Florida DUI Attorney

What to do if you get pulled over for a DUI?Accused of or charged with a DUI in the Brevard County, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Titusville, Rockledge or Cape Canaveral area?

If you’ve been arrested for or accused of a DUI, your reputation, record, livelihood, and even your freedom may be at risk. But now is not the time to sit back and give up.

Florida boasts some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country, with a DUI conviction in the state unable to be sealed or expunged, and staying on your record for 75 years, in addition to steep penalties.

But just because you’ve been arrested or charged doesn’t mean that you’re guilty.

At Germain Legal, our team of experienced, talented, and aggressive DUI defense attorneys are eager and ready to go to bat for you. One call or message is all it takes to have your case evaluated.

We treat each client like family. And we always fight hard for family.

Benefit from the expertise of DUI attorneys that rank among Florida’s finest, and a custom-tailored defense strategy designed around the unique circumstances of your case.

DUI Defense in Florida

Cities and Areas Served: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Titusville, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral and all of Brevard County, FL.

Facing the weight of the Florida court system and aggressive district attorneys can be a trying and daunting experience. But it’s not one you have to face alone.

If you find yourself in troubled legal water, reaching out to a local Florida DUI defense attorney in Brevard County is a vital step in asserting your rights and innocence in a court of law. Unlike other types of criminal charges, DUI cases are unique, requiring specialized knowledge of trained Florida DUI lawyers who have a successful track record of defending clients and obtaining favorable outcomes in the state.

DUI Cases are Not Slam Dunks for Prosecutors

Despite what you may have heard, DUI cases are not ‘open and shut’, with several viable avenues of defense to explore in order to achieve a favorable outcome.

Our firm’s depth of knowledge and extensive experience defending DUIs in and around Brevard County, FL, gives us an edge when navigating the sometimes-complex local court systems.

We’re ready to protect your reputation, freedom and ability to drive.

Acting FAST is Necessary to Protect Your Right to Drive

In Florida, those who are charged with a DUI in the state face several challenges requiring immediate attention. While the court system might move slow, with cases often backed up, there are impending deadlines that need to be met.

Challenge and Appeal Administrative Suspension with Florida DHSMV

Under Florida law, most DUI arrests where a blood alcohol concentration is measured at 0.08 or higher will result in an immediate suspension of your right to drive. As a first step, a DUI attorney from our firm will immediately seek to challenge and appeal your administrative suspension, arguing for a Temporary Drivers Permit that will allow you to drive to and from your place of employment.

Why You Need an Experienced FL DUI Attorney

Florida takes DUI’s seriously, with prosecutors in Brevard and surrounding counties taking aggressive positions on cases and doing everything they can to get a ‘win’. This makes seeking legal counsel from an experienced DUI law firm imperative.

Did you Know that After Being Charged with a DUI in Brevard County May Result in: 
*Dependent on several factors such as involvement of minors, number of offenses, and more…

  • Automatic suspension of your right to drive
  • A limited window of time to appeal the suspension of your license
  • That you could lose your license for up to ten (10) or more years
  • That penalties for a DUI in FL can run as high as $5,000
  • That you may be facing jail time between 1-5 years
  • A misdemeanor or felony on your criminal record

These penalties can have lasting and significant consequences on your personal and professional life. Don’t let a DUI put these and more at risk, know your rights and reach out to Germain Legal today to connect with a team of talented DUI lawyers who will have your back from day one.

Our firm is known for aggressive representation, and a steadfast commitment to doing everything we can to obtain a favorable outcome. Put our years of experience to work for you, and let us do what we do best.

From independent investigation, to uncovering new evidence and finding vulnerabilities in the prosecutor’s case, we won’t rest until we the verdict is handed down.

As a client-first criminal defense law firm, we are passionate about getting results and have the documented track record to prove it.

What You Can Expect When Facing a DUI in Brevard County and Throughout Florida

Under the state laws of Florida, DUIs are generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor. However, a third offense may be prosecuted as a felony. Fourth or greater offenses are automatically considered a felony.

