Pulled Over for DUI in Florida:Let’s get one thing straight. It is not against the law to drink and drive. However, it is against the law to drive while impaired by alcohol, or any other substance, meaning that the substance is impairing your normal faculties. In The State of Florida the legal limit for blood alcohol level is 0.08%.

Many people like to have a small glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a ballgame, and most adults believe they are behaving responsibly and know their limits. However, it can be difficult to truly know when alcohol is affecting you, so your safest bet is to avoid drinking and driving altogether.

Furthermore, while alcohol is the most common culprit of a DUI, which stands for driving under the influence, you can also be charged for driving while impaired by illegal or prescription drugs. These cases can be complex as there are no clear limits and you could even be charged when taking drugs as prescribed by your doctor.

If you are pulled over in a suspected DUI stop then it is important that you know what steps to take. A DUI charge is a serious one and could affect you for the rest of your life.

If you have stopped for a suspected DUI, then you might benefit from a skilled DUI criminal defense lawyer, such as those found at The Ticket Lawyers. One mistake should not stop you from getting your dream job or prevent you from driving for an extended period of time. Contact us today for a free consultation on, 855-323-8488.

What to do if You are Pulled Over for a DUI?

Do not panic. Remain polite and cooperative. Florida’s “implied consent” law requires you to take a blood, urine, or breath test if you are arrested for a suspected DUI.

However, this law only requires you to submit to a chemical test once you have been arrested. Therefore, the best way to avoid a DUI conviction is to avoid being arrested in the first place. Answer any questions the officer asks clearly but do not self-incriminate yourself by admitting to drinking, even if you have just had one. Anything you say could be used against you.

Once pulled over, get your registration license and insurance information ready to show. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain calm. Anything you say or do could give the offer a reason to arrest you. You do not want to give them any excuse to make you a target.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Mandatory in Florida?

Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) are standardized performance tests given to a driver under reasonable suspicion of a DUI to provide law enforcement with probable cause to arrest the driver. The results of the FSTs may be used as evidence in court.

The standard Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) include:

• Walk-and-turn.
• Horizontal gaze nystagmus.
• One-leg stand.

You are not legally required to perform these tests. Field sobriety tests are voluntary and these acrobatic exercises allegedly help officers to determine if someone is impaired. Florida law enforcement officers arrest for DUI based upon perceived impairment. The breath test or blood test either confirms or denies that suspicion.

Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in Florida?

Florida law is unique it how it deals with driver’s license suspension following a DUI. If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, and your license was valid at the time of the arrest you have ten days to driver on the ticket you received from the officer has if you had a full license.

Within the first 10 days you can either challenge your license suspension and have a hearing or waive your right to challenge your suspension and get a business purposes only license. A business purposes only license will limit your ability to drive only for work, school, religion, livelihood and supermarket. After your 10 days are up, your license could be: fully suspended, suspended with work privileges, or reinstated.

If you take action during this 10 day window, then you might be able to ensure that your license is not taken away from you. A DUI charge is a serious conviction that stays on your criminal record for 75 years, therefore, you should do everything you can to lessen it. The best thing you can do is speak to a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible who will be able to advise you. However, you may be able to either:

Request an administrative hearing

• This hearing will determine whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you. If you request this you will automatically receive a 42-day driver’s license which you can use for business purposes, while you await the outcome of your case.

Forfeit your right to a review hearing in exchange for an immediate business-purpose-only license.

• You may choose to forfeit your right to a hearing in order to obtain a business-purpose only license that lasts the entire duration of the six- or 12-month suspension for a first DUI charge. You must also take classes on safe driving, called a DUI school.

Contact The Ticket Lawyers Today

If you are being accused of driving under the influence, then you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. They will fight for you to get a lesser charge or will explore what your best options are. Call us anytime for a free consultation. When you have an attorney on your side with knowledge in Florida law and experience with these types of charges, you give yourself the best fighting chance.

Depending on your circumstances you might be able to have your charge dropped if you have not yet been convicted, or at the very least you may be able to secure yourself a driving license so that you can continue driving to and from work.

The Ticket Lawyers will listen to the details of your individual case and an attorney will explain to you what they can do for you.

Our phone lines are open 24/7, so contact us on 855-323-8488 for a free consultation.