Reader’s Question:

Do I have great winning chance if I represent myself against my DWI charges in Jacksonville FL?

Matthew

Jacksonville, FL

Thanks Matthew. Generally speaking, it is not a good idea to try to represent yourself against any criminal charges including a DWI arrest.

Drunk driving may seem like a relatively minor offense in Jacksonville, but it is in fact one of the more complicated and heavy criminal charges for prosecutors to bring. It is not as simple as getting a traffic citation as it involves major consequences both to your career and personal life including your family.

It is still always best to consult a DWI attorney in Jacksonville who is expert in drunk driving cases. There are many technical defenses that a DWI attorney may be able to raise that you may overlook, to assist you either in avoiding conviction, negotiating a lesser charge, getting a good deal or arrangement and even in reducing the consequences of your conviction.

These expert DWI attorneys are also likely to know what the judge, who is handling your case, is likely to do if you plead guilty, or if you are convicted after a trial. It is even more important to consult a lawyer if you have a prior impaired driving conviction, as most jurisdictions impose much more serious penalties on repeat or second offenders than on first time drunk drivers.

Reader’s Question:

I have heard from my friends who have already been pulled over because of a DUI suspicion here in Jacksonville, Florida that they performed a field sobriety test like the walk and turn. Just out of curiosity, what do police officers tell a DUI suspect to do during a sobriety test like the walk and turn? What are the clues that they are looking for?

Megan

Jacksonville, FL

The Walk and Turn or WAT is actually a walking test. The WAT is 68% accurate in determining blood alcohol content (BAC) above .10 percent if administered properly. The test must be conducted on a reasonably hard, level, dry and non-slippery surface in order to be administered properly. There has to be a designated straight line. This is one of the field sobriety tests being conducted in Jacksonville, Florida.

The police officer would direct the person to put one foot in front of the other in a straight line, with the right foot directly in front of the left, with the heel of the right foot touching the toe of the left foot. The person is directed to stand in this position until directed to begin the test. It is behavior inconsistent with this instruction that most often would result in a “clue” that is being used to determine intoxication. For example, the person would move out of position, or start test before instructed to do so.

Then, the police officer would demonstrate the test while giving verbal instructions on how to do test. The officer would tell the person to take nine heel-to-toe steps down a straight line. The officer would instruct the person on how to correctly turn, after the initial nine steps have been taken. A proper turn is taken with a series of small steps, which the officer actually demonstrates. The person is then supposed to take another series of nine heel-to-toe steps back to the starting position. The officer would instruct the person to keep the arms at their side, watch their feet at all times, and count each step out loud. The person is directed not to stop until the test is completed.

The officer should ask if the person understands the test before the test is initiated.

The clues that the police officer is looking for are the following:
-Cannot keep balance while listening to instructions
-Starts before the instructions are finished
-Stops while walking
-Does not touch heel-to-toe
-Steps off the line
-Uses arms to balance
-Improper turn
-Incorrect number of steps

Reader’s Question:

My daughter’s case seems serious even though this is just her first offense. She has been charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, FL. I have told her several times not to drink and drive because I was convicted before with the same offense. I didn’t hire a DUI lawyer then. Could you tell me where can we find a DUI lawyer?

Kevin

Jacksonville, FL

It is very important to hire a Jacksonville, FL DUI lawyer who has already handled similar cases in the past. That way, the DUI lawyer actually knows the specific laws of Florida State. Your daughter has to understand that her future, including her financial future, is in jeopardy. The worst case scenario is that she could serve time in prison. If she hires a DUI lawyer to represent her, it can increase the chance of acquiring a lighter sentence, less penalties and lower monetary fines. It could even make the difference between a conviction or an acquittal. So, when it comes to a charge like this, it would be wise to urge people to find a DUI lawyer to represent them. Your daughter has to realize the gravity of the situation.

Jacksonville, FL DUI lawyers are advertised in many places and many of them offer free initial consultation. Your daughter may be able to have a lawyer assigned to her case if you are unable to afford one. Legal aides are also there to assist your daughter. There are consequences to drinking and driving but a good DUI lawyer will be able to help your daughter get a fair trial and an acquittal or fair sentence.

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, Florida. Not that we are expecting that he will be proven guilty, but we are not closing that possibility. If he will be convicted for DUI, what are the fines that he might be paying?

Ashley

Jacksonville, FL

Florida has some strict laws and regulations when it comes to DUI offenses. Since your cousin was charged with DUI in Jacksonville, Florida, he may be facing penalties which include fines, license revocation, court fees, probation and possible prison term.

In the state of Florida, an immediate penalty of $250 is imposed for a first time conviction on being charged with DUI. Fines may go up to $500 based on levels detected during the analysis. Fines can be extremely heavy, starting at $500 and going up to $1000 or more if the blood sample of the person indicates an alcohol level of 0.20% or above. DUI laws are increasingly being strict and penalties are harsher when the accused has been a frequent offender.

There are certain legal procedures that need to be undertaken when involved in DUI cases. It is better to hire the services of a lawyer who specializes in such cases. A lawyer would be capable of providing apt guidance about the rights of a person in the event of being arrested under DUI offense. Jacksonville, Florida DUI lawyers review facts of the case, handle court procedures and resolve client’s standing on the case. They could also carry out negotiations on behalf of clients for claim settlements. They could also help with alcohol rehabilitation programs and request the court for clemency by proving that the person is changing for the better.

Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine was charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, Florida for the first time. We know some lawyers around who can possibly help her out but none of them is a DUI lawyer. These lawyers are so-called general practitioners. Can any lawyer defend my friend on her DUI case?

Matt

Jacksonville, FL

If somebody asks me for help regarding any legal matter, my response will be to consult someone expert in the field. Since your friend was charged for DUI, she needs to inquire with the state bar association or call the lawyers you know to try to locate an expert in handling DUI cases in Florida.

Most lawyers would agree to represent your friend even if they have not handled a DUI case before. The lawyer may advise her to plead guilty and work out an arrangement with the court to keep her license with the least possible suspension time. The lawyer may not adequately investigate the facts of the case or get other evidence and copies of documents that are readily available through discovery.

Your friend has to bear in mind the possible consequences she might have if she will be represented by someone who does not specializes in Florida DUI cases. These consequences include possible incarceration even for first time offenders, fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, community service, and mandatory counselling or alcohol treatment. Worse consequence is an increase on the insurance rates, even before conviction, if her coverage is not cancelled.

She has to think over this matter again and again. A DUI charge can be life-changing so make sure she hires a legal representation who is an expert and have actually gone to court on DUI cases.