Can You Refuse A Chemical DUI Test In Tampa?

Driving is a privilege and not a right in the United States. Because of this important distinction, in order for the state of Florida to bestow upon you the privilege of getting behind the wheel, you have to agree to some important conditions. One item you agreed to went into place the second you signed for your license. Known as implied consent, Tampa drivers essentially consented to taking DUI testing whenever the police suspect you of driving under the influence. That may not seem fair since many of you would like that decision in the moment rather than having to say yes at the DMV years ago, but such is the reality of driving in Tampa.…

Can You Refuse A Breath Test In Tampa, Florida?

Driving with a BAC of .08 or above in Florida is a very bad idea. The police in Tampa are always on the lookout for drunk drivers and do not look kindly on those drivers that do not cooperate with the system. But a .08 BAC is not a number police can arrive at without the help of chemical testing. To determine with such specificity if a driver is over the legal limit in Tampa, police will often request that the driver take a breath test. The breath test measures a driver’s blood alcohol level by determining the amount of ethanol (a key ingredient in alcohol) in his or her breath. Did you know that when you signed for your driver’s license you also consented to DUI testing?…

DUI Analysis (Infographic)

DUI is one of the main factors causing accidents in Tampa, Florida. Through DUI analysis, you will be able to know the effects of being drunk. We should be responsible of alcohol that we are drinking so that we can put a limitation to our actions. It is very important to know the DUI process and about blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in order not to go beyond the restrictions of DUI charges. Reviewing all throughout the result of DUI analysis can be a big help for everybody to avoid committing accidents and DUI penalties. You can use the code below to share this infographic on your blog or website.…

What happens if you are under 21 and you get a DUI?

Any driver under 21 that is stopped by law enforcement and has a blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their license suspended for 6 months. This policy is known as “Zero Tolerance.” A .02 limit can be reached by having one drink! So it is very risky to have even one drink and drive if you are not of age. In addition to the zero tolerance penalties, you are also subject to any penalties under the DUI statute. This includes fines, jail time, DUI school, increased insurance rates and additional license suspensions. If you are under 21 and you have been arrested for DUI speak with a lawyer immediately!…

Navy Aircraft Carrier Sobriety Checkpoint’s?

A recent article on Yahoo news indicates that the United States Navy will soon be administering breathalyzer tests to sailors coming aboard ships in an attempt to deter alcohol problems and promote safety. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced that breath tests will be given to between 1/6 and 1/8 of the crew specifically targeting those sailors standing watch and overseeing more important aspects of the ships duties. Other sailors will be tested randomly. The goal of the initiative is not to tell sailors they can’t drink, according to Mabus, but rather “We are telling you that it’s important to keep legal, responsible use of alcohol from turning into a problem. …

How A DUI Lawyer can help you

When you are arrested for DUI, the State uses all of their resources to prosecute you. A DUI attorney protects you and your rights. The DUI lawyer represents you and only you. This means you have someone on your side to make sure you get the best outcome possible. A good DUI attorney can help you in many ways. An attorney can help you at your arrest to obtain a reasonable bond. Without a bond, you will have to remain in jail pending the outcome of your case. The attorney can also put in a notice to preserve any evidence, such as video taping or lab test results for future use. Sometimes these records are kept in databases that are erased every 30 to 45 days.…

What are the penalties for a DUI conviction

No matter how many times you have been convicted of DUI, the types of penalties you receive are the same. The difference is in the amount of time required or the cost. Here is a list of DUI penalties: PROBATION: Under Florida Law, all DUIs require at least one year of reporting probation. This means that you must report to a probation officer once a month every month for one year. There is a monthly fee due to the probation office that supervises you every month. This fee is usually between $20 and $60 a month depending on the county. FINES: Every DUI carries a mandatory fine. The fine can be as low as $500 or as much as $4000 depending on your particular case.…

How does a DUI affect my insurance?

The simple answer is it costs more for at least three years. When you get a DUI, a copy of the DUI arrest and/or your conviction goes on your driving record. Your driving record is what insurance companies look at when they give you a quote. A DUI places you in a higher risk category which increases the amount you pay for insurance. In addition, you will be required to purchase an SR-22 policy. SR-22 is a statement of financial responsibility that serves as proof that you have the proper amount of insurance. The SR-22 is an additional expense over and above your regular insurance rate.…

Does a DUI affect getting a job?

Yes, a DUI can affect your getting a job. Here’s how: Background Checks: A DUI is a criminal charge that will show up on a background check. If your job performs random background checks, it is possible the arrest will show up and you could be fired. If you have to pass a pre-employment screening, the DUI arrest could keep you from getting hired in the first place. Professional Licensing: If your job requires a professional license, such as nursing, contracting, security and other regulated professions, a DUI arrest can delay your license. In some cases a conviction can result in your license being denied.…

2012 GASPARILLA DUI SURVIVAL GUIDE

On January 28, 2012, Gasparilla Pirate Fest revelers will invade Tampa to party! Over the past few years, arrests for DUI, BUI, underage drinking and open containers have skyrocketed, amounting to as many as 500 arrests in 2011. This year, Gasparilla attendees can expect the same saturation of law enforcement to promote a fun-filled festival weekend. At Finebloom & Haenel, we encourage everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend at the Gasparilla Parade; but, if the worst were to happen to you or a loved one, contact one our Aggressive Criminal defense or DUI Defense attorneys to help.…