Gainesville, Ocala & Bushnell DUI & BUI Attorney

Florida Driving Under the Influence Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, or if a friend or family member has been arrested, the most important thing to do is to act quickly and consult a defense attorney in your area. You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to contest the suspension of your license with the Florida DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) and legal proceedings are complex and can easily leave a person feeling helpless and confused.

Should you plead guilty and accept a bargain? Should you try to fight your charges? The only way to make an educated decision is to consult a skilled lawyer who can review your arrest and charges and advise you on what your best options might be.

Robert G. Whittel is an experienced criminal defense attorney practicing law in Florida from his offices in Gainesville, Ocala and Bushnell. As a former prosecutor and with an extensive educational background in Florida law and international law, Gainesville DUI attorney Whittel has what it takes to successfully defend even the most complex DUI charges.

DUI Charges and Penalties in Florida

DUI (driving under the influence) is one of the most serious traffic offenses a driver in Florida can face. Drunk driving arrests are actually quite common occurrences throughout the state, particularly on holidays when law enforcement is increasingly aware of and on the lookout for possible offenders.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you may face a number of penalties, including fines, jail time, license suspension, alcohol abuse classes and even possible vehicle impoundment. By working with a lawyer, however, you can work to avoid these penalties by receiving a lesser sentence, winning your trial or having the charges dropped altogether.

DUI and the DMV

In Florida, if you are arrested for DUI you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to contact the DMV and schedule a hearing regarding the suspension of your driver's license. If you fail to schedule this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended.

Fortunately, you can have your attorney present at your DMV hearing. Your attorney will know what information and evidence is needed in order to prove your side of the story and help you have a better chance of getting your driver's license back.

BUI (Boating Under the Influence)

Boating under the influence is the criminal offense of operating a boat or other water vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. BUI offenses are a problem in Florida because of its extensive coastline and the large number of boats and vehicles operated by recreational boaters. Like a DUI charge, a BUI arrest may result in criminal charges and similar penalties, including up to 6 months in prison for a first offense.

If you know someone who has been arrested for driving under the influence or BUI, or if you have been arrested, contact Florida DUI lawyer Robert G. Whittel today.