DUI Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Did you know that it is possible to be above the legal limit of 0.08% with only two drinks if you are a woman and after only 2 to 3 drinks if you are a man? Your blood alcohol content will depend on many factors ranging from height, weight, how much you’ve had to eat, your metabolism, and other factors. Sometimes individuals don’t think they are drunk but find themselves being charged with a DUI after getting stopped by an officer. Alcohol can affect your judgment and your ability to discern your own level of intoxication. If you are facing DUI charges, you need the DUI defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale at Direnzo Defense on your side. Our firm can review the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence gathered against you, and your record to determine the best course of action. A DUI conviction can have an immense negative impact on your life, employment, driving privileges, and insurance rates. This is why you need the West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys at Direnzo Defense.
If you have been charged with DUI by an officer after submitting to either field sobriety exercises or a breath, urine, or blood test that is above the 0.08% legal limit or contains a chemical or controlled substance, you must contact a Florida DUI attorney immediately to protect your rights and prevent the automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Once arrested for drunk driving in Fort Lauderdale or Florida, there are two separate cases you must address; the first is with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and concerns the automatic suspension of your driver’s license for providing a breath test above the legal limit of .08 or refusing to provide a breath test. This must be done within 10 days of the date of your arrest. In some situations, you can obtain an automatic hardship license and in some situations, you must apply for a formal review hearing. This will depend upon your prior record and you’re your driving situation. Next is the legal case in the courtroom. A DUI conviction carries certain minimum mandatory penalties that include probation, community service, DUI school, license suspension, to name a few. Also, a DUI conviction can affect your freedom. While you may be focused on the immediate consequences and cases before you, it is also important to consider the collateral consequences that can result from a DUI charge. You could face higher insurance rates, difficulty accessing federal aid, or have a criminal record haunting you as you seek possible future employment. Considering the complexity of the legal system and the serious consequences you could face, speaking to a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida like Direnzo Defense can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Don't let a DUI charge determine your future.
You Only Have 10 Days
In Florida, you have only 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing with the DHSMV to contest the suspension of your license or request a hardship license if you are eligible. If you do not request the hearing or do not appear, your license will automatically be suspended for at least six months if you provided a breath test above the legal limit of .08 or at least 1 year if you refused to provide a breath test. You should speak to a Fort Lauderdale criminal law defense lawyer at Direnzo Defense immediately following your arrest. We can help you make the decision between a hardship license or an administrative hearing and assist in filing the correct paperwork for each.
We are dedicated to representing our clients who have been charged with a DUI or DWI and work hard at preventing them from being unnecessarily penalized or charged on insufficient evidence or testimony. Officers must have either reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop your vehicle. They have a duty to gather and collect evidence that can be helpful for both the prosecution and defense, not just evidence that will help their side. In most cases, a video must be utilized. If a video was available and not utilized, your case can be dismissed. Our firm will review the procedures taken during and after your arrest to determine whether any mistakes were made that can result in your charges being dropped or reduced. We take an aggressive approach and will challenge the charges made against you with years of experience in successfully beating DUI charges in court. If you are facing a DUI charge, you may be frightened and not know what to do next. The DUI defense attorneys at Direnzo Defense in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida have a former prosecutor on their team. As such, we understand the tactics prosecutors use to get a conviction. In many cases, individuals facing repeat DUI charges need treatment, not criminal convictions that could further impact their lives negatively. Our firm can fight for your well-being, your freedom, and your future.
Get Aggressive Defense for Your DUI Case in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Our lawyers are trained in the use of BAC testing and the equipment that is used. Officers may need to calibrate or maintain this equipment in proper working order in order to secure accurate test results. We understand the limits and inconsistent results that can be obtained with such tests. They are also very familiar with the field sobriety tests that are used to establish physical impairment. Such tests do not establish what the source of the impairment is and overlook many conditions having nothing to do with alcohol or drug use. Poor performance on FSE’s can result from injuries, medical conditions, being scared, being tired, or other conditions beyond your control. We understand where field sobriety tests can fail. As such, we’ll take a look at the evidence against you to find gaps in the evidence.
When you contact us for your initial consultation, we will review the circumstances of your DUI and advise you on your rights and legal options. We will assist you in maintaining your driving privileges and defend you aggressively in court to get your charges dismissed or reduced. If you have been charged with drunk driving, contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney immediately to protect your rights and driving privileges. Direnzo Defense are Fort Lauderdale, Florida DUI defense lawyers who understand how crucial your case is for your future and your life. While the law has immense powers in gathering evidence and charging individuals for DUIs, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. We care and can help.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Penalties
The penalties for DUI offenses in our state are some of the most severe in the nation. In an effort to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, state lawmakers have decided to increase penalties. In some cases, they allow alternative sentencing, but even these cases include heavy fines and the requirement of community service as well as the completion of a court-ordered DUI education class as well as a suspended license for up to 1 year.
