Longboat Key DUI Lawyer

Longboat Key DUI Attorney

If you or someone you love has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Longboat Key, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about what steps to take next. As the consequences of a DUI can be extremely serious – from jail time to permanent license suspension – it’s crucial to have a dedicated Longboat Key DUI lawyer on your side. An attorney from Ruhl Law, P.A., is ready to fight for your rights and defend your freedoms.

Why DUI Cases in Longboat Key Deserve Special Attention

Longboat Key boasts a population of roughly 7,500, and is a highly unique community in Florida that is known for its boating culture, coastal life, and older demographic. The median age of residents in Longboat Key is 71.5, which is much higher than the regional average of 53.6 and the state median of 42.6. While these factors contribute to serene and fun retirement living, they can also lead to many specific DUI-related risks.

For example, traffic fatalities related to alcohol in Manatee County, where Longboat Key is situated, were 2.3 per 100,000 in 2023, which is much higher than Florida’s average of 1.6. Furthermore, Florida reported 408 boating injuries in 2023, with an injury rate of 39 per 100,000 recreational vessels. Considering the strong boating presence in the area, it’s important to note that Florida’s laws for driving under the influence apply both to water and land.

Understanding Florida DUI Law

Florida has strict DUI laws for driving a motor vehicle under the influence – defined under Florida Statute 316.193, According to the law, having a blood alcohol level or breath alcohol level of 0.08% or above constitutes a DUI. A DUI can also be charged if law enforcement determines that normal faculties have been impaired due to chemical substances, controlled substances, or alcohol.

Penalties for DUI in Florida

Penalties for DUI in Florida are extremely serious and depend on various factors, including the offender’s criminal history and whether any aggravating factors were present. DUI penalties are as follows:

• First DUI. A first DUI can result in jail time of up to six months, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, and other penalties like license revocation, DUI school, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device, but refusing a breath test triggers an automatic license suspension, even if no conviction occurs.
• Second DUI. A second DUI can lead to jail time ranging from 9 to 12 months, a $1,000 to $2,000 fine, a license revocation for five years, and a 10-day impoundment of the vehicle used.
• Third DUI. A third DUI is considered to be a felony crime, which can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Offenders can also have their vehicle impounded for 30 days and face a 10-year license suspension.
• Aggravated DUI. An aggravated DUI is considered to be an offense that involves a 0.15% BAC level or greater or having a minor in the car at the time of the offense. This can result in significantly enhanced penalties, including increased fines and longer imprisonment.
• DUI manslaughter. DUI manslaughter, which involves the killing of another person due to the offender’s driving under the influence, is a serious offense that can lead to up to $10,000 in fines. Offenders may also be facing jail time ranging from 15 to 30 years, as well as permanent driver’s license revocation.

How Our DUI Defense Team Can Help

A DUI arrest can feel devastating and overwhelming, but it does not always result in a conviction. We can help you navigate each step of the DUI defense process, starting with a free initial consultation. During this time, we can go over your case details, discuss and address your concerns with you, and determine optimal defenses.

The DUI defense process involves both criminal and administrative hearings. To push back against any driver’s license suspensions, we can help you request a formal hearing within 10 days of your arrest and represent you to help you get back on the road. We can also provide license restoration guidance, helping you understand the reinstatement process and requirements, such as ID installation, DUI school, and, if eligible, application for hardship licenses.

After your initial consultation, we can launch a deep investigation, looking at field sobriety test procedures, determining the legality of the stop or arrest, and examining evidence like dash cam footage. Many assume a DUI charge is hopeless, but fighting the charges early can reduce penalties or even dismiss the case entirely. This crucial evidence is then leveraged to mount a strong defense on your behalf. We can appear in the courtroom for you to negotiate plea deals, argue any motions, or, if necessary, take your case to trial.

FAQs About DUI Law in Longboat Key,FL

What Are Enhanced Penalties for a Florida DUI?

It’s important to note that enhanced penalties are applied for instances involving property damage, serious injuries, repeat offenses, or fatalities. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand the penalties you may be facing based on your charges, as well as the available options you have to fight back.

Where Are DUI Hearings Held in Longboat Key?

If you’ve been arrested in Longboat Key, you may have your DUI case heard at Manatee County Judicial Center or Sarasota County Courthouse. A dedicated attorney from our firm can help determine which jurisdiction may apply to your case, depending on your arrest specifics and any administrative license suspension hearings.

I’m a Visitor and Got a DUI in Longboat Key. What Happens Now?

If you’re a visitor who’s been arrested in Longboat Key, you are still required to comply with Florida’s rules and regulations, including DUI law. A Florida DUI could have an impact on your home state driver’s license. An attorney from our firm can fiercely represent your case in court for you, reducing any requirements for you to travel back to Longboat Key.

Is There a Difference Between DUI and BUI in Florida?

Yes, there is a difference between DUI and BUI laws in Florida, but both are considered to be criminal offenses. Boating under the influence (BUI) offenses come with similar license suspension, fines, and potential incarceration. A skilled DUI lawyer from our firm can help you understand what your defense options are if you’re facing a DUI or BUI.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

At Ruhl Law, P.A., our dedicated criminal defense attorneys understand the unique needs of the community in Longboat Key, Florida, which is made up of older residents who may be snowbirds or retirees who are unfamiliar with the local DUI legal landscape. We have a robust track record of successfully defending individuals in Longboat Key who have been charged with DUI crimes and are eager to help you minimize the negative impacts of your DUI charges.

Contact us today to get started building your defense.