DUI For Age Groups: 60 and Older DUI

Miami DUI Attorney Defending Your Rights

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2015, there were approximately 40 million drivers 65 or older on the road, an increase of nearly 50% from 1999. As the number of older drivers has grown, this age group has been increasingly the target of police stops for driving while under the influence (DUI). If you have been arrested for DUI, my law firm, Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., can come to your defense. I am a trial-tested Miami DUI attorney with more than four decades of legal experience defending drivers in Florida.

If you have questions about your DUI case, call me today and get the answers you need during a FREE consultation.

DUI Considerations For Those 60 And Older

One of the main concerns with DUI cases for this age group involves the administration of roadside sobriety tests. People who are in perfect health have been known to “fail” these tests. Throw in any number of injuries, weak joints, or the anxiety of being pulled over and the results can be greatly obscured. In fact, under ideal testing conditions, some standardized field sobriety tests may have an accuracy of less than 80%. The bottom line is that field sobriety tests may not be able to accurately gauge driver intoxication.

Three of the most common field sobriety tests include:

  1. The walk and turn test
  2. The one-leg stand
  3. The Horizontal gaze nystagmus

In all three tests mentioned above, the “results” can be left to the discretion of the administering officer, who will be looking for signs of intoxication. However, factors including uneven payment, heavy roadside traffic, and the physical ability of the participant can all effect test outcomes. Despite the inaccurate and unscientific nature of sobriety tests, a prosecutor may still attempt to use this evidence against you in court.

The Costs Of A DUI

In addition to initial fines and lost income, a conviction for DUI can have far-reaching financial consequences. This can be especially important for those who are retired, nearing retirement, or live on fixed monthly budgets. For example, if you are able to hold onto your license or after the period of suspension ends, your insurance rates are likely to increase drastically. An amplified insurance premium may be enough to deter those with a DUI from driving altogether. Additionally, you may also have to
pay for the installation of an ignition interlock device as well as a monthly fee for monitoring and calibration.

There Is No Time To Waste – Call 305-321-3237

After an arrest for driving under the influence, it is critical to act quickly as you may have only ten days in which to contest the administrative suspension of your license. Whether this is your first arrest for DUI or you have past convictions on your record, my firm can help you to fight both the administrative and criminal punishments that you may face. As an experienced Miami DUI lawyer, I can help you to understand the charges against you as well as your legal options in the case ahead.

If you are ready to start on an aggressive defense? Contact my office today and let us help you to clear your name.

DUI Defense