Top 10 DUI Mistakes
Discover the Top 10 DUI Mistakes Florida Drivers Make!
-
Not Having a Designated Driver
Planning ahead can save you from a world of regret. Before going out for
drinks, designate a driver to get you home safely. If you can't assign
a designated driver, find the number to a local cab company. If either
plan falls through, bars and restaurants can always find a cab for you.
Being proactive and practical will always save you money, and it can also
keep you from losing your license and help save lives.
-
Failure to Have Your Driving Documents Readily Available
If you drink and choose to drive, it is important to have your driving
documents - such as your license, registration, and proof of insurance
- ready. Law enforcement will be looking for any type of behavior that
remotely suggests that you are under the influence. Fumbling around your
wallet or purse could be enough evidence for an officer to assume you
are under the influence. This risk can be eliminated if you keep your
documents in one place at all times.
-
Not Hiring the Right Miami DUI Defense Lawyer
Many people try to do the right thing by hiring an attorney after a DUI
arrest. Where a lot of people go wrong is that they trust their legal
matters to less experienced lawyer and may base their selection of an
attorney solely on cost. You should be able to trust that your lawyer
can be depended on to investigate your case, exhaust all avenues of defense,
hire experts, and bring your matter to trial if necessary.
-
Failure to Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
Not requesting a copy of a police report or other sources of evidence
could be detrimental to your case. Police reports can often be the basis
of a strong defense. Failure to collect any evidence that can be used
in your favor could weaken your case.
-
Failure to Learn Your Miranda Rights
Miranda rights protect your constitutional right to remain silent after
an arrest, to have an attorney represent you, and to avoid self-incrimination.
To exercise your Miranda rights, it is wise to vocalize your desire to
remain silent. If you exercise your right by acknowledging the Miranda
warning, you could strengthen your defense.
-
Self-Incrimination or Helping Police Gather Evidence Against You
It is a natural reaction to speak with police. But in the case of a DUI
charge, one of the least helpful things to do is give officers any reasonable
cause to search you or conduct a sobriety test. If police officers try
to ask if you have had any alcohol, any admission you make will be used
against you in court. Instead, it may be wise to ask to speak with an
attorney. Though you cannot consult a lawyer before a breath test is administered,
asking for a lawyer should cut off additional questioning by an officer.
-
Driving After a License Suspension
If you are caught driving with a suspended license after a DUI suspension,
you will face additional consequences and penalties. In addition to a
longer license suspension period, you may be sentenced to up to 60 days
in jail. Penalties for driving with a suspended license will be added
to any previous penalties.
-
Failure to Appear at Your Court Date
Failure to appear or forgetting your court date could result in a bench
warrant for your arrest. The courts will revoke any bail or bonds that
you may have posted. Failing to appear at a court date is one of the most
harmful mistakes in a DUI case. Judges take this very seriously.
-
Disclosing Information About Your Case to Someone Other Than Your Lawyer
Talking to anyone other than your attorney could be harmful to your case.
Even if you think a law enforcement officer is on your side, do not say
anything. Do not be fooled! It is the job of a prosecutor and law enforcement
officers to obtain any evidence against you, and even simple words that
you said when you let your guard down can become incriminating. Even statements
made to your insurance adjuster after a DUI-related crash may be used
against you.
-
Representing Yourself in Court
An experienced DUI lawyer can represent your best interests in court.
If you refused to take a breath test, didn't exercise your Miranda
rights, or failed to appear in court, a lawyer is best suited to fight
the allegations made against you with a strong legal defense. Your representative
can ensure that the prosecution plays by the rules and does not take advantage
of you in court.
FAQ & Legal Guides
Florida has some of the strictest DUI Laws in the United States.
Get Informed
There is a blueprint for becoming an excellent DUI lawyer. It requires
effort, discipline, and a genuine desire to achieve excellent results.
As a former prosecutor turned Miami DUI attorney with
more than 30 years of legal experience, I am in a unique position to offer my clients highly effective, knowledgeable,
and focused legal advice specific to DUI-related cases and laws. Because
I understand the complexities of DUI cases, I can help you better understand
the top 10 DUI mistakes Florida drivers make. By informing you of other
people's past mistakes, I hope to help you understand that DUI prevention
is entirely in your hands.
How to Avoid Charges & Build a Strong Defense After Arrest
Advice from a Miami Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
Drunk, intoxicated, and impaired driving is an increasing problem. As a
result, Florida is experiencing the growing trend of needing lawyers who
specifically concentrate in this niche area of the law. Attorneys who
have dedicated a portion of their practice to DUI defense can offer clients
the most effective and experienced representation for their Miami drunk
driving defense matters. Strong DUI laws and unforgiving law enforcement
techniques require the attention of a lawyer who has undergone extensive
training in DUI practice.
Florida's
DUI penalties are some of the nation's strictest. You can take steps to prevent
an arrest and reduce your chances of losing your DUI case.
Retain an experienced DUI lawyer. Call my firm today!
I have successfully defended
more than 3,000 DUI cases since 1982 and am a general member of the National College for DUI Defense.
In 1992, I formed my firm, Jonathan Blecher, P.A., and was honorably listed
among the "Top 10 DUI Lawyers" by the
Miami Herald. I have served as an active member of the Florida Bar Traffic Court and
DUI Rules Committee and have been chosen to lecture at legal seminars
for DUI law and practice. With a 10.0 Superb Rating by Avvo and an AV
Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, I can be trusted to
represent your case and defend your rights.
If you are ready to discuss your DUI case,
contact my firm to schedule your
free case evaluation. Many lawyers say they defend DUI cases, but many of them do not actually
understand the complex science behind the DUI process, nor do they understand
the intricate balance of law and science that must be achieved in order
to secure a positive resolution and avoid a DUI conviction.
At Jonathan Blecher, P.A., DUI defense is what I do. Call my firm for the high-quality representation you need.