Port Saint Lucie’s Premier DUI Defense Lawyer
Facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, can be an overwhelming experience, especially when the potential consequences can have a lasting impact on your life. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, successfully navigating this legal landscape requires advocacy. You need the best DUI attorney in Port Saint Lucie who understands the intricacies of Florida DUI laws and can build a strong defense on your behalf.
The criminal defense law firm of Meltzer & Bell P.A. has an entire team of expert DUI lawyers with years of experience. No other law firm is more prepared to ensure you receive the best outcome if you’ve been arrested for DUI. We have over 1,000 5-star reviews and thousands of court wins as proof of our work. Contact us to start with a free consultation.
How Port Saint Lucie DUI Lawyers Can Help
At Meltzer & Bell, our team of DUI lawyers puts your life and future first. Our criminal defense lawyers are on your side when you’re faced with the overwhelming experience of a DUI charge in Port St Lucie or elsewhere in Florida. We’re driven to meet the needs of our clients first, and will fight tirelessly to safeguard your future. An experienced DUI lawyer from Meltzer & Bell can positively influence the outcome of your case. By employing a number of defense strategies that include questioning field sobriety tests for driving under the influence, challenging evidence, negotiating plea deals, and representing you in court, we build a robust defense against every charge you face. Here’s why choosing a DUI lawyer from Meltzer & Bell when you’ve been arrested for DUI means choosing a team of champions for your rights:
- Community Recognition: Known and respected in Port Saint Lucie and beyond, we have established ourselves as a leading name in legal defense.
- Client-First Approach: We believe your life comes before all else, and we fight to ensure it isn’t adversely affected by a DUI charge.
- Unmatched Legal Expertise: Our team includes former government lawyers, a former prosecutor, and a former public defender, and each criminal defense attorney brings years of experience to your defense.
- 24/7 Commitment to Your Case: Legal emergencies happen at all hours, and we’re always ready to tackle your case, day or night. You can contact us for help 24/7.
- Proven Success: With nearly 1,000 5-star reviews and groundbreaking cases that have changed Florida law, we’ve built a track record of success.
- Experts in Complex Cases: From DUIs to death penalty cases, we have expertise in some of the most complex cases imaginable, and equipped to handle any legal challenge thrown our way.
Strategy: Disputing Breathalyzer Test Accuracy
When you were arrested for DUI, errors could have taken place during your breathalyzer test, such as:
- Faulty calibration of the device
- Misidentifying other substances for alcohol
- Delivering inaccurate results
- Delivering false positives due to medical issues
Your Meltzer & Bell criminal defense attorney can cast doubt on the evidence the prosecution has against you and potentially achieve a reduction or dismissal of the charges by questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test. This could include:
- Inspecting the maintenance and calibration of the device
- Contesting the police officer’s training in the administration of the test
- Questioning other factors that may have impacted the results
Strategy: Questioning Field Sobriety Test Results
Law enforcement officers often use field sobriety tests, which can be unreliable and error-prone, to gauge a driver’s level of impairment. By disputing the validity of these tests, a criminal defense attorney can potentially weaken the prosecution’s evidence and case. This includes:
- Highlighting factors like medical conditions that may have influenced the test results
- Evaluating the reliability and accuracy of the tests
- Contest the law enforcement officer’s reasonable suspicion
Strategy: Challenging Evidence
By questioning the accuracy of the evidence against you, your DUI lawyer from Meltzer & Bell can cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and potentially weaken their argument. An expert criminal defense attorney will evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the tests as evidence, locate any procedural errors or inconsistencies in the administration of sobriety tests, and scrutinize all circumstances surrounding your case.
Strategy: Challenging the Traffic Stop
Without reasonable suspicion to pull you over for drunk driving, the police officer may have stopped you unlawfully. This can lead to the exclusion of evidence gathered against you during the stop. We can investigate the legitimacy of the stop, evaluate the case for reasonable suspicion, and check against any violations of your rights during the stop. This can be a powerful strategy in your Florida DUI case, especially if there are doubts around the legality of the traffic stop and arrest.
