St. Petersburg DUI Lawyer

In response to heavy drinking at St. Petersburg night spots, area law enforcement has employed extensive DUI enforcement measures. Tactics for arresting suspected drunk drivers include the use of road blocks, checkpoints, and dedicated DUI officers. One advocacy group even gives an award to the law enforcement officer in the area who makes the most DUI arrests – Regardless of the merits of the case.

If you have been charged with DUI in St. Petersburg, you must secure an attorney as soon as possible for your best chance at beating the charge. Musca Law has a record of courtroom success in Pinellas County.

DUI Consequences in St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida automatically suspends the driver's license of anyone arrested for DUI. To be able to drive again, individuals must request an administrative hearing before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Musca Law offers representation at driver's license revocation hearings, which must be requested within 10 days of an individual's arrest.

DUI laws in Florida are wide ranging, and are designed to discourage repeat offenders.  Three elements determine the severity of the charge a person will face if they are suspected of driving drunk:

• How many times someone has been convicted previously of DUI
• Whether there are "aggravating factors" such as a person having a BAC of more than 0.15
• The frequency someone has been arrested for DUI in the last 5 or 10 years

For instance, a first-time DUI offender whose blood alcohol level was 0.08 can be punished to at most 6 months in jail or could be given probation instead of jail.  However, a first-time offender with a BAC of 0.15 (DUI with aggravating factor) could be punished to 9 months in jail. 

However, if a person has been arrested for a third DUI within 10 years, he will automatically be charged with felony DUI. This person can be jailed for no less than 30 days and for as long as 5 years if he is found guilty.

Florida courts can also assign punishments specific to DUI cases, including breathalyzer ignition interlock, DUI school, car impounding, and driver's license suspension.

For more detailed information, please see DUI in Florida. Musca Law also defends individuals accused of DUI manslaughter in St. Petersburg.

Your Hope for a Fair Outcome

Just because you have been arrested for DUI does not automatically mean you will end up with a conviction for the offense. It may turn out that law enforcement made a vital mistake, for instance.

At Musca Law, develop a legal strategy designed to achieve the best outcome for each DUI case. Our lawyers work in teams to counter the efforts of police and state attorneys as they seek your conviction. Your ability to drive, to advance your career, and much more at stake. Please call us at (813) 793-6001 to begin your free consultation.