If you are accused of any DUI offense, it is critical that you act quickly in contacting a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer from DiRenzo Defense. We are prepared to review your case and advise you of the options available to you, based upon the evidence in the case.
DUI Penalties
First Time DUI: BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) from .08% to .15%
Up to 6 months in jail (Up to 9 months if an accident is involved)
Up to 12 months probation
Fines: Up to $1,000
Suspended license: up to 1 year
Community Service
DUI School
Vehicle impoundment
First Time DUI: BAC .15% and above
Up to 9 months in jail (Up to 12 months if an accident is involved)
Up to 12 months probation
Fines: Up to $2,000
Suspended license: Up to 1 year
Community Service
DUI School
Vehicle impoundment
Ignition Interlock Device
Second DUI Conviction within 5 years of your first DUI Conviction
Up to 9 months in jail – 10 days mandatory
Up to 12 months probation
Fines up to $2,000
Driver’s license suspension: 5 years
Ignition Interlock Device
Vehicle Impoundment
DUI School Level II
Second DUI Conviction outside of 5 years of your first DUI Conviction
Up to 9 months in jail
Up to 12 months probation
Fines up to $2,000
Driver’s license suspension: up to 1 year
Ignition Interlock Device
Vehicle Impoundment
DUI School Level II
Third DUI Conviction within 10 years of your second DUI Conviction (This offense may be filed as a felony if the State has the requisite prior convictions)
Up to 5 years in prison – 30 days mandatory
Up to 5 years probation
Fines up to $5,000
Driver’s license suspension: 10 years
Ignition Interlock Device
Vehicle Impoundment
DUI School Level II
Third DUI Conviction outside of 10 years of your second DUI Conviction
Up to 12 months in jail
Up to 12 months probation
Fines up to $5,000
Driver’s license suspension: up to 1 year
Ignition Interlock Device
Vehicle Impoundment
DUI School Level II
Fourth DUI Conviction (This offense may be filed as a felony if the State has the requisite prior convictions)
Up to 5 years in prison – 30 days mandatory
Up to 5 years probation
Fines up to $5,000
Driver’s license suspension: permanent
Ignition Interlock Device
Vehicle Impoundment
DUI School Level II
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Lawyer from DiRenzo Defense at once if you have been arrested and charged with any DUI offense, from misdemeanor through a felony.
What to do in the case of a multiple DUI
Florida law penalizes a second, third, or subsequent DUI offense more harshly. If you have been arrested for DUI and this is not your first offense it is crucial to get the help of an experienced Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney who will work with you to build an effective defense.
Multiple DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
Repeat offenders are viewed much more seriously by local prosecutors. If it is a second DUI within five years of the first, you will be subject to mandatory jail time as well as a 5-year driver’s license suspension, among other penalties.
A third offense within 10 years of your second offense can be filed as a felony and result in incarceration for up to five years and a license suspension for up to 10 years, among other penalties. Insurance premiums will increase significantly and employment may be affected. A skilled multiple DUI lawyer at our firm will investigate every possible avenue to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
Our legal team is diligent about answering questions and being available to discuss progress in your case. We understand what is at stake and do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome for a client. We have earned our reputation throughout Fort Lauderdale by relentlessly defending our client’s rights, holding law enforcement officers to a high standard of conduct, and aggressively challenging flaws in the prosecution’s case. Contact a lawyer from DiRenzo Defense for a consultation with a skilled DUI lawyer who fights to win.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Multiple DUI Attorney at the firm who will work with you to construct an effective defense strategy.
Have You Been Charged With an Under 21 DUI Offense?
Florida enforces the zero-tolerance law. This means it is against the law for any person under the age of 21 to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or breath alcohol level of 0.02% or higher. It is against the law for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol in this state. Underage drinking and driving are considered serious matters by prosecutors. If you or your child has been arrested for DUI under 21 or arrested under the zero-tolerance law you need to consult with a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney. The loss of driving privileges and other penalties are the usual outcome of a conviction.
Under 21 DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
A driver under the age of 21 has the same rights as any other driver when stopped by a police officer. If the officer suspects the driver has been drinking and has the requisite reasonable suspicion, the SFST (Standard Field Sobriety Test) may be conducted.
The officer now has a decision to make, will they arrest the driver or provide the driver with an under 21 notice of suspension. If the officer decides to provide the under 21 notice of suspension, then no criminal charges will result. Instead, the driver will face the loss of his or her license for either 6 months or a year depending on whether the person submitted to a breath test.
Blood alcohol level of .02% or greater: a driver under the age of 21 who operates a motor vehicle while with a blood alcohol concentration of .02% or greater may face driver's license suspension for 6 months.
Refusal of Breath Test: a driver under the age of 21 who refuses to submit to a breath test may face a driver's license suspension for 12 months.
In this case, we will request a hearing BUT you must contact us within 10 days of the issuance of the Notice of Suspension. An experienced DUI lawyer at our firm will appear on your behalf to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence against you. It is important to have competent legal representation to fight to avoid the penalties which will otherwise go into effect.
