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How Soon Should I Get an Attorney After A DUI?
It is best to get an attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest. Preferably, you will want to seek assistance from an attorney immediately after your arrest. This may not always be possible, however, the sooner you get your attorney involved, the better. Your lawyer will generally be able to provide the best defense when he or she is involved from the start. You would also be better off by not answering questions on your own. Again, this is not always going to be possible.
Talking to Law Enforcement Officers
A DUI charge is often made in conjunction with a basic traffic stop. For example, you may be stopped for speeding and then the police officer may feel that you may be intoxicated. You may be questioned immediately about whether you have been drinking and you will be asked to take some field sobriety tests. These are tests such as walking a straight line, touching your finger to your nose, and reciting the alphabet.
They are administered to allow the officer to get a general impression as to whether you may be DUI. You will certainly be asked whether you were drinking and you may not want to answer. If you were placed under arrest you will be able to seek legal advice before answering any questions. This is critical to a successful defense.
DUI Tests
In Florida, there is implied consent. This means that by simply signing your driver’s license you are agreeing to take a breath, blood, or urine test when requested to do so by a member of law enforcement. The legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) in Florida is 0.08%. If you are found to be driving with a BAC of over 0.08% you will be charged with DUI. It’s important to note that breath tests are not always performed properly and the results may be misinterpreted.
Your attorney will want to review the results of these tests when preparing your defense. While you may want to avoid taking these tests, you can get into more trouble by refusing. Refusal to take a blood, breath, or urine test when requested will result in separate charges that will include an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Instead, it is advisable to have your own independent testing completed at the same time.
DUI Defense
The sooner you engage the help of an experienced DUI lawyer, the better. Your lawyer will begin by reviewing all of the information starting with the traffic stop. Your attorney will represent you at an initial hearing, where charges will be defined. Many times an adept attorney will be able to have some of your charges reduced or dropped completely if there is no evidence supporting them.
If you are being held in jail, the lawyer will work to get you out of jail with a lower bail or no bail at all. Your attorney will work tirelessly to assist in defending your case and protecting your rights throughout the case. Many times your attorney may be successful in getting you through the case with the least possible penalties. Getting help from an attorney is the best course of action and gives you the best way to favorably resolve your situation.
Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
