Destin DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Destin, FL

Facing accusations of drug crimes can be an incredibly disheartening, confusing, and lonely experience, leaving you with nothing but stress and fear. Fortunately, this does not need to remain the case. Choosing to hire a Destin DUI lawyer could help you protect your rights and your future.

An Overview of DUIs in Destin, Florida

It is estimated that roughly every 45 minutes, a death occurs in the United States as a result of drunk driving. In 2021 alone, there were approximately 38,000 DUI incidents that led to accidents in just the state of Florida. Consequently, it should be no surprise that Florida law enforcement takes DUI charges very seriously.

Simply put, one is typically charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they are suspected to have been operating their vehicle while intoxicated, high, or impaired from a mis-handled prescription.

Every state has a legal limit for the amount of alcohol you can have in your blood at the time of driving, and in Florida, the standard Blood Alcohol Limit, or “BAL”, is set at 0.08%. The BAL may be impacted based on whether or not you are a commercial driver as well.

Since the legal drinking age limit is currently 21 years old, any driver under that age who is found with any detectable BAL can be charged with a DUI regardless of whether or not it exceeds the standard 0.08% BAL.

You should also be aware that certain aggravating factors can impact the likelihood of more severe penalties should you be convicted, including the following:

• High BAL levels. Hitting or exceeding 0.15% BAL can earn you far more severe penalties should you be found guilty, due to the high level of risk involved with operating a vehicle at that BAL.
• Children at risk. If there was a child in your car or in any car involved in a DUI accident at the time of the incident, you could end up facing more severe charges.
• Injuries and/or fatalities. Property damage can get you some other charges, but if your suspected DUI is linked to an accident that caused injuries or even fatalities, you could end up facing additional charges like vehicular manslaughter.

Potential Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Florida

Should you be found guilty of any DUI charges, you could end up facing the following potential penalties:

• Serving jail time
• Paying hefty fines
• Losing your license temporarily or even permanently
• Losing wages or your job due to a lack of transportation
• Paying increased insurance premiums
• Facing social ostracism
• Performing community service
• Undergoing a rehabilitation program

Hire a DUI Lawyer in Florida

There is so much at risk for those facing DUI charges, and a conviction could potentially impact your ability to work and live the way you want to. Choosing to hire a DUI lawyer may be exactly what you and your case need to avoid being found guilty.

It is likely that you will be spending some time at the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension, where your lawyer can deliver your defense on your behalf. Your lawyer can also help you prepare in advance for what will occur during your time there, explaining every step to you with clarity and compassion. 

Choose Jay Patel Attorney at Law to Handle Your DUI Case

For over a decade, attorney Jay Patel has dedicated his time, skills, and focus to clients facing DUI charges, as well as additional varieties of criminal charges. He treats each client with the compassion and dedication they deserve in Destin.

Tailoring his knowledge and approach to each case, your experience is designed to meet your unique needs rather than trying to force you and your case into an ineffective mold. Regardless of the choices you have made in the past, Jay Patel Attorney at Law can help you work to protect your future.

FAQs

Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer to Represent Me in Florida?

While you have the option to represent yourself in your DUI case in Florida, many individuals have found that hiring a DUI lawyer can greatly improve the likelihood of success in each case. Not only can your lawyer help you build and present your case, but they can also explain every step to you, bringing clarity and guidance instead of confusion and stress. You deserve representation and answers, and Jay Patel Attorney at Law can help you get both.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of Florida. This is mostly because of the unique influence that several different variables can have on your overall price, such as the level of complexity your case presents, who you hire to represent you, the severity of your DUI charges, and the amount of time your case requires to reach its end.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a DUI Case in Florida?

When it comes to usable evidence in a Florida DUI case, it can cover a broad array of formats. The two criteria it must meet in order to be presented in a court of law are that it was obtained legally and through the proper channels, as well as that it is relevant to the case. Otherwise, it can take the form of security footage, police reports, witness testimonials, professional input, drug tests, pictures, breathalyzers, and more.

How Long Will My DUI Case Take to Finish in Florida?

Similar to the cost of hiring a DUI lawyer, the amount of time needed to complete a DUI case typically varies in Florida. Your overall duration can be impacted by a whole host of outside variables, such as the schedule of your local courthouse, the availability of the other parties involved, whether or not you have legal representation, the complexity of your case, whether you are pleading guilty, and the number of charges you are facing.

Get More Information Today

A DUI conviction could be standing between you and the future you want. Contact Jay Patel Attorney at Law today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you protect your rights, your record, and your future.