If the officer decides to arrest the under 21 drivers, the driver will face the same penalties and the same procedures as any other person charged with DUI in the State of Florida.
Our legal team has been successfully defending Under 21 DUI charges for clients in the Fort Lauderdale area for many years. Call an attorney from DiRenzo Defense to discuss your suspension hearing defense with a talented DUI lawyer.
Contact an Ft. Lauderdale Under 21 DUI Attorney at our firm to defend your driving privileges.
About Out of State DUI
Florida and many other states in the country are members of the National Drivers Compact. This means any traffic offense committed in Florida or any other member state is reported to the National Driver Registry. This is a nationwide database accessible to all member states. If you are facing DUI charges it is important to consult a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney who can help you with your defense.
Out of State DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
If you hold an out-of-state driver’s license and are charged and/or convicted of a DUI in Florida, your home state may have that information on your driving record. The member states have agreed to treat a driving record anywhere in the country as one record. If you have a previous DUI conviction(s) in your home state, then the charge against you in Florida can be treated as a second or subsequent offense.
If a breath, blood, or urine test shows a BAC of .08% or higher or if you refuse a breath, blood, or urine test, the officer will inform you that your driving privileges in Florida will be suspended automatically. A DUI lawyer with our firm can request a hearing to prevent the suspension of your driving privileges and investigate on your behalf to fight any criminal charges. The hearing must be requested within 10 days of your arrest. If you receive a suspension in Florida, your home state may or may not suspend your driver’s license.
The legal team at our firm is aggressive in fighting to protect a client’s driver’s license and in fighting DUI charges. We realize that it is nearly impossible to continue with your daily life without your driver’s license. With years of experience in presenting DUI defenses, we have built an impressive reputation in the Fort Lauderdale area. Each case is different and requires a different defense strategy. Call DiRenzo Defense to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and your defense. We assist out-of-state clients in managing their defense cases and avoiding multiple trips to the Ft. Lauderdale area when possible.
Contact an Ft. Lauderdale Out of State DUI Attorney at the firm to begin building your defense immediately.
About Commercial DUIs
If you have been charged with a DUI while you were driving a commercial vehicle or if you are charged with a DUI while driving your private vehicle but hold a commercial driver’s license, you risk losing your commercial license and your ability to make a living. If you are found to be driving a commercial vehicle with any amount of alcohol in your system at all, you can be arrested. Those facing charges must speak with a highly skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney immediately in order to lessen the chances of receiving harsh penalties.
Commercial DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
Anyone found to be driving a commercial vehicle under the influence or found to be driving their private vehicle under the influence while holding a commercial driver’s license could have their commercial license suspended for one year. In addition, if there is a second conviction, the driver is deemed permanently ineligible for a commercial driver’s license. We understand that your license is your livelihood and will do everything in our power to defend your ability to work. We have been able to greatly diminish and even dismiss many charges for our clients.
At DiRenzo Defense our lead attorney was the youngest attorney ever to become the chief prosecutor in Lima, Ohio. We have dedicated our practice for the past 16 years to criminal law. We have handled thousands of cases and are members of the Ohio bar, Florida Bar, Federal Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense, and more. We are ready to defend you and answer any questions you have regarding your commercial DUI. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain from speaking with one of our highly experienced attorneys.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Commercial DUI Attorney today.
DUI Accidents
A DUI charge can be an extremely difficult and embarrassing charge to deal with. If you add to that the complication of a car accident, it is easy to see why a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney is so critical. If the accident injures another individual, you could be facing more severe charges. Florida comes down very hard on those convicted of a DUI. The prosecution and law enforcement will team up to convict you to the fullest extent possible. If you do not have a highly skilled attorney at your side you could be facing serious penalties.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident Lawyer
The overwhelming majority of accidents do not involve alcohol. Of the accidents that do involve alcohol, most cause minor property damage or minor personal injury. These cases are classified as a DUI with personal/property damage and are punishable by up to one year in jail. If the injury is more serious, the charge can be upgraded to a DUI with Serious Bodily Injury. This offense is a felony and you can face up to 5 years in state prison in the event of a conviction. If the injury to an individual is fatal, you can be charged with DUI manslaughter. This is also a felony and carries the most severe DUI penalties.
Accident cases create defenses that are not available to other DUI cases. For example, when someone is involved in an accident, the accident may cause symptoms that mimic impairment from alcohol. Bloodshot eyes, flushed face, slurred speech, unsteady on your feet, problems walking, and problems standing still. Poor performance on Field Sobriety Tests can be attributed to the accident and NOT from alcohol impairment.
We have handled these cases before and have successfully implemented these defenses in trial and in motion practice. They work!!
