Florida DUI LAW

Florida DUI lawyer, Florida drunk driving lawyer, or Florida DWI lawyer: all lawyers that defend DUI, DWI, or drunk driving cases in Florida should know about the "Ten Day" Rule. When someone is arrested for a Florida DUI, there are really two separate cases that arise: the court case, where a person's liberty is at stake, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles case.

If you have been arrested for DUI, and you refused to take a breath, blood or urine test, OR if you took the test and your result is 0.08% or higher, you have only 10 days to request a special hearing with the FDHSMV to save your license. Failure to timely request a hearing will result in a penalty of at least a six-month suspension (and as much as an 18-month suspension) of your Florida driving privileges.

Florida DUI / DWI lawyers know that under Florida law, DUI is one offense, that can be proved in one of two ways: drunk driving can be proved by impairment of normal faculties, or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08% or above. Florida DUI penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.

The penalties and consequences for a Florida DUI arrest are serious and far-reaching. They include fines, jail, and administrative license suspensions from the court. They also can include license suspensions, separate and apart from those imposed by the court, which are imposed by FDHSMV. Detailed information about each of these consequences follows below.

However, if you or someone you care about has been charged with a DUI, the most important thing to do is to contact a qualified Florida DUI lawyer for a free consultation at once.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida and need an attorney skilled in Florida DUI law, call 1.800.DUI.LAWS to speak to a qualified Florida DUI defense lawyer for a free consultation.

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Florida Courts, links to Florida's Judicial and Legal system:

 Florida Supreme Court - General information about the Supreme Court of Florida, Court news, high profile cases, summaries of cases pending before the Supreme Court, the Court calendar, and other Court-related current events.
 Florida District Courts - General information and listing of Florida District Courts
 Florida Circuit Courts - General information and listing of Florida Circuit Courts, links to the Circuit Courts web sites.
 Florida County Courts - Description of the County Courts, list of County Clerk web sites.
 Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

Florida Arrest and Release

If someone you care about has been arrested, please contact the police department, where the arrestee is being held, for more detailed information. For more information please visit Florida State Department of Corrections web site.

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Other Florida Resources

There are a variety of special problems that arise following a drunk driving, DUI, or DWI arrest. It may be necessary to use a bail bondsman to help a friend or loved one gain release from custody. Renting a car may be difficult (although we know of several companies that will do so), as is getting car insurance. There may be a requirement to attend special alcohol programs, or AA meetings.

For a free consultation, contact Florida DUI defense attorney at 1.800.DUI.LAWS.