CLEARWATER DUI ATTORNEY
24/7 Pinellas County Drunk Driving Defense to Protect Your Future
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County, you may feel a range of emotions, including shock, fear, embarrassment, and guilt. You may also feel anxious about the potential legal consequences and the impact the arrest could have on your career, relationships, and reputation. It is important to remember that everyone responds differently to stressful situations and that it is normal to have a wide range of emotional reactions.
A driving under the influence charge can have serious ramifications for your future. If you were charged with DUI, it is imperative that you hire an experienced Clearwater lawyer immediately. The defense attorneys at Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A. have helped numerous clients reduce or have DUI charges dropped. Allow us to assist you during this stressful time.
Call (727) 245-9009 to schedule a free consultation today!
Driving Under the Influence Consequences in Florida
Florida state statute 316.193 defines drunk driving as anyone who is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or chemical substance that impairs a person’s normal faculties.
What determines being under the influence of alcohol:
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Under the age of 21 – Having a blood alcohol content of .02% or more
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21 years or older – Having a blood alcohol content of .08% or more
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Commercial drivers – Having a blood alcohol content of .04% or more
Florida laws strictly penalize individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence. Whether you have been charged with your first DUI or have prior convictions on your record, you could be facing license suspensions, hefty fines, and even jail time. Contact our offices today to learn more about potential penalties specific to your charge.
Field Sobriety Tests
Police often administer standardized field sobriety tests when they believe someone has been driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a drug. However, much confusion arises from what the tests actually consists of. Our Clearwater DUI lawyers are here to clarify, so that you are well informed.
What types of field sobriety tests are there?
- Walk & Turn Test – The officer will ask drivers to walk heel-to-toe in one direction and then have them turn around and repeat the walk. If the person stumbles or falls, they may be considered to be under the influence.
- The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – The police may move an object (i.e. a pen) from right to left and ask you to track it with your eyes.
- One-Leg Stand Test – The subject may be asked to stand on one leg and raise the other leg six inches off the ground. They must hold this position until asked to stop. This trick is used to check balance. If the subject fails, they may be considered intoxicated.
When do officers use field sobriety tests?
Police officers will administer field sobriety tests if they believe a person is driving while intoxicated or while under the influence. They will usually conduct these tests at a traffic stop or DUI checkpoints.
Do I have to take a field sobriety test?
The law does not require you to take a field sobriety test if you have not been arrested. However, refusing to take the field sobriety test does not protect you from an arrest. If you refuse, you may be forced to take a chemical test.