Our firm is focused on DUI defense and we have over 16 years of experience in criminal defense. We are totally committed to fighting for our clients’ rights in the state of Florida. We will thoroughly investigate the charges brought against our clients and bring in experts as needed. In accident cases, we may enlist the assistance of accident reconstruction experts and/or blood or breath test experts. We keep our clients updated on every aspect of their case and ensure that every defense is explored. DUI accident charges are very serious and you should not trust your case to a less experienced attorney. With a permanent criminal record and jail time a possibility in your future, you need to act now. Call us today for a consultation so that we can determine what defense to employ in court.
Contact an Ft. Lauderdale DUI Accident Attorney today so that your rights can be protected.
Fort Lauderdale DUID Attorney - About DUI and Drugs Charges in Fort Lauderdale
Many people believe that you can only get a DUI if you have been drinking alcohol. One can get a DUI if they are under the influence of not only alcohol but illegal drugs or even prescription drugs. You can even get a DUI if you have a valid prescription for the drugs that are in your system. These cases can be very complex and should be handled by an attorney experienced with DUI’s involving drugs.
Most of the time, these drugs are detected by a blood or urine test. However, drugs can remain in your system for up to 30 days. In this case, an experienced DUI attorney will force the State to prove that these drugs were affecting you at the time you were driving. In most cases, the State will only have evidence that the drugs are in your system and not proof that they actually impaired your driving. Urine tests are often requested as a “fishing expedition” when someone provides a breath sample below the legal limit of .08. However, the law requires an officer to have “just cause” to request this test. An experienced DUI lawyer can often have the results of these “fishing expeditions” thrown out of court.
We will conduct a thorough investigation into every case that is taken on. In some instances, there is a law enforcement error such as the wrongful acquisition of evidence. Every individual is protected by the constitution, and we will defend the rights granted to our clients under the law.
Fort Lauderdale DUID Lawyer
You should contact an attorney immediately so that they can start building a strong defense case. Our firm is firmly committed to defending our clients’ rights. We have over 16 years of experience in criminal defense and have ample experience specific to DUI charges. We understand how frightening these charges can be and what is at stake. Please speak with one of our lawyers immediately if you have been arrested for a DUID. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your case.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI and Drugs Attorney immediately if you have been arrested for these charges.
Fort Lauderdale Felony DUI Attorney - Have you been charged with a Felony DUI?
DUIs are most often charged as misdemeanors. However, if certain circumstances are present, your DUI can be charged as felony. A felony DUI charge can result in you spending 5 years or more in Florida State Prison. Felony DUI’s most commonly result from having 2 or more prior DUI convictions anywhere in the United States. However, one of those conviction must have occurred within 10 years of this arrest. If you have 3 prior DUI convictions anywhere in the United States, this will qualify as a felony DUI. One key element to these types of felony DUI’s is your prior record. We must determine:
When did your prior offense(s) occur?
Where did your prior offense(s) occur?
Did you have an attorney when convicted of your prior offense?
Can your prior conviction be produced in Court?
Ft. Lauderdale Felony DUI Lawyer
Felony DUI’s can also result when there is Serious Bodily Injury or the DUI results in a fatality. If you are charged with a felony DUI Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney can help you fight to reduce the possibility of serious and life-altering penalties. These offense require a lawyer who handles nothing but DUI’s. They often involve extensive investigation, research, and dedication. Our firm has over 16 years of experience in DUI cases. Our attorneys are highly qualified and utilize their extensive experience to assist clients that are facing felony DUI charges. We understand what you are up against and what you have at risk. We can help.
Do not delay, you must speak with an attorney immediately. At DiRenzo Defense, we have helped countless clients reduce or eliminate their charges. Just because someone is arrested, does not mean that they are guilty. We utilize every possible defense strategy and leave no stone unturned. The dedication of the attorney you hire to defend you can have a significant effect on your case. Having an attorney with the resources to refute the evidence can drastically change the course of your case. Please call us today if you have any questions.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Felony DUI Attorney today if you have been charged with a felony DUI and need help.
Breath Test Refusal in Fort Lauderdale
If you are placed under lawful arrest for DUI in Florida, you have a decision to make. The officer will ask you if you will take a breath, urine, or blood test depending on the facts and circumstances of your arrest. Florida Law requires you to submit this request. If you look closely at your Florida driver’s license, the bottom reads “operation of a motor vehicle constitutes consent to any sobriety test required by law.” Therefore, if you refuse to take a breath, urine, or blood test, there are consequences. Your driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year if this is your first refusal and 18 months if you have previously refused to submit to testing. Also, if you have previously refused a breath test, you could face an additional criminal charge of “Refusal to Submit to Testing”, which carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney immediately so we can fight to get your driving privilege back!
DMV hearing
You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to challenge this license suspension! The immediate suspension of your driving privileges is done by the Department of Motor Vehicles. We will immediately request a hearing to contest your license suspension. If you are eligible, we can get you a temporary driving permit for you to drive for business purposes while we fight to get your driver’s license back. We have handles thousands of these hearing and know what defenses to raise to successfully get your license back.
