No one ever starts their day, or evening, by planning on getting pulled over and charged with DUI. But, it does happen, and when it does the driver must act fast to protect their rights. Not only will being arrested for DUI result in criminal charges against you, but there is also an automatic loss of driving privileges associated with DUI cases. An accused has to defend both of these cases at the same time, and in the case of the loss of license only has ten days to make a request that the revocation be reconsidered. With this in mind, it is a good idea to take a look at some basic DUI information that every driver should know.

Five DUI basics that are helpful to know about when you take the wheel include:

  • The legal limit for DUI is 0.08%. This means if there is 0.08% or more alcohol found in your blood, you can be charged with DUI.
  • The breath test is not always fool proof. There are several reasons why a breath test might give off a false positive, and finding one of these reasons can be key to a successful DUI defense. It might be that the officer giving the test is not properly trained to do so, or that the machine is malfunctioning. It takes a thorough investigation to uncover a flaw in the process, but it is well worth the time when you are defending a DUI.
  • You can refuse the breath test, but there can be consequences to doing so. Before you are placed in the positon to either submit to the test or refuse, it is beneficial to know your rights and the facts. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can give you the information needed, so you can make a wise choice if faced with this decision.
  • There are “signs” of drunk driving that the police look for; including driving too fast or too slow, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals. If you are observed driving in any of these patterns, you will likely be stopped and questioned.
  • DUI checkpoints have to be set up according to law, and if they are not then any DUI arrest as a result should be either thrown out or significantly reduced.

If you have been arrested for DUI, we know it is a hard time, but it is not an impossible case. There are effective defense strategies available, and we know what will work best for you. Call us today to learn more.

If you have questions about DUI defense, call our office for answers. Call an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.