Strategy: Presenting Alternative Explanations for Impairment
Some potential causes of impairment may include medical conditions, fatigue, or the consumption of certain medications. By presenting alternative explanations for your impairment, a skilled Florida DUI attorney can challenge the assumption that you were impaired due to alcohol or drug use when arrested for DUI. This could potentially lead to reduced charges or a not guilty verdict. This defense strategy can be particularly effective in cases where chemical test results are inconclusive or where there is a lack of other evidence to support a DUI charge. By presenting alternative explanations for impairment, criminal defense lawyers can build a strong defense and improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Negotiating Plea Deals
At Meltzer & Bell, the DUI attorney on your case can use their years of experience and skills to negotiate favorable plea deals on your behalf. They 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). A plea deal is an arrangement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendant agrees to accept a specific sentence in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecution, or to plead no contest or guilty to a lesser charge. With this agreement, the defendant can bypass the trial and possibly receive a reduced sentence or other considerations.
Representing You in Court
Lastly, a DUI attorney at Meltzer & Bell will represent you in court at bail hearings and arraignments, any pretrial motions, plea bargains, and during the trial itself. We have years of experience in building a strong and robust defense and advocating for your rights and interests at every step of the way.
Choosing the Best DUI Attorney in Port Saint Lucie
If you’ve been charged with DUI, the outcome may depend upon choosing the right DUI defense attorney for your case. At Meltzer & Bell, our dedicated team of attorneys are committed to going beyond legal representation for our clients. We build a partnership that will endure as we pursue the optimal outcome for you. We bring transparent fee structures, years of experience, a proven track record of success, and exceptional communication skills and availability.
Expertise in the Florida Criminal Justice System
At Meltzer & Bell, our experience and track record in handling DUI cases include over 500 decisions by trial, and thousands of DUI wins in Port Saint Lucie and throughout Florida. Our team of Port Saint Lucie DUI lawyers includes a range of diverse backgrounds and robust legal skills. No matter the specifics of your case, we have the years of experience and strategies to effectively defend you. We’re grateful that our work has earned over 1,000 5-star reviews that reflect our commitment to our clients and their rights.
Communication and Availability
Consider availability, communication style, and responsiveness when choosing a DUI defense attorney to ensure you secure the support you deserve while navigating the criminal justice system. Your DUI attorney should be responsive to your needs and reachable for urgent issues. Understanding the details of your case will often hinge upon the communication skills of the attorney, and lead to a better outcome in your DUI case.
Fee and Payment Transparency
To find an affordable and experienced DUI defense attorney, comparison of legal fees and payment options is a vital step. When evaluating legal fees, 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 both), and the services included in their fees. Keep in mind that a more experienced lawyer may charge higher fees, but they may also have a higher success rate in obtaining favorable outcomes. Some options to consider when managing the cost of legal representation for a DUI case include:
- Looking for a criminal defense attorney who offers an initial free consultation
- Looking for DUI lawyers who offer payment plans
- Inquiring about whether they accept credit cards
- Comparing legal fees and payment options to make an informed decision
By considering these options, you can find a DUI lawyer who suits your budget and provides the expertise needed to represent you. Here at Meltzer & Bell, we want to ensure you understand all fee and payment options available to you at the outset of our work together, so that you can make an informed decision. Depending on the details of the case, the usual fee for a DUI lawyer in Port Saint Lucie ranges from $2,000 to $7,500.
What Are the DUI Laws in Florida?
According to the complex DUI laws in Florida, a person with an intoxication level preventing them from safely operating a motor vehicle can face criminal DUI charges. The courts in Port Saint Lucie and across Florida consider drunk driving a serious criminal offense, and police officers thoroughly pursue drivers who endanger the lives of others on the road.
Understanding the Legal Blood Alcohol Limits in Florida
Florida police officers in Florida use blood tests or breathalyzer tests to calculate a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A driver can be charged with a DUI offense and face severe consequences if they are found with a BAC above the legal limit. Florida’s blood alcohol limits differ according to the category of the driver facing the DUI charges. The legal limit is .08% for drivers over the age of 21. The threshold is set at .04% for commercial drivers, and there is a stricter limit of .02% for drivers under the age of 21.
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 test will result in license suspension, with the first instance leading to a one-year suspension. Any prior refusal will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 18 months. Refusing to submit to chemical testing could result in a temporary arrest and booking procedure. However, doing so could help you avoid the financial strain, stress, and legal sanctions related to a DUI conviction. A competent DUI lawyer can contest any suspension resulting from a refusal at an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.
