Reader’s Question:

My sister was charged for DUI in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She just recently reached the legal age of drinking alcohol which is 21 years old. Yet, she already started abusing that privilege. What are the things that she need to know following her arrest?

Ernest

Fort Lauderdale, FL

DUI is a violation under the Florida law so offenders can be arrested and penalized. If an individual is convicted of DUI in Florida, it would mean a permanent criminal record, fine, loss of license, vehicle immobilization, community service, higher insurance rates and may be even imprisonment. It would be best for your sister to consult a good DUI lawyer since she was arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale, Florida so that it help her lessen the jail term or even stop it.

There are some formalities after a DUI arrest. A formal Motor Vehicle Hearing can requested 10 days after the license has been confiscated. This hearing is very critical because at stake here would be loss of the temporary license as well (a temporary license is usually given until the hearing). The next stage to undergo is the Arraignment which can take place within 30-60 days after the arrest. This is basically for the advisement of rights and your sister doesn’t have to attend in person if she has a lawyer. The next stage is the suppression hearing which occurs between six weeks and three months after the pre-trial. After the plea is submitted, the trial is generally held within six months. The final stage would be acceptance of a plea bargain or sentencing after a conviction.