People facing criminal charges of any nature may at times feel as they have few rights, but it is important for them to remember that they do have rights and those include the right to pursue fair treatment in the criminal justice system. This is part of why courts...
DUI
Consequences of a first-time underage DUI charge
You're at a party, and a friend pressures you to have a drink. The only problem? You're not of legal drinking age. Still, you take the drink and then decide to drive home--only to get pulled over for drinking and driving.The legal drinking age in the United States is...
4 unexpected consequences of a DUI
Drinking and driving is a crime. In the state of Florida, the penalties for this crime may include fines, jail time and driver's license revocation. You may think that once you pay your money or do your time, it's over--and you can move on with your life. However, a...
The hidden expenses behind a DUI conviction in Florida
A quick Google search for DUI penalties in Florida could lead you to believe that the financial consequences of such an offense are relatively minor. For example, under Florida law, a first-time offender may face a minimum fine of $500 and as little as eight hours in...
Sarasota police film traffic stops for social media campaign
Imagine knowing exactly what the police in your area were doing at this very moment. For people in Sarasota, that's a reality. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office sent out its DUI unit to spend a day in March live on social media, providing real-time updates about...
A DUI for drugs is hard to measure but still likely
Driving under the influence of drugs may result in several charges including a DUI and drug charge for possession. Initially, a person driving while intoxicated by drugs will be charged with a DUI, but keep in mind that the officers and prosecution have to prove that...
DUIs aren’t only for drinking and driving
Drinking and driving is illegal, and most people understand that easily. They know that at a .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they can be pulled over and arrested. They know that is the legal limit, and if breached, could result in a DUI. One thing some...
An ignition interlock device keeps you behind the wheel
After a conviction for a DUI, one thing you may need to use is an ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock device, also called an IID, stops your vehicle from starting up if you've had too much alcohol to drink. The device saves lives and restricts drunk...
What are some common ignition interlock device myths?
You may have to get an ignition interlock device (IID) if you've been arrested and convicted for a DUI. These devices come with many myths. For instance, some people believe there are ways to trick the devices to help them drive even though they're intoxicated. Many...
DUI courts help reduce addiction and the risk of reoffending
Sarasota County is one of only four in the state with its own specialized DUI court. The Sarasota County DUI Court opened in 2008. It is a specialized court that is aimed at changing the way DUI offenders act and react to alcohol. They realize that some people are...