Gainesville First DUI Offense Attorneys
Seeing flashing lights in your rear-view mirror while you are driving is always stressful. The situation can be especially worrisome if you are pulled over and the police officer suspects that you have been drinking. The officer may request that you participate in field sobriety tests, submit a breath sample, or may request to search your car. If the officer believes there is probable cause for an arrest, the officer can take you to the station in handcuffs and a prosecutor may issue charges for driving under the influence (DUI).
The Right Defense Representation for Your First DUI Case
Many people fail to take a first-time DUI case as seriously as they should. DUI is too often considered a minor offense, despite the fact that authorities in Florida try to strictly enforce DUI laws and may seek the harshest possible penalties for offenders. Do not assume that because you have no prior DUI convictions, you will automatically face minor penalties. The penalties for even a first-time offender can be severe and affect many aspects of your life.
At Meldon Law, we know that criminal cases can be confusing and intimidating, especially if you have no prior experience with the criminal justice system. We regularly represent clients in first-time DUI cases in the Gainesville area and will guide you through the criminal process, protecting your rights every step of the way. If you’ve been arrested, don’t wait to contact us to discuss how our Gainesville First DUI Offense attorneys can help you.
Do Not Delay in Consulting With Our DUI Defense Attorneys
DUI charges issue quickly following an arrest. You will receive notice of your court hearing and your driver’s license may be immediately suspended by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This suspension is a separate matter from your case in criminal court and you have only a short period of time to appeal the suspension so you can keep driving while your criminal case is pending. Meldon Law handles every aspect of a first-time DUI case, including the administrative license suspension, but you need to act quickly.
In addition to the suspension of your driver’s license, a first-time DUI may result in criminal penalties. Depending on the specific details of your case, these may include:
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Not having a valid driver’s license or having an ignition interlock device on your car can disrupt your life in many ways and may even result in the loss of a job. Having a conviction on your record can also affect your job, education, and professional prospects; or even your ability to rent housing. If you are accused of another DUI in the future, having a conviction can mean significantly harsher penalties. For these reasons, it is important to avoid even a first DUI conviction whenever possible.
Our firm understands the timeline of a DUI case and will immediately start evaluating the circumstances of your arrest to gather evidence in your defense. We can use this evidence to argue that the judge should dismiss your case, or that the prosecutor should drop the charges. We can also use any circumstances in your favor to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf, which can limit the consequences you face or result in reduced charges. However, the sooner we begin examining your situation, the better. Many people put off calling a defense attorney for many reasons, including concerns about cost or even denial that they must go through the criminal process. We are here to help you and will be straightforward and upfront about the nature and cost of your representation.
We Know How to Defend Against DUI Charges
Some people assume that if they “passed” a breathalyzer test with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under the legal limit, they cannot be convicted of a DUI. However, if an officer claims they observed other signs of impairment, a prosecutor can issue charges based on those observations alone. In addition, some defendants believe that if their BAC was over the legal limit, they will automatically be convicted and a defense attorney cannot help them. This is a mistake, as there are many ways our law firm can defend against first-time DUI charges even if your BAC tested over the limit.
Strategies we may use to defend against DUI charges in Gainesville include:
- The officer made errors when conducting field sobriety tests or chemical tests.
- The officer did not have the proper training to conduct the tests.
- The officer did not have a reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime and your traffic stop was in violation of your 4th Amendment rights.
- The forensic lab made errors processing your breath or blood sample, leading to potentially inaccurate results.
- The equipment used for a breath test was not properly calibrated or maintained.
- There is another explanation for signs of impairment, such as illness or fatigue.
These are only a few examples of common DUI defenses. Our DUI attorneys will closely analyze the circumstances of your case and identify any and all possible defenses we can present to protect your rights and fight against a conviction.
Many DUI cases also have accompanying charges, such a drug possession or causing injuries in a DUI accident. You need a law firm with experienced DUI attorneys handling all of these types of cases to ensure the best possible outcome in your situation. You want a defense team you can trust as soon as possible after an arrest, so please do not hesitate to call Meldon Law today.
Contact a Gainesville First-time DUI Offense Attorney for More Information
The legal team at Meldon Law understands how stressful a first DUI arrest can be and how seriously a case could detrimentally affect your life. We provide aggressive defense representation for every client—no matter what the charges are. Our drunk driving attorneys take your first-time DUI case seriously and know how to handle every step of the criminal process as well as the administrative license suspension. Call our office at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to learn how we can help in your DUI case.
