According to a report published by the Palm Beach Post, a 21-year-old Tampa woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) after narrowly missing a Boca Raton police officer and a civilian and crashing into the back of a patrol car. The crash took place at around 3 a.m. at 2800 North Military Trail while Boca Raton police were conducting another unrelated DUI stop. The driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured to be between .254 and .258, in excess of three times the legal limit of .08. She stated that she had left the Blue Martini in Boca Raton and had consumed three vodka drinks.
A DUI conviction can result in serious legal penalties
Florida law imposes significant penalties on people who are convicted of DUI. In many instances, these penalties are significantly enhanced when there is property damage or physical injury involved. Some of the penalties that a person facing a Florida DUI may face include the following:
- License suspension;
- Probation;
- Community service;
- Significant fines;
- The installation of an ignition interlock device;
- Court costs; and
- Jail time.
In addition to these consequences imposed by the court, people who are convicted of DUI may face significant collateral consequences as well. In some cases, people may even be sanctioned by their employer or educational institution.
Fortunately, in many cases, an experienced DUI defense attorney can help people who have been accused of DUI mitigate the consequences that they are facing. A DUI arrest does not always lead to a conviction, and it is a known fact that breathalyzer and roadside sobriety tests do not always accurately determine whether an individual is under the influence of alcohol. In many cases, procedural errors that law enforcement makes while investigating a suspected drunk driver can result in the evidence collected being excluded from any court proceedings in the future. These rules are not self-executing, however, so it is important to retain an attorney who is familiar with defending people who are accused of drunk driving in Florida. If you have been accused of DUI, some of the ways an attorney can help include:
- Reviewing the arrest record and determining if your rights were violated;
- Filing motions to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained;
- Advising you about treatment options that the court may view favorably;
- Negotiating a plea agreement on your behalf with the prosecutor handling your case; and
- Representing you should your case go to trial
Contact a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation
Individuals who are facing allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs should contact an experienced Boca Raton DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. In many cases, the assistance of an attorney can help mitigate the long-term consequences of a DUI case and may even lead to the allegations against you being completely dropped or dismissed by the court. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call Lavalle Brown & Ronan today at 888-646-1315.
