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DUI Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Protecting Your Rights

South Florida and Fort Lauderdale are well-known for their nightlife. People come from all over to enjoy the many bars and clubs that the city has to offer. With so many people out enjoying themselves, it is no surprise that there are also a large number of DUI arrests each year.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you may be feeling scared and alone. You may be wondering what will happen to your job, your family, and your future. You are not alone. An experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

At George Reres Law, P.A., our South Florida team understands how stressful a DUI arrest can be. We will work diligently to protect your rights and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. We have successfully represented clients facing a wide range of DUI charges, including first-time offenses and multiple DUI offenses.

No two cases are alike. Our firm will take the time to get to know you and your case so that we can tailor our approach to fit your specific needs. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we will do everything in our power to help you through it. Fight against your DUI charge with an experienced DUI defense lawyer like George Reres. Call us today at 954-523-3811 to get the right criminal defense attorney for your DUI case.

Why Was I Pulled Over for a DUI?

There are a number of reasons why an officer may pull someone over on suspicion of DUI. Some common reasons include the following:

  • Weaving in and out of lanes: This is one of the most obvious signs of impairment and one that officers look for when they are on the lookout for drunk drivers.
  • Driving too slowly: This can be a sign that a driver is impaired, especially if they are driving well below the posted speed limit.
  • Making illegal turns: This can be another sign of impairment, as it can indicate that the driver is having difficulty operating their vehicle.
  • Failure to use turn signals: This is a basic traffic violation, but it can also be a sign that the driver is impaired.
  • Failing to use headlights at night: This is another basic traffic violation, but it can also indicate that the driver is impaired.

If an officer suspects that a driver is impaired, they may ask the driver to perform a series of field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to give the officer an indication of whether or not the driver is impaired. Some common field sobriety tests include:

  • The horizontal gaze nystagmus test: This test involves the officer asking the driver to follow a moving object with their eyes. Impaired drivers often have trouble tracking objects with their eyes, and this can be a sign of intoxication.
  • The walk-and-turn test: This test involves the officer asking the driver to walk in a straight line, heel-to-toe. Impaired drivers often have trouble with their balance, and this can be a sign of intoxication.
  • The one-leg stand test: This test involves the officer asking the driver to stand on one leg and count out loud. Impaired drivers often have trouble with their balance, and this can be a sign of intoxication.

If an officer believes that a driver is impaired, they may ask the driver to submit to a chemical test. There are two types of chemical tests that are commonly used in DUI cases: breath tests and blood tests. Breath tests are typically administered using a device known as a breathalyzer. Blood tests are typically administered at a hospital or medical facility.

The results of a chemical test can be used as evidence in a DUI case. It is important to note, however, that these tests are not always accurate. There are a number of factors that can affect the accuracy of a breathalyzer test, including the type of machine that is used and the way it is calibrated. Blood tests can also be affected by a number of factors, including how the blood was drawn and how it was stored. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to challenge the results of these tests and use them to your advantage.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next; contact attorney George Reres today!

What are the Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

The penalties for DUI in Florida are very serious. You could be facing jail time, large fines, and a driver’s license suspension. The specific penalties that you are facing will depend on the facts of your case, your prior criminal history, and whether anyone was injured as a result of your DUI.

First-time offenders may be facing up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 180 days. Second-time offenders may be facing up to 9 months in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to five years. Third-time offenders may be facing up to 1 year in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to ten years.

In addition to the above penalties, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. This device requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before your car starts. You may also be required to attend DUI school and perform community service.

How Can a DUI Lawyer Defend Me?

There are a number of defenses that can be raised in a DUI case. The specific defenses that apply in your case will depend on the facts of your case. Some of the most common defenses to DUI charges include:

The stop was unlawful: A common defense to DUI charges is that the stop was unlawful. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, then the evidence that was obtained as a result of the stop may be suppressed. There are a number of factors that can contribute to an unlawful stop, including:

  • The officer did not have a reasonable suspicion to believe that you were breaking the law
  • The officer did not have a valid warrant to arrest you
  • The officer did not have probable cause to believe that you were impaired

If you can show that the stop was unlawful, the evidence against you may be thrown out, and your case may be dismissed. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to challenge the legality of your stop and use it to your advantage.

Duress: Another common defense to DUI charges is that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs because you were coerced or forced to do so. This is commonly known as the “duress” defense. To successfully raise the duress defense, you must show that:

  • You were facing an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury
  • You did not have time to seek out a safe alternative
  • You had no other choice but to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

If you can show that you were forced to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your charges may be reduced or dismissed.

The breathalyzer test was inaccurate: Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate. There are a number of factors that can affect the accuracy of a breathalyzer test, including the type of machine that is used and the way it is calibrated. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to challenge the results of these tests and use them to your advantage.

The blood test was inaccurate: Blood tests can also be affected by a number of factors, including how the blood was drawn and how it was stored. Our law office can challenge the results of these tests to try to get them suppressed or thrown out.

You were not impaired: Even if you had a high blood alcohol level, you might still be able to successfully defend against DUI charges if you can show that you were not actually impaired. There are a number of factors that can contribute to impairment, including fatigue, stress, and illness.

Actual physical control: You may also be able to defend against DUI charges if you can show that you did not have “actual physical control” of the vehicle. There are a number of factors that can be considered when determining whether you had actual physical control, including:

  • Whether the keys to the vehicle were in your possession
  • Whether you were asleep in the vehicle
  • Whether the vehicle was parked
  • Whether the engine was running

If you can show that you did not have actual physical control of the vehicle, your charges may be reduced or dismissed.

These are just some of the defenses that can be raised in a DUI case. If you have been charged with DUI, it is important that you contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you defend against the charges and protect your rights

Contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense Lawyers Today For Strong and Compassionate Service

Not all DUI lawyers are the same. With experience as a federal criminal defense lawyer, George Reres can provide you with the concrete and thoughtful defense that you need in your DUI case. Whether this is your first DUI or you have been charged with multiple DUI offenses, we can help. Serious consequences like jail time, fines, license suspensions, and more can threaten your livelihood. Prior convictions can make matters worse.

After your arrest, you will likely be feeling nervous and uncertain about what to do next. It is important to remember that you have rights and options, and an experienced DUI lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. At our DUI law firm, we understand the challenges that you are facing, and we will tailor our approach to fit your specific needs. We know this is a tough time for you, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. You don’t have to go through your DUI charge alone – George Reres is an experienced DUI defense lawyer who can help. Call us today at 954-543-1186 to get started on building your case. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 for a free consultation and to get the criminal defense attorney you need for your case.