DUI Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
We at DiRenzo Defense know how important a persons driver’s license is to them. Returning a person's driver's license is just as important as winning a criminal case. We have represented clients in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who have refused to take the breath test and face loss of their driver’s licenses. When we take on a case, we find out all the circumstances to prepare effective defenses for the DMV hearing. We also deal with any criminal charges. We have helped many save their licenses by relentlessly challenging the evidence and procedure. Contact us now before the 10 days expire!
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Lawyer at the firm without delay for a Free Consultation about your Breath Test Refusal.
Fort Lauderdale First Time DUI Attorney
Penalties for First DUI Convictions in Florida
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney is needed to defend your charges. In Florida, A DUI conviction will stay on your record for 75 years. A DUI charge is a criminal offense and can bring serious penalties such as jail time, fines, community service, probation, and a permanent criminal record. In the state of Florida, even a first-time conviction can have serious penalties. These penalties can be extremely difficult to deal with and could affect you for the rest of your life.
DUI’s do not happen to criminals, anyone can get arrested for a DUI. If you go to a party or dinner and have a few drinks, you could get stopped and arrested for DUI. We understand that you do not know the answers to many questions that you have about your driver’s license, the Court process, possible penalties, and much more. We are here to not only fight for you but to answer any questions you may have to assure that you feel comfortable throughout his process. We understand that it is a difficult charge to face and will take aggressive defense action to fight to relieve our clients of the worry and stress that goes along with a DUI charge.
Get the Aggressive Defense You Need
Since you have never before faced criminal charges, it is imperative to speak with an attorney immediately. At this point, you have already been arrested and law enforcement has gathered their evidence against you. You need someone on your side to defend you. To challenge the evidence that was gathered, to attempt to rebut the Field Sobriety Exercises (FSE), to challenge the breath test. That is our job as your lawyer, to fight for you. In addition, law enforcement may arrest the defendant unlawfully.
In some cases, the way in which the defendant was pulled over was a violation of the constitution. The court may even dismiss charges if the evidence was wrongfully acquired or the arrest was improperly made. Our attorneys are highly skilled and have extensive experience in DUI defense. For those facing a first-time offense, the attorney you hire can have a large impact on your case.
The consequences of a DUI conviction can affect you or the rest of your life. A criminal record can jeopardize your ability to gain quality employment or have certain professional licenses. Ask yourself if it is worth taking the risk. Call us today; we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale First Time DUI Attorney today if you have found yourself facing a first-time DUI charge.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Appeals AttorneyAbout DUI Appeals
There are many reasons why an individual may decide that an appeal is right for them. A Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney from the firm can assist you if are considering filing an appeal. Many times, important facts about evidence are not discovered in court. That is when you need skilled legal counsel to help you decide whether a DUI appeal is right for you. In addition, our experienced attorneys can review your case and discern whether or not the prosecution legally prosecuted the case. If any errors were made during the trial, we can help you determine your best course of action.
There are a number of steps that must be carried out in order to help prepare your petition so that your appeal can be correctly executed. It is best to contact an attorney immediately so that too much time does not pass. You have a short period of time in which to file an appeal in a wrongful conviction.
DUI Appeals Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
Our attorneys have over 16 years of experience in criminal defense and DUI cases. At DiRenzo Defense, we are dedicated to bringing quality legal help to those that need it most. Our firm will thoroughly review the case of each client take on and advise them of their best options. If you have reason to believe that your case had serious violations, you have every right to speak with an attorney.
An attorney with an extensive background is far more likely to make a positive influence on your case. The court will make a decision based on what your attorney provides them. After reviewing the information, they will either maintain the conviction or reverse it. We have helped countless clients rid themselves of past charges through skilled legal work. Do not hesitate to call us today.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Appeals Attorney from the firm today.
Have You Been Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter?
If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, you must speak with a Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney immediately. You are going to be aggressively prosecuted, usually by a high-quality career prosecutor, and need to have an experienced attorney at your side. The prosecution and law enforcement will work together to ensure that they gather all evidence and attempt to secure a conviction. High-profile cases that include loss of life in a DUI case are given heavy attention in the Ft. Lauderdale area. You must speak with an attorney from the very beginning, this will improve your chances of gathering any potential evidence favorable to you.
Vehicular manslaughter charges can be brought against anyone that is involved in an auto accident that results in a fatality. In the state of Florida, if you are convicted of DUI manslaughter, you will be facing up to 15 years in prison. Those that are charged with leaving the scene of a vehicular manslaughter charge could face up to 30 years in prison. In a prosecution for vehicular manslaughter, the State must prove that the drunk driver caused or contributed to the accident. This is often o point of contention in a DUI Manslaughter case. This serious criminal charge demands immediate action by a qualified and aggressive defense lawyer from our firm.
Our legal team will exhaustively research every aspect of your case from the way the BAC test was administered to the way in which you were arrested. There are many defense strategies we have successfully used in order to keep our clients out of jail and without a conviction on their record. It is important not to waste any time so if you are facing charges and we urge you to contact us at once.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney from the firm today.
