I learned my lesson that I should not drive again while I am drunk because I was convicted for DUI here in Florida. What do I have to do with regard to my auto insurance after my drunk driving conviction?

Julio

Kendale Lakes, FL

First and foremost, you need to check and see what is on your driving records. The auto insurance company will check you driving record to verify the information you would supply them with so you need to be sure that it is precise. You would have to do this once you file an SR22 insurance with them which is required by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles because of your DUI conviction in Kendale Lakes, Florida.

You also have to find out what other fees might be assessed for you to reinstate your license, or if you have outstanding fines. You can’t move forward unless accumulated fees for parking or moving infractions have been fully paid. With these things in place, you could then move on to searching your choices for getting an auto insurance. Talk with different auto insurance providers and you have to be sure that you shop around for the best rate. Find out from this website some affordable rates for your auto insurance with SR22 after your DUI conviction.

How many years does the driving under the influence (DUI) remain on your driving record in  Florida?

James

Orlando, FL

The state of Florida notes specifically that a driving under the influence in Florida remains on your permanent driving record and on your driving history for seventy five (75) years.

The Florida Statutes authorize the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to maintain and establish the management of driving records for drivers in the state of Florida.

According to the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) convictions reflecting point assessments stays on a customer’s complete driving record for a period of ten years from the date of conviction. But, serious convictions such as DUI, DUI/Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, etc. will remain on the driving history for seventy five (75) years.

I haven’t been actually arrested for DUI but I’m afraid someday that I would just be asked by an officer here in Sunshine Parkway, Florida to stop because he might think that I am drunk driving. How can someone be asked to stop under a DUI suspicion?

Alton

Sunshine Parkway, FL

If a police officer suspects that he has observed a drunk driver while on a routine patrol, he/she would look for the usual manner of behaving while intoxicated like driving too slow or too fast, crossing the center line, weaving, etc. or he might look for a moving traffic violation that would serve as a “probable cause.” This could be the reason why a police officer would follow a suspected intoxicated driver at a safe distance to observe the driver’s pattern to assess if his/her opinion that he/she has spotted someone intoxicated may be correct.

Police officers would develop reasonable suspicion” that a driver is impaired after observing the vehicle from behind. The officer would likely witness a traffic offense, witness a traffic offense pull over the vehicle and investigate their suspicions. If you will be asked to stop under a DUI suspicion in Sunshine Parkway, Florida, the officer should have probable cause to stop your vehicle. After pulling you over, the police officer should conduct an investigation to prove his reasoning for the stop, and that would be his/her proof of probable cause. This proof would be evidence or physical signs indicating intoxication.

A friend of mine was charged with DUI here in Florida. He had a reading for blood alcohol content which is below the legal limit. Why was he still charged with DUI? Can they really do that?

Anne

Coral Springs, FL

In Florida, drunk driving is becoming a very grave situation where authorities involved in enforcing laws are finding it a very big challenge.

A motorist can be charged with DUI if he/she was stopped while driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent. In, Florida you will be penalized for the offense if your BAC is above the legal limit. The current penalties would include fines between from $250 and $1000 depending on whether the offense is the first one or a repeated one. The offender can also have a jail term which is a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 30 years, if vehicular homicide is involved. Vehicles can also be impounded and licenses suspended by the authorities. The court orders a mandatory 50-hour community service for the accused in most of the convictions.

The state of Florida can actually charge you with DUI with a BAC below 0.08 percent. The BAC is determined either by blood or breath test. If you are impaired of have a BAC of above 0.08 percent, you will be charged with DUI. In your friend’s case, he is considered as an impaired driver with a BAC below 0.08 percent. That’s why he was still charged and can be convicted. Impairment is based on the police officer’s of behavior of the driver in general, the Field Sobriety Tests, any video, etc. In other words, any driving after drinking or taking drugs puts anyone at risk for the DUI.

My son was arrested with DUI here in Gainesville, Florida. I was arrested and convicted for the same offense before. I have talked to him a lot of times about drunk driving and gave him an idea about the consequences but he never listened to me. Now we have to hire the services of an expert DUI lawyer. Can we ever get a cheap DUI lawyer?

Kathleen

Gainesville, FL

Getting arrested for violating Florida DUI Law could be a cause for anxiety. Penalties for DUI conviction could include fines, suspension or confiscation of driver’s license, vehicle immobilization, community service, increase of your insurance fees, and even imprisonment. The penalty depends on the severity of the case. Generally, penalties are lighter for first offense and much heavier for repeat offenses. DUI Law is rather complex and has a very unique nature. Self-representation could be difficult and could cause even more serious consequences. Therefore, it is a wise decision on your part to seek legal help.

But don’t expect that you can really find a cheap and very much experienced DUI lawyer in Gainesville, Florida. DUI lawyers could actually be very costly. To make sure that you can get the best deal for your son, I advise you to scout for lawyers who charge low litigation rates. Take time canvassing from pool of possible candidates.

Make a list of possible Florida DUI lawyers that you want to consider and compare rates. Not all lawyers charge the same; some charge by the hour and some ask for an initial fee for services and additional fees for preceding trials.

If you have already found a DUI lawyer who would represent your son, remember to always sign an agreement with the lawyer regarding fees. Usually, lawyer’s fees start from $500 to a couple of thousands so you may want to short list DUI lawyers within the range of $500 to $800.

What can a lawyer do with my DUI case in Miami Florida if I plan to hire one?

Tommy

Thank you for asking Tommy.

You can get a free consultation with a lawyer to discuss your options after a drunk-driving (DUI) charge and ways to avoid a license suspension. Miami Florida lawyers with experence and those that specialize in DUI cases may be able to discuss all issues involved in your case, including:

* the reliability of Breathalyzer tests and other field sobriety tests
* the effects refusal of a breath test
* negotiating a plea bargain and the effects of pleading guilty
* drunk driving (DUI) in combination with other traffic violations
* whether there was probable cause for a traffic stop when you were pulled over for drunk driving
* getting a temporary license or work license if your license is suspended

You may check online to check some DUI Miami Florida lawyers for free consultation on your case.

Goodluck!

MariCAR