August 18, 2017
Being charged and convicted of a DUI (or driving under the influence) in Florida can have significant legal ramifications, up to and including fines and jail time.
If this is your first time being charged with a DUI, you may be tempted to go-it-alone, represent yourself in court, and not seek the services of an experienced DUI defense lawyer. However, no matter how many times you have been charged with a DUI, an experienced DUI defense attorney can be instrumental in potentially minimizing the impact of the DUI, as well as the criminal penalties.
A Lot Is at Stake in a DUI Case
A DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record that is difficult to expunge later on down the line. Since prospective employers and educational institutions regularly undertake criminal background checks prior to making hiring and admissions decisions, you want to avoid a criminal record at all costs.
Employment and education aside, a DUI often results in the following:
- Loss of driving privileges
- License suspension or revocation
- Embarrassment and humiliation when others assume you have a drinking problem
Possible Dismissal or Favorable Plea Deal
Some DUI cases are subject to dismissal when police officers fail to follow the proper protocol – especially with regard to breathalyzer and field sobriety testing. An experienced DUI defense attorney will be able to raise these potential defenses prior to or at trial and help you to obtain a dismissal or favorable plea deal with the state’s attorney.
Contact an Experienced St. Petersburg DUI Defense Attorney Today
First-time DUI’s can be scary experiences – especially for an individual who has not been criminally charged with anything before. An experienced St. Petersburg DUI defense attorney can discuss your case with you and help you to formulate potential defenses that could result in a dismissal of your case or a favorable plea deal. Even in first-time DUI offender cases, nothing should be left to chance and experienced legal representation throughout your case can make all the difference in the world. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should contact the experienced St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group today at 727-269-5300, or contact us online.