If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you know how serious it is. You could potentially lose your license, pay hefty fines, and be sentenced to jail. Also, if you are convicted of DUI it becomes a permanent mark on your record and your insurance rates will skyrocket. Your DUI case is divided into two parts. First is the criminal charge that will be decided in county court and then the second part is what will happen with your license. The driver’s license suspended privilege part of the case will be decided administratively by the Department of Motor Vehicles. To navigate these very difficult legal hurdles hire a Miami traffic lawyer immediately after being arrested.
The day after you are arrested the clock starts ticking for you to file a petition with the Department of Motor Vehicles in order for you to retain your driving privilege. The Department of Motor Vehicles has a ten day rule which is very strict and if you don’t file a petition within ten days of your arrest, you will lose your right to get a work permit and have an administrative hearing to determine whether or not there was probable cause for the officer that arrested you to take your driver’s license. If you properly file the petition you could get your administrative suspension overturned and get your license back.
Next, your DUI attorney will fully investigate your DUI case and challenge all of the evidence against you, make all the pretrial motions, and either get your case dismissed or attempt to get the case broken down to a lesser charge such as reckless or careless driving so that you are not charged with a DUI and then have the stigma of a DUI on your record.
The cost of hiring a lawyer to defend you on a DUI can be high. Depending on your prior record, the legal fee for hiring a lawyer for a DUI charge can be anywhere from $2,500.00 to $15,000.00. While that may seem very expensive, it’s a drop in the bucket to what it will cost you if you are convicted and have a DUI on your record. First, your insurance rates will definitely increase. Second, in some occupations you could lose your job. Third, your license can be suspended for a long period of time and inhibit your ability to earn a living and retain your job. Hire a qualified DUI lawyer as soon as you can after your arrest. DUI in South Florida is one of those charges where time is of the essence. So hire an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney today.
Commentary by Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Yale Galanter:
Yale Galanter, a Miami criminal defense lawyer, has over 30 years of experience providing discreet and aggressive legal counseling to both public figures and clients looking for precise and excellent legal defense. Yale Galanter is known for his personal representation and attention to your criminal matter.
If you have been arrested for DUI or traffic crimes such as:
- DUI Manslaughter
- Culpable Negligence
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident, or Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury and/or Property Damage
- Reckless Driving
- Careless Driving
- Speeding
- Unlawful Turn
- Disobey Traffic Control Device
Don’t delay. You need to contact a traffic crime attorney, today.
If you are charged with DUI and then convicted you could lose your job, driving privileges, and your freedom. A criminal record not only affects you—it affects your family and friends. That’s why choosing the right attorney is critical. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you reduce your charges, or have them dropped. If you need legal help, contact the Law Offices of Yale Galanter, P.A., today. Call Yale Galanter at (305)576-0244 or (954)524-6600, or browse through the rest of our site.