DUI FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Sarasota DUI Lawyers
What is DUI? DUI stands for driving under the influence. It is a criminal offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who is “under the influence” of alcohol and/or drugs. To be under the influence, a person may have a blood alcohol concentration that is above the legal limit, or his or her physical/mental abilities may be impaired.
Will I go to jail if I’m convicted of DUI in Sarasota? If you are arrested for and convicted of DUI in Sarasota, Florida, there is the possibility that the court will enforce mandatory jail time – even if this is your first offense. However, the specific term of imprisonment may vary depending on the jurisdiction, the particular offense, your blood alcohol concentration and more. A Sarasota DUI attorney will play a major role in helping you avoid imprisonment, as well as a number of other serious DUI penalties that you may face.
What is a DMV hearing? After your Sarasota DUI arrest, you have the right to schedule an administrative hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) regarding the suspension of your license. It is important to note, at this point, that the failure to schedule your DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest will result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
How can an attorney help me? As with any criminal charges, working with a criminal defense attorney will be crucial in having the opportunity to avoid a conviction and therefore serious penalties. For DUI charges, an attorney can conduct an independent investigation into the initial police stop, field sobriety tests, your arrest and breath or blood testing in order to determine how to defend your case. Your Sarasota DUI lawyer can also schedule your DMV hearing and represent you at your hearing to help you keep your license.
What types of DUI cases does your firm handle? At Finebloom & Haenel, our DUI defense attorneys represent clients in all types of drunk driving cases, including: DUI of drugs, out of state DUI, underage DUI, multiple DUI, DUI accidents, and felony DUI.
