Find Expert DUI Lawyers in Vero Beach, Florida
Navigating the legal complexities of a driving under the influence (DUI) case can be a daunting experience with high stakes. Finding the best Vero Beach DUI lawyer can make all the difference in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome.
At the law firm of Meltzer & Bell, our experience and track record in handling criminal defense cases like DUIs include over 500 decisions by trial and thousands of DUI wins in Vero Beach and throughout Florida. Our team of Vero Beach DUI lawyers has the experience, strategies, and skills to effectively protect your rights.
Our work has earned over 1,000 5-star reviews that reflect our commitment to our clients. We offer that same commitment to you. Contact us and start with a free consultation.
What Are the DUI Laws in Florida?
- Under Florida DUI law, a driver with an intoxication level preventing them from safely operating a motor vehicle can face criminal charges for driving under the influence.
- Vero Beach, Fl courts consider drunk driving a serious criminal offense, and local law enforcement will pursue drivers endangering the lives of others on the road.
Understanding the Legal Blood Alcohol Level Limits in Florida
- Florida police officers use blood tests or breathalyzer tests to determine a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
- A driver with a BAC above the legal limit can be charged with a DUI offense and face severe consequences.
- Florida’s BAC limits vary depending on the category of the driver facing the DUI charges.
- The legal blood alcohol level limit is .08% for drivers over the age of 21, and there is a stricter limit of .02% for drivers under the age of 21. The threshold for commercial drivers is set at .04%.
Understanding Florida’s Implied Consent Laws
- In Florida, implied consent laws dictate that drivers suspected of driving under the influence must submit to chemical testing.
- Refusing the BAC test will result in a driver’s license suspension, with the first instance of refusal leading to a suspension of one-year.
- A prior refusal will lead to the revocation of driving privileges for one and a half years.
- Refusing to submit to testing could result in a temporary arrest and booking procedure. However, doing so could help you avoid the stress, financial strain, and legal sanctions related to a conviction.
- A competent criminal defense lawyer experienced in DUIs can contest driver’s license suspensions resulting from a refusal at an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.
What Are the Consequences of a Conviction for DUI in Florida?
The consequences of a DUI conviction in the state of Florida can be severe, extensive, costly, and long-lasting. They may include:
- Loss of time spent in legal processes, classes, and community service
- A negative impact on employment including failed background checks and lost job opportunities
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fees for court fines, mandatory classes, driver’s license suspensions, probation and drug testing, vehicle immobilization and ignition interlock device installations, alcohol and drug treatment sessions, and mandatory DUI school, among others
- Driver’s license revocation or suspension usually lasting a minimum of six months
- Higher mandatory insurance costs for at least three years
- Appropriate restitution to victims
- Community service and jail time
- A permanent criminal record
Choosing the Best DUI Attorney in Vero Beach, Florida
The success of your defense depends on your choice of the right criminal defense attorney with DUI experience in Vero Beach, FL.
- A criminal defense attorney with expertise in DUI cases can offer solid counsel, pose pertinent queries, and build a robust criminal defense.
- A DUI lawyer with local knowledge of Vero Beach courts and legal procedures can be especially helpful in navigating the DUI legal process.
Criminal Defense Lawyer vs. Driving Under the Influence Defense Lawyer
A general criminal defense attorney represents individuals facing various criminal cases that may include drunk driving. But a DUI defense attorney is specifically trained in defending those charged with driving under the influence. DUI defense attorneys possess a deep understanding of the laws, regulations, and procedures related to DUI offenses, making them the most effective choice for your case.
A specialized DUI attorney can assist you in navigating the legal process following a DUI arrest and protect your driving privileges. They have the expertise to determine the most effective defense strategy based on the unique facts of your situation,
Communication and Availability
When choosing a DUI lawyer, consider their availability, communication style, and responsiveness to find the support you need while navigating the Florida criminal justice system. Your criminal defense attorney should be responsive to your questions and needs, and available even during irregular hours for urgent issues. A DUI attorney with good communication skills can explain the fundamentals and details of your case and work with the judge and prosecution for a better outcome.
Fee and Payment Transparency
To find an affordable and experienced DUI defense attorney, you may need to compare legal fees and payment options as an early step. Consider the cost range of DUI defense lawyer fees in your area, the lawyer’s fee structure (flat fee, hourly rate, or a combination of the two), and any services they include in their fees. Ask if they provide payment plans. An especially experienced attorney may charge higher fees, but they may also have a better success rate in achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.
