Tampa residents who are charged with Driving or Boating Under the Influence may find that hiring a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney is a smart decision. First-time offenders are usually unsure of how the process works and should not risk their future by forgoing professional assistance. Those who have been arrested or charged with DUIs in the past may need a lawyer even more than first-time offenders because the penalties are harsher. Judges are generally more uncompromising with their rulings when it comes to repeat offenders.

DUI Penalties in Florida

Being found guilty of Driving Under the Influence can land you jail time, fines, license suspension, and the installation of an Interlock Ignition Device (IID). How long your sentence is, how much you owe, and how long your license suspension lasts depends on the specifics of your case. Was this your first offense? Was someone injured or killed because of the incident? Your DUI and BUI Defense Attorney will examine your case to help determine what penalties you may face.

How a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney Can Help

A DUI and BUI Defense Attorney is an invaluable asset. He will fight for you and work to have your charges reduced or dropped.  He will also prepare you for court appearances and help you understand everything about your charges, including what legal options you have.

Fighting Charges

With the assistance of a skilled, experienced DUI and BUI Defense Attorney in Tampa, you can fight your charges. A full sentence carries heavy penalties such as fines and license suspension, but your lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced so you are not penalized as much as you might have been. In the best-case scenario, your lawyer may even be able to have your charges dismissed entirely, thanks to a strong defense. Plea bargaining may see your sentence reduced from Driving Under the Influence to a lesser charge such as Reckless Driving. If the plea bargain results in a lengthy sentencing, you may attempt sentence bargaining as well with the help of your lawyer.

Preparing You for Court Appearances

Those charged with Driving Under the Influence may need to appear in court for an arraignment. Your DUI and BUI Defense Attorney, if you have one, may be able to alleviate the need for an arraignment. When charged with DUI or BUI you want to make sure that you have someone on your side who is invested in your success and has your best interest at heart. That means seeking out and hiring a lawyer in Tampa who has experience with criminal charges as well as the confidence to obtain the best result available.

Helping You Understand Your Charges and Your Options

There is no question that a great deal of legal terminology is not very accessible for the average individual in Tampa. Law professionals spend years and countless hours studying and putting legal matters and procedures to practice. Therefore, they have the ability to explain everything and help you thoroughly understand what you are facing. You should never enter a legal battle without knowing exactly what you are up against, and your lawyer will help you prepare.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation with a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney

Obviously, you want the most competent and capable DUI and BUI Defense Attorney representing you, so you should be selective when choosing amongst lawyers in Tampa. In addition to reading reviews and researching law firms, you should schedule a consultation. During a consultation, you will be able to get a strong feeling one way or another as to the abilities of the lawyer. This is your time to listen to your gut feeling; you need to be able to trust them entirely since it is your future they are working to secure. A few examples of questions that you should ask during your consultation include:

  • How long have you been a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney?
  • What percentage of your practice involves DUIs and BUIs?
  • How many people at the firm will be handling my case?
  • How often do you appear in court?
  • What are my best defenses?

Use your consultation to get a proper feel for the DUI and BUI Defense Attorney and see how they work. Usually, one conversation is enough to give you a feeling one way or another as to whether or not you feel comfortable with them and confident in their services.

Trust McDermott Law Firm, P.A. as your DUI and BUI Defense Attorney

McDermott Law Firm, P.A. has helped Tampa residents with their Drunk Driving charges for decades, and we may be able to help you as well. Do not risk the security of your future in Tampa; hire a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney to fight for you. To learn more about the professionals at McDermott Law Firm, P.A. or to schedule a consultation, call us today at 727-367-1080.