JONATHAN B. BLECHER, P.A. LEGAL BLOG

Are Roadside Sobriety Tests Reliable?

by Jonathan Blecher | December 20, 2022 | Sobriety Tests

Roadside sobriety exercises, also known as field sobriety tests, are used by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. These tests are often administered during a traffic stop if an officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver is under the influence. There are three standardized field sobriety tests […]

Should you agree to a standardized field sobriety test?

by Jonathan Blecher | December 20, 2022 | DUI

Under suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, police may pull over a driver and ask them to perform a sobriety test. Police may ask the driver to do a more commonly known sobriety test called a breathalyzer to evaluate their blood-alcohol content (BAC). If their BAC is 0.08% or more, then […]

Can you face a DUI charge when the alcohol doesn’t affect you?

by Jonathan Blecher | December 2, 2022 | DUI

The average adult driver may have an overly simplistic idea of what constitutes a driving under the influence (DUI) offense. Many people think that a driver has to show diminished skill at the wheel or cause harm to other people, such as injuries and property damage, for the state to bring impaired driving charges against […]

3 questions and answers about house arrest

by Jonathan Blecher | November 17, 2022 | Criminal Defense

After getting a DUI, especially for the first time, many people fear that they will be charged fines or end up in jail. However, even first-time offenders in more serious cases are given an alternative to jail, such as house arrest. According to Florida Statutes Chapter 948.001(3), house arrest is a form of community control […]

Is a plea deal a good deal?

by Jonathan Blecher | November 8, 2022 | Criminal Defense

If you are facing criminal charges, there is a high chance the prosecution will offer you a plea deal. The vast majority of criminal cases take this route these days. While jury trials still happen, and you still have the right to one, their use has declined to less than one in ten cases. This […]

2 mistakes you must never make when under criminal investigation

by Jonathan Blecher | October 25, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Florida is one of the toughest states to be charged with a crime. While being arrested and charged with a criminal offense can be stressful, it is important that you do your best to remain calm and understand that your case begins the moment law enforcement pulls you over or knocks at your door to […]

About to be arrested for a DUI? Keep your cool

by Jonathan Blecher | October 24, 2022 | DUI

It’s frustrating to be stopped by the police on suspicion of drunk driving, and even more upsetting to face arrest – especially when you think that the officer is being unfair, unreasonable or even acting illegally. However, you need to control your temper and your actions. Regardless of the charges you may be facing, things […]

How can field sobriety tests be wrong?

by Jonathan Blecher | October 7, 2022 | DUI

Have you ever had a field sobriety exercises (FSE) conducted with you? It probably felt a little silly having to perform tricks for law enforcement to demonstrate your sobriety, However, your compliance with the police may not have turned out how you expected. Field sobriety exercises are just one of a few tools police may […]

Did the police make a mistake during your DUI arrest?

It can be a scary when the police pull you over for even a minor moving violation. However, the situation is always more serious when the police stop your car and suspect you of DUI. After all, a DUI charge and conviction can impact your life in many ways.  Knowing your legal rights can be […]

Why you shouldn’t run from the police 

by Jonathan Blecher | September 12, 2022 | Criminal Defense

You see blue lights behind you. Cops approach you on the street or the airport.  It generally comes as a bit of a shock, particularly to those who have had no previous dealings with law enforcement and have done nothing wrong.  In situations like this, it’s common for what is called the “fight or flight” […]