescription drugs, such as Ambien. Read more about DUI & Ambien.
Multiple DUI Offenses
If you have prior DUI arrests on your criminal record, then it is vastly important that you get an experienced criminal lawyer on your side. Each subsequent arrest in a DUI charge will lead to elevated penalties and a significantly more complicated case. If you are dealing with your second, third or even fourth arrest, it is vitally important that you do not hesitate to get experienced legal representation. Read more about multiple DUI offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When dealing with a criminal charge of this nature, it is highly likely that you are dealing with considerable confusion. After all, if you don’t plan on being a lawyer or if you have never dealt with the law before, it is likely that you do not know the specifics about the statutes. It is for this reason that this site was created. We know that you likely have questions – we have the answers. Read more about frequently asked questions.
When to Consult a DUI Defense Lawyer
As soon as possible following your DUI arrest, it is of the utmost importance that you consult a lawyer. You have only 10 days to contact the Florida DHSMV and schedule your DMV hearing, or you will lose your driver’s license regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. A DUI defense lawyer will need to get involved immediately to begin defending your rights and interests in all aspects of your case. Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss how we can provide you with the DI defense that you need – call us today to learn more about how we can help!
Contact a DUI attorney from our firm today for your free case evaluation!
