Were you recently arrested for your first DUI in Lakeland, Florida? A first-time charge can feel overwhelming, and you may not know what steps to take next. With 25 years of legal experience, Grajek Trial Attorney at Law knows how to handle every part of a DUI case and can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Do not try to face these charges on your own. Reach out for legal assistance in Lakeland, Florida. Contact us today at (863) 688-4606 for a confidential consultation with a Lakeland DUI lawyer .
Why Hire Grajek Trial Attorney at Law, if You’re Arrested For a 1st Time DUI in Lakeland, FL?
If you are facing your first DUI, you want a Lakeland criminal defense attorney who can navigate the local court system efficiently. Going through the process alone can be discouraging and risky.
Here’s why it’s a good idea to work with us on your first-time DUI case:
- We regularly handle a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI, theft, sexual battery, drug crimes, and juvenile offenses.
- Our office is based in Lakeland, so we have direct knowledge of the area, the local courts, and what strategies work here.
- Our understanding of Florida DUI laws helps provide clear guidance for clients who want to avoid costly mistakes.
- Attorney Tom Grajek is recognized as one of only four attorneys in Florida to earn the American Chemical Society’s Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation, which gives him advanced training for handling DUI and breath test evidence.
We are committed to helping people in Lakeland, Florida, through difficult legal problems. Contact Grajek Trial Attorney at Law today for a confidential consultation with a Lakeland 1st time DUI lawyer.
Overview of 1st Time DUI in Florida
A first-time DUI charge in Florida is usually a misdemeanor and occurs when you’re accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for the first time. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) measures 0.08% or higher, the law considers you legally impaired, no matter how you feel or act.
However, you can also be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08% if the police believe your ability to drive was affected by alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. Police use a combination of breath, blood, or urine tests, as well as observations during a traffic stop, to decide whether a DUI charge applies.
What Are the Penalties for 1st Time DUI in Lakeland, Florida?
A first-time DUI conviction in Lakeland, Florida, brings a range of penalties that can affect your license, your record, and your daily life.
Here’s what you could be facing if you are found guilty:
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- Driver’s license suspension for at least 180 days
- Requirement to install an ignition interlock device, which you must keep on your car for at least six months, and you pay for the cost
- Your vehicle might be impounded for 10 days
- Probation and monthly check-ins
- Attend DUI school, which involves a substance abuse course
- Up to 50 hours of community service.
- If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if a child under 18 was in the car, fines increase to $2,000, and jail sentences can go up to nine months
Even a first DUI comes with ongoing penalties that affect many areas of your life. These charges should not be taken lightly.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a 1st Time DUI?
If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI, you may feel overwhelmed and scared of what comes next. Fortunately, there are many defenses that can be used to challenge DUI charges in Florida courts.
Here are some of the most common strategies:
Improper Traffic Stop
Police must have a valid reason to pull you over. If the stop was made without a legitimate reason, any evidence gathered after the stop may be thrown out in a motion to suppress.
Faulty Breath Test
Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate. Errors with calibration, improper testing procedures, or medical conditions can all affect results and may lead to false positives.
Medical Condition
Certain medical problems or prescription medications can create symptoms or breath test results that look like drug or alcohol impairment, but have another cause.
Defending against a DUI charge requires careful review of all the facts. The defenses used in your case depend on precisely what happened, so it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
A first-time DUI charge in Lakeland comes with serious consequences and lasting effects. The actions you take now can change what happens in your case. Our legal team has over 25 years of experience helping clients in your position, and we’re always here to help.
Reach out to get answers to your questions and the support you need moving forward. Call Grajek Trial Attorney at Law today for a confidential consultation with a Lakeland 1st time DUI attorney.