DUI

Florida DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer

Representing you at the DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. You have 10 days from your arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles to fight your license suspension. Protect your driver's license: Call Robert F. Stepniak right away so you do not lose your right to challenge the suspension.

A DUI is a very serious criminal charge. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you need to have a full understanding of your rights under Florida law. Talk to the experienced DUI defense attorneys at Stepniak & Park, P.A. in Daytona Beach.

Under Florida statute 316.193, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving a motor vehicle in Florida while a person:

"(a) ... is under the influence of alcoholic beverages ... or any chemical substance ... when affected to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired; or

(b) ... has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more ... or

(c) ... has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more."

If anyone - a friend, colleague or another attorney - ever told you that a DUI charge was no big deal, he or she was wrong. While there are certain defenses if you are pulled over and arrested, you still face very serious consequences, both immediately and if you are convicted.

• If arrested for drunk driving, your driver's license is suspended immediately.
• If convicted of DUI, you will be put on monthly reporting probation, have your vehicle impounded, and have to attend mandatory substance abuse classes.
• For a first conviction, you will be fined up to $500 and face up to six-months in jail.
• For a second conviction, you will be fined up to $1000 and face up to a nine-month jail sentence.
• For a second or third conviction, you will have an ignition interlock device put on your car and any other car you regularly drive for at least one year.
• For a fourth conviction of DUI, you will lose your driver's license forever.

The Two Parts of a DUI Charge

A Florida DUI arrest means you have to deal with two legal issues - the criminal charges and the administrative process that can take away your driving privileges. Our DUI defense lawyers have the experience to guide you through both processes.

Fighting the criminal charges and challenging the evidence against you.

What any good criminal defense lawyer will do is look for weakness in the prosecutor's case and evidence. We often have experts analyze the arrest report, breathalyzer test results, testing conditions, and qualifications of the arresting officer, among other things.

We examine your case for any defects and challenge any evidence that was wrongfully acquired or collected. We look closely at every detail to make sure the police officer and state followed all the rules in your traffic stop, arrest, and blood alcohol (BAC) testing. We work hard to get the best outcome possible for you in your DUI criminal case.

Our lawyers have the experience and compassion it takes to handle your drunk driving charges - both the administrative hearing and the criminal prosecution. If you are from out of state or cannot come to court for some reason, talk to us about your options.

Contact Stepniak & Park, P.A. as soon as possible after your arrest for drunk driving. You can depend on us to defend your rights.