Englewood DUI Lawyer

Englewood DUI Attorney

If you are facing DUI charges, you may be quite overwhelmed by your current situation. You may be feeling confused and unsure of your next steps. Florida takes DUI charges very seriously, and you don’t want to end up with a conviction on your record. A DUI conviction could follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your career, your social life, and even your relationships. An Englewood DUI lawyer can help you with an effective defense strategy.

The legal team at Ruhl Law, P.A., knows how hard it can be to defend yourself against DUI charges. An arrest can feel like you have already lost, but that is not the case. You need to hire an Englewood DUI attorney as soon as you can. Having someone who knows the state’s DUI laws and the DUI penalties you could face can be helpful. To ensure you do not get taken advantage of, you should hire a DUI attorney near you right away. Our firm is ready and willing to assist you.

Why Hire a DUI Lawyer?

When you are facing DUI charges, the most effective thing you can do for your case is to hire a DUI lawyer to represent your interests and advocate for you. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Englewood in your corner can often mean the difference between winning your case and facing serious legal consequences. At Ruhl Law, P.A., our team has spent years helping clients dealing with severe criminal charges. We can bring dedication, empathy, and focus to your case.

DUIs are not rare occurrences in the state of Florida. According to recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 5,100 alcohol confirmed crashes throughout the state during one recent year. Additional statewide data showed that between January 2024 and July 2024, there were 281 fatalities as a direct result of drug and alcohol-fueled crashes in Florida. The state will typically take DUI charges seriously because of the danger.

Our legal team is well-respected and familiar with procedures at the Sarasota County DUI Court, and can confidently advocate for you should your case go to court. We know what’s at stake for you and how to fight DUI charges to protect your future.

Possible Defenses Against DUI Charges

According to Florida state law, if you are pulled over for a suspected DUI and found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you will be considered over the legal limit and will be arrested. Upon arrest, you will want to contact your lawyer as soon as possible and start working on your defense strategy. It is essential not to admit any guilt and remain silent and calm until your lawyer is present. Here are some possible defenses you may want to use:

• Unlawful stop: One of the most common defenses against DUI charges in Florida is questioning the legality of the initial stop. In order to pull you over, police need to have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed. This generally means you have to be demonstrating unsafe driving or commit a traffic violation first. If the police pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, that could lead to a dismissal of the charges.
• Faulty breathalyzer: If you are pulled over, you may be asked to perform a breathalyzer test. These tests are not infallible, and they can result in a false positive. If the test was improperly stored or incorrectly calibrated, the result can be incorrect, too. If the officer administering the test does not know how to do it properly, that can also result in an error.
• Involuntary intoxication: It is possible that the reason you were intoxicated is that your medication caused you to become impaired without your knowledge. It is also possible that you weren’t drinking at all, but you unknowingly ingested something that caused intoxication. Your lawyer can argue this, especially if you have a prescription for certain medications.

FAQs About Englewood, FL DUI Law

What are the chances of getting a DUI dismissed in Florida?

The chances of getting a DUI dismissed may vary on a case-by-case basis. A complete dismissal can be challenging. You have a better chance of getting the charges reduced to something like reckless driving. Dismissals happen in the event of considerable procedural errors, such as an illegal stop, a Miranda violation, or mishandled evidence. Your lawyer can push for a dismissal, but that shouldn’t be your only legal strategy.

How Much Is a Retainer for a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

The cost of a DUI lawyer’s retainer can vary between law firms. Since every case is different and comes with its own contributing factors, the amount your lawyer will ask to retain their services will be different as well. Your lawyer’s retainer will largely be influenced by the complexity of your case, the location of the lawyer’s office, and your lawyer’s own experience with cases like yours.

What Is the Most Common Plea for a DUI in Florida?

Generally, the most common plea for a DUI case in Florida involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge to avoid the severe penalties of a DUI conviction. This is known as a plea bargain, and it’s a common occurrence in criminal defense cases. By pleading guilty to a charge of reckless driving, for example, you may be allowed to keep your driver’s license and avoid serious jail time. Hiring the right DUI defense attorney is essential in defending your case.

What Is the Optimal Defense for a DUI?

There is no optimal defense for a DUI. Every case has its own details and circumstances that will require a unique approach. Some defenses may not be possible for some cases, especially if there are aggravating factors involved. Your lawyer will need to build your defense strategy using the facts of your case.

Contact an Effective Englewood DUI Lawyer Today

Being charged with a DUI can seem daunting. It is important that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Remember, just because you were charged does not mean you have already lost. At Ruhl Law, P.A., we can assist you in defending yourself against DUI charges. Contact us to speak to a valued team member who can help you determine your options.