Key Largo DUI Defense Attorney

Experienced DUI Lawyers Protecting Your Rights and Driving Privileges in Key Largo, FL

People in Key Largo and other parts of the Florida Keys can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in a variety of different situations. The ways these cases may be handled will depend on the specific facts surrounding a traffic stop and arrest. A case in which a person has no prior record of DUI charges will often be handled differently than a case involving a second or third offense, a felony enhancement, an underage driver, allegations of drug impairment, or other factors. Understanding the right way to address DUI charges will require assistance from an attorney who has experience defending clients in these cases.

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers can provide legal help with any charges related to DUI that people may face. We can investigate what happened while a person was driving, the reasons they were pulled over, the steps an officer took during a traffic stop, the tests that were performed after an arrest, and other factors related to a case. We work closely with clients to build effective defense strategies, defend against criminal convictions, and limit the impact that DUI charges can have on their lives.

First-Time DUI Charges

When a person is arrested for DUI for the first time, they may not have much experience with the criminal justice system, and the entire situation can feel overwhelming. A first-time DUI will typically lead to misdemeanor charges, and a conviction can lead to fines, potential jail time, a driver's license suspension, and other penalties. Our attorneys can provide guidance for people in these situations, helping them determine the best steps they can take to resolve a case successfully and avoid a permanent mark on their records.

Multiple DUI Charges

When a person is arrested for a second, third, or additional DUI offense, the penalties will increase substantially. A second DUI conviction may result in mandatory minimum jail time and a longer license revocation period. A third conviction will typically result in felony charges. Prosecutors and judges will often take a harsher approach in multiple DUI cases, since a repeat charge is often seen as an indication that a person is likely to engage in dangerous behavior in the future.

Felony DUI Charges

In addition to cases involving third or subsequent DUI charges, there are other situations where DUI may be charged as a felony. A person who is accused of causing an accident that resulted in serious bodily injuries or the death of another person will be likely to face felony DUI charges. A person who is convicted of a felony will typically be sentenced to multiple years in prison, and they may also face a long-term or permanent driver's license revocation.

Underage DUI Charges

Stricter standards apply to drivers who are under the age of 21 when it comes to intoxicated driving. Under Florida's zero tolerance law, a minor could face DUI charges if they have a blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02 percent. In underage DUI cases, minors may face driver's license suspensions. If a minor's BAC reaches 0.08 percent or higher, they can be charged with criminal DUI in the same manner as an adult. Young people who are charged with DUI have a lot to lose in terms of educational and career opportunities, which is why a strong defense is essential in these cases.

Drug DUI Charges

It is illegal to drive while impaired by any controlled substance or other substance that prevents a person from being able to operate a vehicle safely. Drug DUI cases may involve accusations related to the use of marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or other substances that may cause impairment. Drug DUI cases will often involve unique challenges, because there is no established legal limit for most drugs, and roadside testing methods designed for alcohol can be less reliable when used to determine whether a person is impaired by drugs.

Boating Under the Influence Charges

People who operate boats on the waterways around the Florida Keys may also be at risk of being arrested for being under the influence. Cases involving charges of boating under the influence (BUI) follow the same legal standards used in DUI cases. A person could face BUI charges if they operated a boat with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, or charges may be based on allegations of impairment due to the use of drugs or other substances. Penalties for a BUI conviction may include fines, possible jail time, and other issues that could affect a person's life.

Legal Help in DUI Cases

Regardless of the specific charges related to driving or boating under the influence that a person may face, the attorneys at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC can provide a strong defense. We will look at whether a law enforcement officer had a lawful basis to stop a person in the first place, and we may be able to challenge charges based on traffic stops conducted without a reasonable suspicion of DUI or another traffic violation. We can also look at whether field sobriety tests were performed correctly and whether it may be possible to challenge the results of breath, blood, or urine tests conducted after an arrest.

After a DUI arrest, a driver's license suspension will often take effect quickly. An administrative suspension related to a failed chemical test or the refusal to take a test will be handled separately from a criminal DUI case. Our lawyers can act quickly to request a formal review hearing for a client and challenge an administrative suspension within the proper time period. We will work to protect our clients' ability to drive for work, school, or family obligations, which can often be just as important as addressing criminal charges related to DUI.

Throughout the legal process, we will work to limit the impact that a DUI charge can have on a person's life. We may take steps to negotiate reduced charges and resolve a case without a DUI conviction. We may present evidence to demonstrate that a person was not intoxicated, helping them secure an acquittal at trial or a dismissal of a case. Our goal is to protect our clients' records and driving privileges while avoiding problems that could affect them in the future.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida DUI Defense Lawyers

The right defense strategy in a DUI case will depend on the circumstances surrounding an arrest and other factors. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we can help clients determine the best steps to take to resolve these matters successfully. Contact our Key Largo, FL DUI attorneys at 305-324-7888 to arrange a free consultation.