How a Meltzer & Bell DUI Lawyer Can Help
At the law firm of Meltzer & Bell, our team of criminal defense experts are also trained DUI lawyers who will put your life and future first. A DUI charge in Vero Beach, Indian County, of the state of Florida can be an overwhelming experience. You shouldn’t have to face criminal charges or the legal system alone. Here’s why choosing a criminal defense attorney from Meltzer & Bell means choosing a team of champions for your rights:
- Known and respected in Vero Beach, Indian County, and beyond, we have established ourselves in the community as a leading name in legal criminal defense.
- Our DUI attorneys have a client-first approach and fight to make sure your life isn’t adversely affected by a DUI charge.
- Our team has unmatched legal expertise and includes former government lawyers, a former prosecutor, a former major crimes public defender, and a former assistant state attorney, bringing a wealth of experience to your defense.
- We are committed to your case 24/7, because emergencies don’t follow a 9-5 schedule. Unlike at other law firms, you can have real-time access to the firm’s partners, including nights, weekdays and holidays. The attorneys are here to serve you at all times because arrests can happen at any moment.
- We’ve built a track record of success with groundbreaking cases that have changed Florida law, and nearly 1,000 5-star reviews.
- We have expertise in some of the most complex cases imaginable, from DUIs to death penalties, and we’re equipped to handle any legal challenge thrown our way.
Building Your Defense
Our attorneys can employ a number of strategies in your defense that have proven effective in casting doubt on the prosecution’s evidence and achieving a sentence reduction or charges dropped entirely. These include:
- Disputing the accuracy of the breathalyzer device and test results
- Questioning if the device was properly calibrated
- Questioning the results of the field sobriety test
- Questioning the test administration training of the arresting officer
- Questioning the validity of the traffic stop including the police officer’s case for reasonable suspicion
- Presenting alternative explanations for impairment like medical conditions, fatigue, or the consumption of certain prescription medications
- Protecting your driving privileges
Negotiating Plea Deals and Diversion Programs
Our attorneys can work with the prosecution to take into consideration factors such as extenuating circumstances, the severity of the offense, and your criminal record (if one exists) in plea deal or diversion program negotiations.
- A plea deal is an arrangement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant pleads no contest or guilty to a lesser charge or agrees to accept a specific sentence in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecution.
- Diversion programs offer defendants the chance to complete programs such as alcohol education classes, community service, and other activities in lieu of jail time.
While diversion programs and plea deals can help defendants avoid jail time or a permanent criminal record, they may require relinquishing certain rights, like the right to a speedy trial. A skilled DUI attorney from Metzer & Bell can help explain to you both the advantages and disadvantages of your options and negotiate with the prosecutor to achieve the best outcome for your DUI case.
Representing You in Court
Finally, a criminal defense attorney at Meltzer & Bell will mount a vigorous defense and represent you in court at arraignments and bail hearings, pretrial motions, and during the trial itself. At every step of the way our attorneys will advocate for your rights and interests, with robust strategies that can weaken the prosecution’s evidence and potentially secure you a favorable outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a DUI attorney?
A DUI lawyer or attorney is a type of criminal defense attorney who provides counsel and defends individuals charged with DUI, safeguarding their rights throughout the legal process.
Should I get a lawyer for a DUI arrest in the state of Florida?
The laws regarding DUIs in Florida are complex, and the potential consequences are severe. Even for a first offense, we strongly advise hiring an experienced DUI lawyer or criminal defense attorney with extensive DUI training and knowledge of Florida law for your charge.
How much is a DUI lawyer in Florida?
The average cost of a DUI lawyer in Florida is usually between $2,000 – $10,000, depending on the details of your case that include prior DUIs, bodily injury caused, and criminal history. DUI attorneys often offer payment options such as monthly payment plans, credit card payments, and flat fees.
What are the typical fines and jail time for a DUI arrest in Florida?
For DUI cases in Florida, fines and jail sentences vary depending on the severity of the offense and the number of the driver’s prior DUI convictions. The fine is at least $500 for a first offense, and the jail sentence can be up to six months. For a second conviction, the fine can be as high as $1,000, and the jail sentence could be up to nine months .
Can my driver’s license be suspended or revoked?
Most Florida drivers convicted of DUI should expect revocation or suspension of their driver’s license, with the length of the suspension depending on the particular details of the case. The minimum duration of driver’s license suspension is 180 days and the maximum duration is up to one year for a first-time DUI conviction. The suspension period can be extended for multiple DUI offenses, depending on the number of earlier convictions and the time elapsed between offenses.
What are the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida?
The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida can impact your life for years to come. For example, many potential employers will view a conviction negatively and you may find it more difficult to find employment. Since insurers view drivers with a DUI on their record as higher-risk, DUI convictions can also lead to higher insurance rates for at least three years. A conviction for DUI in Florida will also lead to a permanent criminal record that can impact your life and future, affecting everything from housing to professional licensing.