Tampa DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI in Florida?

Facing a DUI can lead to stress, overwhelm, and serious consequences. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to talk to an attorney right away. An experienced DUI attorney will help you gain peace of mind as they guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t navigate the DUI process alone. Hire a criminal defense attorney specializing in DUIs to fight for your best interests and, when possible, minimize the impact a DUI will have on your life.

Talk to attorney TJ Grimaldi, based in Tampa, Florida, to make a plan for your case and get the best possible outcome after a DUI. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

Have You Been Charged with a DUI?

Within the state of Florida, you can be charged with a DUI if you have a blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above and are operating a motor vehicle. This is considered a state of impairment that makes you unfit to get behind the wheel and a danger to others on the road.

Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can lead to a DUI. You can also receive a DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) if you drive while impaired by other chemical or controlled substances. DUIs are also not limited to driving vehicles. You can also be charged with DUI for operating a bicycle, boat, or even a lawnmower while impaired.

When you are arrested for a DUI, you are officially charged with the crime. But it’s important to note that you have not yet been convicted. After you have been arrested, you can work with a DUI attorney to fight the charges and lessen the potential consequences of your arrest. This is why it is imperative to talk to an attorney right away.

If you have been charged with a DUI, talk to attorney TJ Grimaldi. Schedule your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.

The Impacts of a DUI in Florida

DUIs in Florida can lead to serious consequences and have a major impact on your life. Depending on the details of your situation, a DUI can lead to:

• Fines
• License suspension
• Jail time
• Increase in insurance costs
• Court-ordered community service
• Mandatory treatment or counseling
• Marks on your permanent record

The consequences of a DUI vary based on the unique details of your case. You may face more or less severe penalties depending on your situation. DUI penalties are impacted by factors such as:

• If you have had a DUI before. The penalties for a first offense DUI are lower than those for a second or third DUI. Once you have consecutive DUIs, you will begin to face more severe penalties.
• If you caused property damage. If private or public property was damaged during your DUI, it may lead to more serious consequences.
• If you caused bodily harm or death. If another person was injured or killed during your DUI, you will face more severe consequences. Vehicular manslaughter can result in jail time.
• Your blood alcohol content (BAC). A significantly high BAC may result in more serious charges and penalties.
• If a passenger under 18 was involved. If a minor was in the vehicle at the time of a DUI, it can also lead to more significant penalties.

The details of your situation will also impact whether you face misdemeanor or felony DUI charges.

Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

In most cases, a first-time DUI is charged as a misdemeanor, but other factors can increase the DUI charge to a felony.

Florida DUI laws are directed under Florida Statutes 316.193. Under these statutes, even first time DUIs can be charged as a felony if the DUI resulted in bodily harm or the death of another person.

• A DUI that caused serious bodily harm is classified as a third-degree felony. It can result in five years in prison, up to five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.
• A DUI that caused a death is classified as a second-degree felony. It is considered DUI manslaughter and can result in 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The number of DUIs a person has been convicted of can also impact the severity of the charges. If you have had two or more previous DUIs, you may face felony charges.

Why Hire a DUI Attorney?

Facing DUI charges is a serious matter. It can lead to the loss of your license, fines, and even jail time. Working with an experienced attorney can potentially help you minimize the impact of the consequences of a DUI.

A DUI attorney understands the legal system and knows what to do to attempt to reduce your charges and fight for lesser penalties. They know the best strategies to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and defend you in court. Experienced DUI attorneys will also advise you on what to say and do to avoid self-incrimination and will work to prevent any violations of your constitutional rights.

DUI laws are complex and constantly changing. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can provide peace of mind, knowing you have a dedicated advocate fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Can I Fight a DUI?

Getting arrested for a DUI does not necessarily mean you will be convicted of a DUI. You can fight the charges and attempt to have them dropped completely. An experienced DUI attorney can help you determine if you can fight charges and the best way to present your case.

If you believe you have been unfairly or unjustly charged with a DUI, you can fight it. You may be able to get your case dismissed if you can prove:

• Faulty breath or blood testing
• A medical condition or mouth alcohol contaminated results
• Police misconduct or no probable cause for the stop

If you have been charged with a DUI, talk to a criminal defense attorney right away about your options to reduce the charges and penalties. Schedule your free consultation with DUI attorney TJ Grimaldi or call 813-226-1023.

How Much Do DUI Attorneys Charge?

A DUI can immediately impact your expenses, which is why we take your finances into consideration while representing you. When you work with TJ Grimaldi, we don’t use an hourly rate. Instead, we work with clients to establish a flat fee.

Our process allows you to budget your expenses and know what our fees will cost from the get-go, so there are no surprise costs or bills. Additionally, we also offer payment plans for clients who need them. This makes it easy for you to retain our services without going into debt. We are here to work for you and make the cost of defending your DUI charge affordable.

Talk to a DUI Attorney Serving Tampa & West Central Florida

If you want to work with an attorney you can trust to keep your best interests in mind, talk to TJ Grimaldi.

TJ is more than just a name on a legal firm. TJ is the person who leads all of our cases. He personally meets with our clients and gives them the close attention they deserve. We aren’t like many other law offices that assign an unknown lawyer to work with you. When you hire TJ Grimaldi, you work with TJ.

If you want to hire a dedicated lawyer to help with your DUI case, not a faceless law firm, call us today. Request a free consultation today and see how we can help with your DUI case.