Sarasota DUI Attorneys
The DUI Process in Sarasota County, Florida
The Sarasota DUI process can be particularly difficult because there are actually two elements of the case against you: the DMV hearing and the criminal court case. A Sarasota DUI lawyer at Finebloom & Haenel can help you through both aspects of your DUI case. We have experience in representing clients at their DMV hearings and provide aggressive legal representation at these and during the entire criminal court process.
DMV Hearings in Sarasota
Your DMV hearing must be scheduled within 10 days of your Sarasota DUI arrest. If you fail to schedule this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended – even if you are found not guilty of DUI in criminal court.
At your hearing, you or your attorney will have the opportunity to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. To do this, you must prove that you: A) were not lawfully arrested, B) did not have a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater, or C) that you did not refuse breath or blood alcohol testing.
The Sarasota DUI Court Process
The first court appearance in the Sarasota DUI process is your arraignment. This initial hearing will include the judge informing you of your charges and your rights, and what penalties may be enforced. At this time, you have the chance to enter a guilty, not guilty or no contest plea.
Following the arraignment, there will be a second court date, the disposition. Your Sarasota DUI lawyer can typically appear on your behalf and will speak to the prosecuting attorney who is in charge of your case. Your lawyer can explain the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you and see if it can be resolved without going to trial. There will likely be a number of similar court appearances following the first disposition, and each time we will work to resolve your case. Although it can be stressful for a client to have his or her case continue for so long, it gives your DUI attorney the opportunity to seek a positive resolution and outcome.
Contact a Sarasota DUI attorney at Finebloom & Haenel today!