BUI Charges in Fort Lauderdale
Florida is surrounded by water on three sides and has many lakes and canals. You can receive a BUI in Florida if you are operating a vessel on the water while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Approximately 30 percent of all boating accidents are alcohol-related. A BUI investigation is very similar to a DUI investigation. After the stop of your vessel, they will likely request that you do FSE’s and submit to a breath test. One thing that is very different when you are boating, law enforcement can board your vessel at any time to conduct “random safety inspections.” These inspections often lead to law enforcement smelling the odor of alcohol and arrest for BUI. If you are stopped on the water, law enforcement will often bring you to the shore to conduct Field Sobriety Exercises. However, we all know that you often have “sea legs” when you have been on a vessel for an extended period of time. This could affect your performance on the FSE and give law enforcement the impression that you have had too much to drink when you have not. A Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney can defend you from these serious charges and ensure that your rights are upheld.
Ft. Lauderdale Boating Under the Influence Lawyer
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance you will have. A BUI lawyer can build your defense case and greatly improve your chances of getting your case dismissed. We have over 16 years of DUI defense experience and our attorneys are highly trained and qualified. We urge you to contact us at once if you have been arrested and charged with any BUI offense. The speed with which we get to work can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale BUI Attorney today if you are facing boating under the influence charges.
Fort Lauderdale DMV Hearings AttorneyHave You Received a Notice of Driver’s License Suspension?
If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, your driver’s license was most likely suspended. YOU ONLY HAVE 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR ARREST TO CHALLENGE YOUR SUSPENSION. If you gave a breath test above .08, your license was likely suspended for 6 months. If you refused to provide a breath test, your license was likely suspended for 12 months if this was your first refusal and for 18 months if you have previously refused a breath test. We must petition the Department of Motor Vehicles for a formal review hearing to challenge your suspension. Once we file for this hearing, we will get you a temporary driving permit so you can drive to and from work. This hearing is the only opportunity you have to contest your license suspension. If you do not act within the 10 days following your arrest, your license will automatically be suspended. We have handled thousands of these formal review hearings. To increase your chances of keeping your license, it is vital that you contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney to fight your license suspension or license revocation.
DMV Hearings
At DMV hearings, the hearing officer acts as both prosecutor and judge. In these hearings, they review the police record of the DUI arrest, the alcohol test results and make a determination. Your attorney will have the right to subpoena and cross-examine witnesses at these hearings. Evidence may attempt to be presented that is not proper at a DMV hearing and your attorney must object to certain evidence. If certain evidence is kept out of the hearing, we can be successful in getting your license back. Your attorney may challenge your suspension on a number of grounds. Possible challenges at the hearing include the legality of the stop, the legality of the reports, whether the test was properly administered, whether the breath test was working properly, whether you actually refused the breath test, and whether the breath test results were over the legal limit.
If you refused to take the breath test, your attorney must determine whether the police officer told you that you could lose your driver’s license if you fail to take the test and whether you positively refused to take the test.
DMV Hearings Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
Some attorneys believe that these hearings can not be won. We do not feel that way. We will fight for your driver’s license because we know how important your driving privileges are. We at DiRenzo Defense serve the community of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with the vigilant defense of driver’s licenses at DMV hearings. We have saved many licenses with the relentless challenging of state evidence at DMV hearings. If your license is on the line, we would like to hear from you immediately. It is vital that hearings are requested at once or the deadline may pass.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DMV Hearings Attorney at the firm for a free consultation about your driver’s license.
Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney
Blood tests are far less frequent than breath tests. Blood tests are often done after an auto accident. For example, an individual can be involved in an accident, be transported to the hospital, have their blood drawn, and be released from the hospital without be charged with a crime. Months later, the police can arrest that person for DUI if the blood tests come back above the legal limit of .08. You must call a DUI lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale immediately. We will investigate if the blood test was conducted according to law. Did the law enforcement officer have the right to draw blood? Did you consent to the blood test? Did the officer inform you that he was taking your blood? Was the blood taken for medical purposes? An experienced DUI lawyer will investigate for factors that may invalidate the test results. With what he finds, he will fight to have the results thrown out and charges dismissed.
Defenses to Blood Test Results
Was the technician who took the blood certified to do so?
Did he properly clean the site before drawing the blood?
Was there an improper concentration of preservatives in the blood sample?
Was the chain of custody of the sample maintained? Is the blood sample actually the defendants?
Was the sample refrigerated properly?
Did the analyst do his job according to procedure?
DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
We DiRenzo Defense defend clients in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida charged with DUI. We understand the seriousness of DUI charges and work relentlessly for dismissal or acquittal. When we take on a case we check all possible defenses. Was the stop legal? Were the blood tests administered properly? We have successfully defended many clients saving them from a DUI conviction and protecting their driving privileges.
Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney
Field Sobriety Tests are the most important part of a DUI investigation. They are the number one tool used by Law Enforcement to determine if someone has had too much to drink. However, people often say, “are you kidding, I can’t do those sober.” Field Sobriety Exercises are not 100% accurate. Law enforcement has a choice of a number of tests, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand, Finger to Nose, Romberg Balance, Alphabet, to name a few. If you do not perform well on these tests, that does not mean you are guilty! There are reasons other than alcohol that people will not perform well on the FSE’s. Some things your Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney will look into concerning FSE’s are:
were they administered correctly?
was the police officer properly trained?
did you have any illnesses or injuries that could affect your performance?
were you tired?
were you nervous?
are you overweight?
were they given on a flat, level, and dry surface?
was there enough light?
were they given on the side of a road?
were you distracted by passing cars?
You need a Ft. Lauderdale DUI lawyer who knows how to attack the FSE’s and establish that you are not guilty. Your performance on FSE’s are a major factor in law enforcement’s decision to arrest you. Attacking the FSE’s and casting doubt on their reliability will improve your chances of a favorable outcome of your case.
Field Sobriety Tests
You need an experienced Ft. Lauderdale DUI lawyer on your side to attack the FSE’s and defend your case. FSE’s were designed by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and have been used for many years. We are familiar with the manuals that law enforcement use in their training and that allows us to attack the administration of the FSE’s. We have had countless jury trials in which we have successfully attacked the FSE’s and attained a favorable outcome for our client.
DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
At DiRenzo Defense we aggressively defend clients charged with DUI in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. We have a thorough knowledge of each of the Field Sobriety Tests that police in the Ft. Lauderdale area use and the correct procedure for each. When we interview a client, we find the details of the Field Sobriety Tests and make notes of violations of procedure. We challenge the test results along with all other defenses to DUI charges. We have helped many clients in Fort Lauderdale beat their DUI charges and save their driving privileges.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney at the firm for a free consultation about your Field Sobriety Tests and DUI charges.
Law of BACFt. Lauderdale DUI Lawyer
BAC is used by the police in determining whether you are driving under the influence of alcohol. If .08% of your blood is alcohol, it is presumed that you are DUI. Usually, however, you are not given a blood test but a breathalyzer test. The alcohol content of your breath is actually measured and then multiplied by a factor to estimate what your blood alcohol content must be. You may ask why not administer blood tests directly rather than use the breath tests and translate the results. The reason is that breath tests can be administered quickly with little training. A blood test takes a trained technician to draw the blood and to analyze it. This costs more and takes more time.
If you have registered a high BAC and are facing DUI charges, you need to take fast action as you may get jail time and lose your driver’s license. You are urged to contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney to improve your chances of dismissal of charges.
Challenging the BAC results
Fortunately, your attorney can challenge the BAC results on a number of grounds whether the test was done by a breathalyzer or direct blood tests. If done by breathalyzer the grounds may include:
Do you have dentures or dental work which traps alcohol in the mouth?
Did you have a fever or cold?
Were you belching or burping before the test?
Do you have a medical condition that would affect the reading?
If a blood test was done, this can be asked:
Was the technician certified?
Was the blood properly taken from a vein rather than an artery?
Were two vials taken so that retesting is possible?
Was the proper mix with preservatives used?
DUI Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale
We at DiRenzo Defense aggressively defend clients charged with DUI in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. We are adept at finding violations of the BAC testing procedures and have helped many invalidate their BAC results, get dismissals of their DUI charges and preserve their driving privileges. We urge you to contact us for a free consultation.
Contact Ft. Lauderdale DUI Lawyer at the firm to contest your BAC test results and your DUI charges.
Unlawful Police Stop in Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney
A police officer cannot stop a vehicle without cause. Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, you are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. If we can establish the initial stop of your vehicle was unlawful, your entire case can be dismissed. If you have been stopped under questionable circumstances, you are urged to contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer to assist you in your defense.
Unlawful Stops
In a DUI case, most people come into contact with the police as a result of a traffic stop. In order to make a valid traffic stop, law enforcement must have probable cause to believe that you have committed a traffic infraction or a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a crime. Traffic infractions are things like speeding, running a red light, or driving without headlights. Many traffic stops involving possibly impaired drivers are based on weaving, drifting, or failing to maintain your lane of travel. These stops can often be challenged depending upon what law enforcement witnesses.
If you believe your vehicle was stopped unlawfully, call the lawyers at DiRenzo Defense to determine if we can get your case DISMISSED based on an unlawful traffic stop. If the traffic stop was unlawful, all evidence gathered after the stop will be thrown out.
Some common traffic stops we deal with on a daily basis:
Weaving, drifting or swerving
Failure to maintain a single lane
Speeding
Careless driving
Reckless driving
Driving without headlights
Running a stop sign or red light
Accidents
Almost striking a curb or median
Driving too slow
Wide turns
within your lane?
It will take a strong and determined DUI attorney to investigate the stop of your vehicle and attempt to get your charges dismissed. We have ad experience in dealing with nearly every type of traffic stop. Call us to determine if your vehicle was legally stopped.
