A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense and one that can have a lasting effect on all aspects of an accused life. Not only can a DUI conviction result in loss of an individual’s driving privilege but it can also result in substantial fines and in some cases even jail time.

A DUI charge can also have a serious impact on an individual’s personal and professional life, threatening job security and changing the way the person accused of the crime is perceived. Like other criminal arrests, a DUI can adversely affect a person’s freedom and liberty as well as his or her reputation and social and professional standing.

Defending against a DUI is a difficult undertaking, and the selection of a skilled attorney is paramount to the defendant’s success. The attorneys at Valkenburg & Velez are skilled in developing the best defense strategy.
Florida DUI laws may impose specific requirements in order to avoid jail time or have a driver license reinstated. Here are a few factors to consider:

• A first DUI conviction without serious injury generally involves a revocation of 180 days to one year, effective on the conviction date; with serious injury, the revocation period is at least three years.
• A hardship license may be applied for while a driver license is revoked; DUI School, if required, must be completed prior to a hardship license being issued.
• When DUI school is required, proof of enrollment or completion of the course must be presented before the license will be reinstated; the course must be completed within 90 days of reinstatement, and failure to do so will result in cancellation of the license.
• When alcohol/drug treatment is required, failure to complete that treatment may result in cancellation of your driving privilege
• At the time of reinstatement, a required examination must be completed and fees, including administrative fees, reinstatement fees and license fees, must be paid.
• Proof of bodily injury liability insurance must also be presented: for DUI convictions on or prior to October 1, 2007, required amounts are $10,000 per person, $20,000 per occurrence and $10,000 property damage liability on the arrest date; for DUI convictions after October 1, 2007, required amounts are $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence and $50,000 property damage liability.

The consequences of a DUI conviction are significant therefor you should always consult with an attorney. Valkenburg Law Group, P.A. is adept at developing the most effective, most practical approach to defending DUI cases in the Tampa area and beyond.