Driving under the influence (DUI) is widespread in Florida and among the criminal offenses charged across the country. Impaired driving may cause road-related crashes, brain damage, severe injuries, or even death. To curb these effects, the state of Florida has enforced DUI laws, which may sometimes lead to unfair arrests caused by an officer’s subjective opinion of the driver’s state.
DUI arrests in Boca Raton can be extremely stressful and time-consuming, with adverse effects on your life, family, and career. Due to lack of knowledge and experience on legal matters, presenting yourself for DUI charges may lead to a conviction. However, with an experienced and competent attorney, these charges can be dismissed, lessened, or in some cases, your penalty lowered.
If you are searching for highly competent DUI attorneys in Boca Raton, then look no further. The experienced Boca Raton DUI lawyers at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Work With the Best DUI Attorney in Boca Raton Today
Meltzer & Bell, P.A.is a highly reputable criminal defense firm in Best Boca. So far, we have garnered over 500+ 5-star customer reviews and won thousands of victory cases on DUI and other criminal charges. Our expansive services involve all criminal issues at state and federal levels, not just in Boca Raton but across the state of Florida.
Ever been arrested for driving under the influence in Boca Raton? If yes, you have probably witnessed the impacts it has left on your life and those of your loved ones. DUI arrests can be devastating, to say the least, and could even affect your employment and professional relationships. In some cases, you may end up paying hefty fines, get locked up for up to a year, have your vehicle impounded, or go on a six-month probation.
To avoid these negative DUI impacts, fight these charges in court with the help of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. DUI attorney in Boca Raton, who will create an appropriate strategy while potentially reducing the arrest’s impact on your life.
If you are looking for a highly competent and experienced DUI attorney in Boca Raton, look no further. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. lawyers are available to attend to your needs at any time of the day, every day of the week. Give us a call today to make an appointment.
Common Driving Under the Influence FAQs in Boca Raton
Below are the frequently asked questions we receive on DUI matters. Reach out to our legal team in case you need assistance with your drinking and driving case.
- What is considered drunk driving in Florida?
- What happens if I’m arrested for a first DUI in Boca Raton?
- What occurs if I’m convicted for the second time?
- Must I plead guilty because I was arrested for DUI in Boca Raton?
- Do I always need a DUI attorney in Boca Raton if I’m charged with a DUI?
- Will I lose my driving license if charged with a DUI?
- Our qualified DUI Boca Raton defense attorneys are here to help.
1. What Is Considered Drunk Driving In Florida?
Driving under the influence refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by the effects of alcohol and other substances, including medication. Under Florida law, driving under the influence (DIU) is proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful breath and blood alcohol levels (blood-alcohol concentration (BAC)) of 0.08 and above.
Even if the evidence of BAC indicates impairment, a good DUI attorney in Boca Raton will try their best to ensure that your case is dismissed or have your charges reduced. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. attorneys can also negotiate for shorter convictions and treatment diversion programs.
2. What Happens If I’m Arrested for a First DUI in Boca Raton?
If found guilty of DUI for the first time in Boca Raton, you will face some of the following charges.
- Fines. Your fine will range from $500 to $2000, but if your BAC levels are .15 and above, or you’re carrying a minor, you will be fined between $2000 and $4000.
- Probation that may go up to a year (but not surpass this time frame).
- Mandatory 50 hours of community service.
- Imprisonment for less than 6 months, but if with a minor or BAC levels higher than .15, you may serve up to 9 months.
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
- Finish DUI School and attend the recommended treatment and counseling programs.
3. What Occurs If I’m Convicted for the Second Time?
When sentenced for the second, third, fourth, and fifth time, etc., for DUI in Boca Raton, all the first arrest penalties mentioned above will increase. For a second conviction, you will have to spend 10 days in jail if the arrest happened within 5 years of your first sentencing.
These charges keep adding as you get more DUI arrests. For instance, you may be incarcerated for 5 years on your fourth arrest, and fined over $3000 for your fifth conviction and have your license permanently revoked.
4. Must I Plead Guilty Because I Was Arrested For DUI In Boca Raton?
Definitely not! Keep in mind that the state of Florida has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were intoxicated while driving and that your BAC levels were .08 or higher. Boca Raton is making the charges. They should therefore make sure to prove it.
5. Do I Always Need a DUI Attorney in Boca Raton If I’m Charged with DUI?
Even though it is not a legal necessity to have an attorney upon your DUI arrest, it is highly advisable to hire one. Having a DUI attorney in Boca Raton will allow you to explore your options and drastically lower the impacts DUI charges may have on your life. You will know your rights in detail when you work with a skilled lawyer.
6. Will I Lose My Driving License If Charged With A DUI?
Once 10 days elapse after your arrest, you will automatically lose your license. However, you can still seek alternative options to help you get back on the road. For instance, if you are a first-time DUI offender, you are entitled to get a hardship license immediately, but you must apply for it within 10 days after your conviction. For second, third, fourth, and other multiple offenders, a DUI attorney in Boca Raton will help you find alternative options.
Our Qualified DUI Boca Raton Defense Attorneys Are Here To Help
Boca Raton’s DUI penalties are much more severe than other criminal offense charges and may have serious consequences on you and your loved ones. When convicted of DUI, you may lose your license for a while, pay heavy fines, or even end up in jail. A professional DUI attorney in Boca Raton may not dismiss the case but can reduce the sentence or negotiate a better deal.
At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., our DUI attorneys are highly experienced and competent. They are available 24/7 to attend to you on all matters concerning driving under the influence. Call us today at (561) 557-8686 to book an appointment. Whether you are located in Boca Raton, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, or within Palm Beach County, our DUI attorneys will attend to you effectively.