Sarasota DUI Lawyer

Whether it’s your first time dealing with a DUI or you’ve been through it before, the uncertainty about what lies ahead can be overwhelming.

You might be losing sleep over how it could impact your job, relationships, or even your ability to get around. Along with that, questions about the legal process, potential penalties, and how to defend yourself may leave you feeling anxious and stuck.

That’s where Titan Law can help. We know how scary and confusing this situation can be, and our Sarasota DUI lawyer can provide the support you need.

With the right legal strategy, we will help protect your rights and reduce the impact of the charges.

What You Need to Know About DUI Charges

Florida’s DUI laws are strict. If you are convicted, it can affect everything from your finances to your ability to drive.

You may be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher or you are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

DUI charges come in many forms in the Sunshine State.

• First-Time DUI: While the penalties are less severe than for repeat offenders, they can still include fines, a suspended license, and mandatory classes.
• Underage DUI: If you’re under 21, you could face charges with a BAC as low as 0.02%. These charges can affect school, work, and future opportunities.
• DUI for Tourists: Sarasota is a popular destination for visitors. However, many are unfamiliar with Florida’s DUI laws. This charge can complicate your travel plans and create legal issues in your home state.
• Drug-Related DUI: The use of certain medications or other substances can lead to a DUI if they impair your ability to drive safely.
• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Florida’s waterways are as busy as its roads, and operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is just as illegal. A BUI carries similar penalties to a standard DUI, including fines, potential jail time, and the suspension of boating privileges.
• Commercial DUI: Commercial drivers, such as truck drivers or delivery personnel, are held to a higher standard. A BAC of just 0.04% can result in DUI charges for commercial operators. A conviction may lead to losing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which can devastate your livelihood.

If you have been charged with any of these crimes, reach out to Titan Law today. We will be happy to answer any questions about these offenses in Florida.

What Can You Expect with a Conviction?

The penalties will vary based on the circumstances of your case, including your BAC level, repeated DUI offenses, and whether any property damage or injuries occurred.

Here’s a look at some of these potential consequences:

First Offense

• Fines between $500 and $1,000
• License suspension for six to 12 months
• Possible jail time of up to six months
• Community service of at least 50 hours
• Mandatory DUI school and substance abuse evaluation

Second Offense

• Fines between $1,000 and $2,000
• License suspension for five years if within five of the first offense
• Jail time of up to nine months
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least one year

Third Offense (Within 10 Years)

• Fines between $2,000 and $5,000
• License revocation for 10 years
• Minimum mandatory jail sentence of 30 days
• IID installation for at least two years

Aggravated DUI

If your BAC is 0.15% or higher or you were driving with a minor in the vehicle, penalties increase, including higher fines, longer jail sentences, and stricter IID requirements.

Felony DUI

A DUI becomes a felony if it involves serious injury, multiple prior offenses, or if someone is killed in a DUI-related crash. Felony DUIs carry heavy consequences, including up to 30 years in prison, steep fines, and permanent license revocation.

The Real Impacts of a DUI

This criminal charge is more than just a legal problem. It can affect your life for years to come. With a conviction, it will disrupt your work, damage relationships, and drain your finances. You may feel embarrassed, stressed, or even hopeless about the future.

However, legal assistance can help you avoid these potential issues. Many people make mistakes. A DUI does not mean your life is over.

You can address the situation, learn from it, and move forward with the right approach.

An experienced Sarasota DUI lawyer will fight for your legal rights and help you understand the process so that you feel supported every step of the way.

What Are Some Common DUI Defenses?

Just because you’ve been charged with DUI does not mean you will be convicted. A skilled Sarasota DUI lawyer will carefully examine your case to identify any weaknesses or errors in the evidence. Some possible defenses include:

• Unlawful traffic stop: The case could be thrown out if the officer did not have a valid reason to pull you over.
• Faulty BAC test: Breathalyzers and blood tests are not always accurate. Whether the equipment was properly maintained, or the test was conducted correctly can be questioned.
• Medical conditions: Health issues like diabetes or acid reflux can produce false positives on breath tests.
• Field sobriety test validity: The outcome of these tests can be influenced by nerves, weather, or uneven road surfaces.

At Titan Law, we will challenge the evidence and build a defense tailored to the circumstances of your case.

What To Do After a DUI Arrest

After being charged with DUI, you might feel overwhelmed. However, taking the right steps can make all the difference in your case:

• Stay calm: You will want to cooperate with law enforcement. Always avoid saying anything that could be used against you.
• Document everything: You should write down what happened before, during, and after the traffic stop.
• Contact a lawyer: A DUI attorney can start working on your case right away. This can help you go through the legal process and avoid costly mistakes.

Do You Need a Sarasota DUI Lawyer?

Working with a local DUI lawyer gives you the advantage. You want to rely on a legal team that understands Florida’s DUI laws. At Titan Law, we are available to provide legal assistance throughout the entire process, from the initial arrest to representing you in court.

We are always here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you feel prepared for what is ahead. A conviction can have serious consequences. Don’t try to handle it by yourself. Our team can help you fight these charges.