The Process for a Misdemeanor DUI in FL:

  • License suspension (immediate if BAC is 0.08 or higher)
  • Automatic suspension of license for 1-year if the driver refuses a chemical test to measure BAC. Subsequent refusal results in an 18-month suspension.
  • Suspension of your license may be appealed and, in some cases, a “temporary license” for work only may be permitted
  • A criminal proceeding follows, starting with an arraignment
  • Entering a plea in court (guilty/not guilty)
  • Subsequent trial (if you opt for a trial) – the outcome of which is determined by a judge or jury
  • Defense and strategies to position your case for a successful outcome
  • Outcome: If convicted penalties include fines, court costs, jail, suspension of license, reduced driving privileges and/or treatment/education programs.

Complicating Factors and DUI Felony

DUI laws in Brevard and surrounding counties can be complex, with several factors taking what would have been a simple misdemeanor and upgrading it to a more serious felony with increasingly steeper penalties.

Penalties imposed are governed by the circumstances surrounding the arrest, as well as the number of prior DUI convictions within a given period of time.

Florida DUI Penalties Based on Number of Offenses on Record

FIRST DUI OFFENSE

  • Up to 6-months in jail
  • Between $500-$1000 in imposed fines
  • Revocation of drivers license for between 180 days up to 1-year
  • Up to 6-months of required Ignition Interlock Device (IID) if BAC is recorded at 0.15% or higher

Other Possible Penalties:

  • Mandatory 1-year of probation
  • 50 hours of community service
  • 10-day impounding of the vehicle
  • Judge, at their discretion, may order 9-months in jail and $1000-$2000 if any minor passenger had a BAC of 0.15% or higher

SECOND DUI OFFENSE

  • Up to 9-months in jail
  • Between $1000-$2000 in imposed fines
  • Revocation of drivers license for between 180 days up to 1-year
  • 2-Years of required Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Other Possible Penalties:

  • A minimum of 10-days in jail for any 2nd offense within 5-years of a prior DUI conviction
  • Possible 5-year revocation of license
  • 30-days of vehicle impound
  • Judge, at their discretion, may order 1-year in jail and $2000-$4000 if any minor passenger had a BAC of 0.15% or higher

THIRD+ DUI OFFENSE

  • Felony offense
  • Up to 12-months in jail
  • Between $2000-$5000 in imposed fines
  • Revocation of drivers license for between 180 days up to 1-year
  • 2-Years of required Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Other Possible Penalties:

  • A 3rd offense occurring within 10-years of a prior felony carries a mandatory 30-day up to 5 year jail sentence.
  • 90-days of vehicle impound
  • 10-year revocation of license
  • Judge, at their discretion, may order a fine of $4000 or more if any minor passenger had a BAC of 0.15% or higher
  • Mandatory monthly reporting probation
  • Mandatory substance abuse program enrollment
  • Possible sobriety and drug monitoring

*A fourth DUI is always charged as a felony.

Can you Win your DUI Case?

Those facing a DUI in the Brevard County, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Titusville, Rockledge or the Cape Canaveral area might feel like their situation is hopeless and that a conviction is virtually guaranteed.

Despite the difficult task at hand, winning a DUI case is achievable. Hiring the right attorneys is a necessary first step in making this a reality.

Experienced DUI lawyers can often find weaknesses in the prosecuting attorney’s case, new evidence in your favor and more. Even seemingly rock-solid evidence such as a failed breathalyzer or blood alcohol test can be challenged in court.

Possible Defense Strategies Could Involve:

  • Uncovering discrepancies in the arresting officers’ report or statements
  • New witness testimony
  • Contradictory video, audio or other evidence
  • Improper process or procedure
  • Violation of your rights or due process
  • Alternative explanations for evidence (i.e. tired, low blood sugar, etc.)
  • Improper use of sobriety or chemical tests
  • Bad data, device malfunctions, or poor calibration
  • Inadequate licensing, experience or certification of lab technicians
  • And more…

Favorable Outcomes May Include:

  • Having charges dropped
  • Having your case dismissed
  • Being acquittedReduced charges
  • Reduced penalties and/or fees

Time is Critical with DUI Charges – Reach out today

If you or a loved one are facing DUI charges, don’t let the chance of a conviction ruin your life. Reach out to our law firm today for a no-cost initial consultation.

Our firm stands ready and eager to fight for your rights and to clear your good name in and out of court. We’re here to help you through what may be one of the most difficult times in your life. Put our Florida DUI lawyers in your corner and sleep easy knowing that you have a firm in your corner that is dedicated to protecting your rights.

Locations We Proudly Serve: Brevard County, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Titusville, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral and surrounding areas.