Those who are repeat offenders for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs face heavy fines and possibly months of jail time. To address the problem of repeat offenders, Florida has developed DUI Court—and there is one such program in Sarasota. Who qualifies...
DUI
Can you refuse field sobriety and chemical tests for DUI?
If the police pull you over on suspicion of driving under the influence, they will ask you to submit to field sobriety and chemical tests. In short, you can refuse both, although the consequences are different for each. Refusing a field sobriety test One of the first...
Can a DUI cause you to lose your college scholarship?
When college students get their first taste of freedom, they sometimes make mistakes. These mistakes may involve overindulging in alcohol. Worse, some students make the mistake of driving while under the influence. This is potentially dangerous to your well-being, as...
Can law enforcement set up DUI checkpoints?
If you enjoy drinking alcohol, Sarasota certainly has plenty of places to imbibe. For most Floridians, of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with consuming beer, wine or spirits. If you drink and drive, though, a random patrol officer may stop your vehicle and...
Don’t get fooled by these “tricks” to sobering up quickly
A night out drinking with friends can quickly take a turn for the worse if you decide to get behind the wheel while you’re intoxicated. Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions about tricks you can employ to sober up quickly. These can lead to costly...
Factors that can help or hurt your DUI case
Driving while under the influence or while intoxicated is a charge that carries its own legal consequences, but there are several factors that either aggravate or mitigate the punishments you may encounter in your case. Some DUI convictions will carry harsher...
Can you refuse a breath test when pulled over?
Police may demand to test the blood alcohol level of any driver when they suspect impairment. In Florida, having a driver’s license equates to your implied consent to this testing. While you do have the right to refuse to test, that refusal comes with heavy...
Can I refuse to take a breath test if suspected of DUI?
If police believe you are under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, they will likely ask you to take a Breathalyzer to try to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Under Florida law, you don’t have to submit to a breath test, and many people...
When can taking legal drugs for medicinal purposes lead to a DUI?
When most people think about DUIs, alcohol often comes to mind, but what about the prescription drugs that you take? While taking medicine to relieve pain may seem quite different from spending a night at the bar, the effects on your driving can be similar. According...
5 things to remember if you are pulled over for a DUI
Seeing a police car’s flashing lights in the rearview mirror can send a chill down anyone’s spine, especially if you’ve been drinking. However, it’s in your best interests to remain as calm as possible and understand how to protect yourself if officers suspect you of...