Coral Gables DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Coral Gables, FL, it’s important to act quickly. For one, you only have ten days to schedule your DUI hearing and try to defend your license. Additionally, a DUI criminal defense takes time to build. Contact Coral Gables DUI defense attorney Jonathan Blecher. He defends clients, whether it’s their first DUI or they have multiple past convictions. Call today for immediate, professional representation.

Potential Consequences of a Florida DUI

The state of Florida has particularly harsh penalties when it comes to drunk driving. If you’re convicted, penalties can include jail time, license revocation, vehicle impoundment, points on your license, installation of an ignition interlock device, and more. Even if you aren’t convicted, your license can be suspended before trial simply for refusing to submit to a breath test or having an unlawful blood alcohol level. That’s why it’s essential to have a criminal defense attorney on your side from the start.

Call to speak to attorney Blecher about your DUI case.

Drunk Driving Convictions

There are enhanced penalties for DUI with a BAC result of .15 or higher, a DUI with a minor in the vehicle, and a DUI crash with injuries. The following penalties only apply to a DUI where your BAC was above .08 or below .15, and where you did not have any other aggravating factors.

First Conviction – You face up to six months in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines, 180 days to one year license revocation, 10-day vehicle impoundment, and one year probation.
Second Conviction – You face up to nine months in jail, $1,000 to $2,000 in fines, 180 days to one year license revocation, and an ignition interlock device installed at your expense for two years. If your second conviction comes within five years of the first, there are additional penalties, including a mandatory 10-day jail sentence, a five-year revocation, and a one-month vehicle impoundment.
Third Conviction – You face up to one year in county jail, $2,000 to $5,000 in fines, 180 days to one year license revocation, and an ignition interlock device installed at your expense. If the third conviction comes within ten years of the first, it’s a felony DUI, and the penalties increase to a minimum jail sentence of one month but up to five years in prison. You will also face a 90-day vehicle impoundment and a ten-year license revocation.

All convictions also go on your criminal history, which will show up on a background check. This can be a bar to employment, particularly if you need to drive as part of the job requirements.

What Defenses are Available in DUI Cases?

A professional DUI attorney can review all phases of the DUI investigation to determine whether the police followed proper procedure. While most DUI arrests are for misdemeanor charges, the investigations are incredibly nuanced. One misstep by the police can unravel the entire case.

The Stop

Law enforcement officers must be able to show that they had a valid reason to stop you — a traffic violation, drunken driving pattern, etc. In the absence of a valid reason, the court may throw out the entire DUI case.

Physical Indicators

It’s not enough for law enforcement to claim that they believed you were drunk. They must state why it seemed like you were drunk. For example, they might document that your speech was slurred and that you smelled like an alcoholic beverage. These are two physical indicators typically associated with drunken behavior. However, a diligent defense lawyer will also point out that alcohol is not the only possible explanation.

Field Sobriety Exercises

In Florida, roadside exercises are voluntary. If the police suggest that they’re required, your criminal defense lawyer can file a motion to suppress this portion of the investigation.

Implied Consent

After arresting you, the police should remind you of Florida’s implied consent law, which is a reminder that you agreed to provide a breath or urine sample upon request. If the police tell you that you are legally required to provide a breath sample, it could result in a suppression of the results.

These are just a few aspects of the DUI investigation that your attorney will review. There are, of course, other valid criminal defense strategies for DUI cases.

Coral Gables DUI Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are often asked by DUI defendants. Contact attorney Jonathan Blecher to discuss specific aspects of your case.

Should I get a lawyer for DUI in Florida?

Yes. Trying to defend yourself after a DUI charge is extremely precarious. You may actually do more damage to your case than good.

Can a DUI lawyer represent me in my DL hearing?

If you contact Jonathan Blecher as early as possible, he can represent you in your administrative driver’s license hearing. It’s important to note that this has to occur within ten days of your arrest, so make sure you call as soon as possible.

How We Can Help You

As a Coral Gables criminal defense lawyer with over forty years of experience, Jonathan Blecher is extremely familiar with all aspects of DUI arrests. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you need a criminal defense attorney in Miami who knows how to properly question police officers and can find flaws in their evidence. Jonathan Blecher has an unparalleled success rate when it comes to getting DUI charges reduced or dropped. Call today to discuss your case with one of the top DUI defense lawyers in Coral Gables.