Everyone makes mistakes at some point in their life. If you have found yourself facing a driving under the influence arrest, we at Revis Law Firm understand that you have a lot on the line with this arrest. If you’re not aware of just how much is on the line, you can be facing a number of issues such as having your driver’s license revoked, heavy fines, community service, traffic school, and even the possibility of jail time. Working with Revis Law Firm can improve your chances of a positive outcome from your current situation, either by reducing your charges or dismissing entirely.
At this point, you’re probably overwhelmed with the amount of legal terms and paperwork which is why we’ve come up with a brief walk through of what to expect moving forward.
After being arrested, you can expect to be in court for an arraignment, trial, and sentencing. As long as there are no serious injuries and you are a first time offender, your case will be classified as a misdemeanor. If this is not your first offense or there was a serious injury or death that resulted from your DUI arrest, you may be facing a felony charge.
Did you refuse the breathalyzer test?
While refusing to take the breath test is not illegal in the state of Florida, an administrative penalty including a one year suspension of your license can happen. We cannot say whether or not you should take the breath test or not without determining your situation. If you blew above the legal limit of .08, this does not shut the case against you. In the state of Florida, problems with the machines are documented and may have an incorrect calibration.
Within the ten days following your arresting officer taking your license, you will need to file a request for a hearing through Volusia County’s court system. You will be issued a temporary license if your license that has been taken away is currently valid. You are free to legally drive until your hearing date. Usually you will have a month or more before your hearing.
The date that is printed on your ticket is the date for your arraignment. If you have an attorney you will not have to attend unless there is a possibility that your rights were violated in which we will file a motion to suppress any evidence against you. At arraignment you will please not guilty and within six months will have a trial in which there will be six people in your jury.
A sentencing phase will happen if you are convicted or make a plea bargain at which time you will get one or any of the following: jail time, license suspension, fines, house arrest, or community service, among others. If a plea bargain exists, we will advise you of what is in your best interest depending on the elements of your situation.
What You Can Expect In The Future:
You can expect hefty fines, many court dates, DUI classes, a suspended license, and your insurance costs to increase. As you job search in the future you may face a challenge if your potential employers ask to check your driving record. We suggest that you show up to all of your court dates, pay your fines, and do not get another DUI. You may want to consider getting a special insurance rider that will allow you to drive as well as an evaluation that can help you get treatment for drugs or alcohol.
Hiring a criminal lawyer who specializes in DUI offenses is the best thing that you can do for yourself after getting arrested for Driving While Intoxicated or Under the Influence. By reaching out to Revis Law Firm, you will be able to educate yourself about DUIs, the consequences, your rights, the charges you are facing, and what to expect from your situation.
