Getting charged with a DUI in Florida is a serious life-changing event. Whether you’re a first time offender or a repeat offender, you’re looking at fines, possible jail time, and license suspension. Time is of the essence in a DUI case and the first ten days following a DUI are the most important. If you’ve been stopped in Florida on a DUI suspicion, follow these tips:
- Stay Calm
Get your license and registration ready to show the officer and roll your window down just enough to be able to communicate and hand over any documents the officer requests. Most officers ask for license and registration as a test in order to see if a driver is intoxicated or not and you don’t want to be seen fumbling for the requested documents. If you have been drinking, try not to face the officer as he/she will try to smell alcohol on your breath. Always remember to stay polite and cordial.
- Be mindful of what you say
Answer the officer’s questions very carefully and answer honestly. Lying to an officer will only result in strikes against you. They will ask if you’ve been drinking and it’s important to remember asking if you’ve been drinking is different from how much have you had to drink. Do not volunteer any unnecessary information.
- Do the Field Sobriety Exercise
It’s highly likely that an officer will ask you to perform some tests in order to prove your sobriety. While you’re given the option to deny the test, denying the test will only make you look guilty if your case goes to trial and it will also give cause for the officer to arrest you.
At this point, you are either let off with a warning or you’re arrested for DUI. The following tips will tell you what to do if you are arrested for DUI in Florida.
- Decline officer’s question and assert your right to counsel
After the officer has read you your Miranda rights, decline all questions politely and assert your right to legal counsel. Do not risk incriminating yourself. You are not obligated to answer any questions without a lawyer present.
- Breathalyzer test
Officers will offer a breathalyzer test with a technician. You have the choice of undergoing the breathalyzer test or denying it. Regardless of if you go through with the test or not, they will still keep you in jail even if your test yields results under the legal limit. By refusing the test, you will be told that your license will be suspended for a certain period of time.
- Contact a South Florida DUI Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Florida, do not risk anything and contact a South Florida DUI attorney for help. DUI cases are time sensitive especially when it comes to license suspension. DUI charges are severe and complicated and should not be handled alone. Contact the South Florida DUI Attorneys at Seidman Law for help with your case.
