DUI DEFENSE

10-day rule for drivers license

An individual arrested for DUI has 10 days from the date of the arrest to drive legally before their driver license is suspended by the department of highway safety and motor vehicles (hereinafter DHSMV). You may lose the right to contest the administrative suspension of your driver license if you fail to take action during this 10-day period. This means that the DHSMV will suspend your driver license for a period of 1 year or 18 months for refusing testing or for a period of 6 months if the breath/blood results are over the legal limit of .08. Call attorney Adam Harmelin now so that he can file the appropriate application with the DHSMV to contest the suspension of your driver license. To read more click here.

What should I expect when pulled over while intoxicated?

If you are ever stopped by a police officer for DUI [some jurisdictions refer to it as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), but under Florida law it is called Driving Under the Influence (DUI)], there are some guidelines you should follow. Politeness always goes a long way if you are stopped. Be as cooperative and polite as possible when the officer is giving instructions. It's also imperative that you pay close attention to the officer's instructions. To read more click here.

What are the signs of intoxication and/or impairment?

The DUI officer will pay close attention to your actions. For example, as with any traffic stop, while seated in the car, you will be asked to provide your license, registration and insurance. During this time, the officer will be watching to see if you are able to produce that documentation without dropping it, fumbling through it or passing the requested documents. According to most officers, these are signs of impairment. Additional signs of impairment that the officer will be looking for are the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot, red or watery eyes, and a flushed face. To read more click here.

What do I do If I have been arrested for DUI?

Most people are not prepared for that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see a police cruiser behind you with its lights on. However, this may be the exact situation in which you should retain a South Florida attorney specializing in Florida DUI Defense. DUI is a serious offense in the State of Florida. Accordingly, the legislature has enacted strict penalties to enforce these laws. To read more click here.

How strong or weak is your case?

When making a DUI arrest, there are specific statutory and constitutional procedures that law enforcement must follow. If the police do not follow these procedures, it could lead to dismissal of your case. However, each and every DUI has a unique and different set of facts. Attorney Adam Harmelin will look at each and every element of your case to determine a defense and secure the best possible result.

DUI minimum mandatory penalties

If you are convicted of DUI in the state of Florida, the legislature has enacted specific minimum mandatory penalties. These penalties increase if you are convicted of a 2nd or subsequent DUI offense. However, for a 1st offense DUI conviction, you are facing fines, court costs, probation, driver license revocation, DUI school (including evaluation and possible follow-up treatment) and a 10-day vehicle immobilization. In addition to these mandatory court penalties, a DUI conviction may result in higher insurance costs, jail time, AA meetings, vehicle interlock devices and/or deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Payment Plans and Credit Cards Accepted.

It is understandable that not everyone has money saved up for a rainy day. However, my firm will work out a payment plan to assist you in making this process easier. Additionally, my firm accepts M/C, Visa, Discover and American Express. Call Adam now to discuss your payment options.

Adam D. Harmelin, Esquire began his career as a defense attorney for the Broward County Public Defender's Office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he was lead counsel on many jury trials in both County and Circuit Court. After leaving the Public Defender's office, he started his own law firm. He has defended thousands of people charged with DUI as well as many other misdemeanor and felony offenses.