Understanding DUI Charges in Florida
In Florida, charges for a DUI arrest are determined by various factors such as:
- Any prior DUI convictions of the driver
- Their blood alcohol content
- Whether the driver was in actual physical control of the vehicle
- The vehicle’s condition and location
- The driver’s position and ability to operate the vehicle
The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Florida
- Loss of Time: Considerable time spent in legal processes, community service, and classes
- Impact on Employment Opportunities: Drivers convicted of DUI charges can face failed background checks and lost job opportunities as employers often consider DUIs to be serious criminal offenses
- Court and Legal Fees: Court fees average $476, with fines from $1,000 to $4,000, and Victim Impact Class at $50
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Fees: Among others, there’s an administrative fee of $130 and revocation or suspension fees ranging from $45-75
- Treatment Costs Following Evaluation: After the mandatory alcohol and drug evaluation, drivers are usually required to attend an average of 11 treatment sessions at $40-75 each
- Testing and Probation Costs: Drug and alcohol testing fees average $40-75 per test and monthly probation fees range between $50-100
- Mandatory DUI School Enrollment: A fee of $325 for DUI School Level 1 and around $473 for Level Two (for prior DUIs)
- Vehicle Immobilization and Ignition Interlock Device Costs: Fees of $100-$300 for vehicle immobilization. In addition to fees for lockouts, calibration, and removal, there are installation costs between $80-$350 and monthly fees are around $115
- License Suspension/Revocation: The suspension or revocation of the driver’s license typically lasts a minimum of six months
- Higher Insurance Costs: The FR44 Insurance (mandatory) can result in a 50% hike in insurance rates for at least three years
- Restricted Driving with Hardship License: A hardship license, with associated fees, restricts your driving capabilities
- Restitution to Victims: Drivers must compensate DUI victims for damages
- Community Service and Jail Time: Possible incarceration and mandatory community service hours may be ordered
- Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction remains on your driving record for 75 years but stays on your criminal history forever
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help with Driver’s License Suspension Issues
The DUI attorneys at the law offices of Meltzer & Bell can help you navigate the complex process of dealing with driver’s license suspension issues that often arise following a DUI arrest or conviction.
Administrative License Suspension Hearings
Administrative license suspension hearings in DUI cases provide an opportunity for drivers to contest their license suspension, and DUI attorneys can represent you in these proceedings. In these hearings, your attorney can challenge the evidence presented against you, question witnesses, and argue on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of avoiding license suspension.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
These requirements may be imposed on DUI offenders as a condition of their license reinstatement. These devices require the driver to provide a breath sample before starting their vehicle, ensuring that they are not under the influence of alcohol while driving. DUI attorneys can help you navigate the process of meeting these requirements and guide you through the necessary steps.
Reinstating Your Driver’s License
With the help of a proficient DUI attorney, you can steer through the process of reinstating your suspended license and make sure you take the right steps to regain your driving privileges. This legal guidance is crucial in helping you move forward following a DUI conviction. Reinstating your driver’s license after a DUI suspension can be a complicated process, but a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the necessary steps. This may involve:
- Enrolling in a DUI education course
- Obtaining proof of bodily injury liability insurance
- Paying the applicable reinstatement and administrative fees
- Attending a substance abuse treatment program
- Complying with other court-mandated conditions
Understanding the intricacies of DUI laws and their consequences in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, is essential for anyone facing charges. Equipped with this extensive knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your case and work with an attorney with extensive DUI training to build the strongest possible defense. A DUI charge can be an overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. With a DUI attorney from the law firm of Meltzer & Bell by your side, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a lawyer for a DUI arrest in Florida?
Given the complexity of DUI law in Florida and the potentially severe consequences of a conviction, it is strongly advisable to hire an experienced DUI lawyer with extensive knowledge of Florida law when you face drunk driving charges.
What Are the Typical Fines and Jail Time for a DUI Arrest in Florida?
In Florida, jail time and fines vary depending on the number of the driver’s prior convictions and the severity of the offense. For a first conviction, the fine is at least $500, and the incarceration sentence can be up to six months. The fine can be as high as $1,000 and the jail sentence up to nine months for a second conviction.
Can My License Be Suspended or Revoked?
Most drivers convicted of DUI in Florida can expect license suspension or revocation, with the length of suspension depending on the details of the case. For a first-time DUI offense, the minimum duration of license suspension is 180 days and the maximum duration is 12 months. The suspension period can be longer for multiple DUI offenses, depending on the number of prior convictions and the time elapsed between offenses.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Florida?
Long-term consequences can impact your life for years to come. A DUI conviction can make it more difficult to find employment, for example. Many potential employers will view the conviction negatively. A conviction can also lead to higher insurance rates, since insurers view those with a DUI on their record as higher-risk drivers. A conviction for DUI in Florida will also lead to a permanent criminal record with lasting impact on your life and future, affecting everything from housing to professional licensing.