The police in Ft. Lauderdale from time to time set up Sobriety Checkpoints where they randomly stop drivers and check for DUI. They often do this on holidays such as New Year’s Eve or times when students gather for parties. As discussed above, a police officer can not stop a vehicle without cause. However, Florida courts have upheld these stops so long as law enforcement follows certain rules. The police MUST have prewritten guidelines that law out the steps to follow at these checkpoints. If these guidelines do not conform to the law, your case may be dismissed.
DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
We at DiRenzo Defense energetically defend the rights of clients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from unlawful police stops. Where clients’ Constitutional rights have been violated we relentlessly insist that all evidence of DUI or other criminal activity be suppressed. We have helped many clients beat DUI charges and defend their driver’s licenses from suspension or revocation.
If you are facing the consequences of what you believe was an unlawful stop, we urge you to contact us immediately. You have only ten days from the time of a DUI arrest to appeal the suspension of your license.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney for a free consultation about illegal police stops.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Checkpoints Attorney
Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney
From time to time Ft. Lauderdale police set up sobriety checkpoints where they stop each driver and check for DUI. This often happens during holidays or when students gather for parties. If you have been stopped at a checkpoint and charged with DUI, you are facing jail time and driver’s license suspension. You are urged to contact a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to increase your chances of dismissal of charges and recovery of your driver’s license.
Officers Must Have Probable Cause to Stop a Vehicle
Generally speaking, a police officer can not stop a vehicle without cause. However, Florida courts have upheld Sobriety Checkpoint so long as law enforcements follows certain rules. The police MUST have prewritten guidelines that law out the steps to follow at these checkpoints. If these guidelines do not conform to the law, your case may be dismissed.
Call Our Proven DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
At DiRenzo Defense, we offer determined challenges to our clients’ arrests at Sobriety Checkpoints on all available Constitutional and procedural grounds. We will secure a copy of the documents the police are required to prepare for a Sobriety Checkpoint and make sure they followed the law and your rights were not violated. We have helped many clients in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida arrested at Sobriety Checkpoints beat their charges, and recover their driver’s licenses. We urge you to contact us now for a free consultation. We need to start on your defense before appeal deadlines pass.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney at the firm if you have been arrested at sobriety checkpoints.
Fort Lauderdale Vehicle Impoundment
A vehicle impoundment is ordered on every DUI conviction in the State of Florida. The length can range from 10 to 90 days. In certain circumstances, this impoundment can be waived by the Court. The best way to avoid DUI penalties is to get the assistance of a Ft. Lauderdale DUI attorney to fight your case for you. Our legal team has a long record of success in defending clients charged with DUI.
DUI Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale
Vehicle impoundment or immobilization is done at the owner’s expense. This does not mean you must pay a tow truck driver to tow your car away to an impound lot. There are local businesses that will come to your location and put a boot on your car or a club on your steering wheel. The device must stay on the car for the mandated period of time.
You will then be given a document certifying this requirement has been completed which you can give to your probation officer. Impoundment may be avoided under some circumstances. If the vehicle is driven by a family member to go to and from work or if the vehicle is used by an employee of the owner or the owner’s business the judge may waive it. In this case, we will request a waiver at the time of sentencing.
Each DUI arrest case is unique and as such requires skillful investigation and defense preparation. The talented legal team at our firm has years of experience in helping Fort Lauderdale area clients avoid DUI convictions and penalties. For answers to your questions and to begin preparing your defense to discuss the circumstances of your arrest with an experienced DUI lawyer at DiRenzo Defense.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Attorney when you face vehicle impoundment after a DUI arrest.
Fort Lauderdale Ignition Interlock Devices - Defending DUI Cases in Ft. Lauderdale
In many DUI convictions, the court will mandate the installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) in each vehicle owned by the convicted person once the suspension period has ended. The IID is connected to the ignition and will prevent the vehicle from starting if the presence of alcohol is detected. The IID is like a breathalyzer test. The driver must blow into it and have an alcohol reading less than the device is set to. Depending upon the requirement the device can be set to a reading of such as 0.0, or 0.02.
The device will be required for the duration of the sentence and your driving license will have a “P” to indicate this requirement. Upon completion of a sentence, the DHSMV will remove this designation from your permit. A Ft. Lauderdale DUI lawyer with our firm has the expertise needed to mount an effective defense for a client-facing a conviction of DUI.
On the whole, these devices have been effective in preventing convicted drivers from reoffending while attached to a vehicle, but may not always be precise in their readings which can be a problem. Additionally, there is no control over whether the driver or another person blows into it so this test is fairly easy to bypass. It is crucial that you contact a DUI defense lawyer from DiRenzo Defense for a consultation when facing any DUI accusations. The sooner you call us, the more quickly we will get into action to fight to resolve your case.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale DUI Defense Attorney at our firm for a consultation regarding your DUI.