DUI and BUI Defense Attorney | St. Petersburg

If you have been arrested for driving either an automobile or boat Under the Influence, one of the first things you need to do is call a DUI and BUI Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg. These charges can add to or aggravate a very stressful, emotional, and overwhelming time in your life. In Tampa Bay, there are many steps involved in such instances, and the legal representation you choose will have a strong influence over the outcome of your case.

The consequences of being convicted of Driving Under the Influence or Boating Under the Influence can be intense. There are serious penalties. Plus, there is also the added stress of what having some-thing like a DUI or BUI on your record could do to your personal and professional life in St. Petersburg.

If this is your first offense, you are likely extremely overwhelmed and confused about how to navigate the process. That is okay – because, as lawyers, we are here to help you.

When charged with a DUI, you risk losing your license, can face hefty fines, and sometimes even jail time. The speed and thoroughness of the actions taken immediately following the arrest can have a major effect on the outcome of your case. Time is of the essence with DUI accusations, which is why you do not want to wait long before you seek legal advice from a representative in your area. With assistance from a defense attorney who specializes in these technicalities, you can combat the allegations brought against you in St. Petersburg for Driving Under the Influence.

One of the most important aspects of charges for DUI to be aware of is that there are, essentially, two processes that are entirely independent of one another. The first deals with the DMV and influences your license suspension. The second is with the court and pertains to the criminal allegations. If this is your first or second offense, it will likely be charged as a Misdemeanor in St. Petersburg. Seek out a defense attorney to help you understand procedures and navigate the statutes associated with a DUI.

If you consent to a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test and your BAC is above the legal limit, you could have your license suspended for at least six months. This could mean setting your keys aside and asking for rides to work. On the other hand, if you refuse these tests, you could lose it for a year and possibly face a no driving situation. That is an additional six months of relying on others for transportation because you are not permitted behind the wheel. How can your DUI Defense Attorney help this process? We will request a formal review hearing to challenge the license suspension. In certain situations, this may lead to the case being overturned. Also, in some situations, we can explain how you can continue to drive for work, school, and worship right away.

Again, you need to act fast when DUI allegations have been made. Once you get a notice of arraignment (which is typically on your citation), we will enter a plea of Not Guilty and submit a request for discovery on your behalf. From that point, your DUI Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg will have about two weeks to gather and present evidence defending your case.

While the penalties for BUI may initially appear less severe than those for Driving Under the Influence, they are just as serious and should not be downplayed. In this case, it is helpful to have legal representation. Not only can these allegations follow you for years to come in St. Petersburg, but a criminal conviction for BUI can lead to time in jail.

Often, these instances begin because a Fish and Game Officer or a Marine Enforcement Officer stops someone driving their marine vessel in a reckless, careless, or erratic way. Marine Enforcement can also launch a BUI investigation after conducting a routine check for safety equipment on board the vessel. In either situation, a defense attorney at McDermott Law Firm, P.A. will advocate for you and challenge the validity of the BUI accusations. Our lawyers will manage the details from:

• Filing formal pleadings
• Gathering information, like law enforcement reports
• Reviewing evidence and seeking data to strengthen your case

Since the penalties for BUI are different from those associated with Driving Under the Influence, it is necessary to work with a defense attorney who can assist you with understanding every aspect of your case. If the officer told you that you would lose your license or privilege to drive an automobile or vessel, if you refuse to take a breath test, they are violating the law. These types of statements can be threatening and typically will not hold up in court. Misadvice like this can help strengthen your case.

If the individual in question is younger than the legal age for consuming alcohol, the penalties for BUI vary slightly. This can include community service, a boating safety class, and possibly fines, but to avoid any incriminating allegations, consult with a defense attorney to prevent unwanted consequences.

There are many different possible outcomes of your case, so you want to be sure you have a seasoned and well-versed DUI and BUI Defense Attorney on your side. We will offer you the assistance and guidance you need to navigate this tumultuous time in your life and help ward off any unnecessary legal ramifications.

In St. Petersburg, McDermott Law Firm, P.A. has been representing clients just like you for over half a century. Whether you were in your Honda Civic or taking your boat across the Bay when you were investigated, we will work aggressively and diligently on your case, making sure we leave no stone unturned or detail overlooked. As a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of DUI and BUI instances, Frank McDermott, Esq. has a long history working in this community and will provide you with the aggressive representation you need. As your DUI and BUI Defense Attorney, we will:

• Give you an honest evaluation and consultation.
• Take a meticulous and detailed approach to the preparation of your case.
• Carefully comb through each piece of evidence and information (police report, videotape copy, breath test results, etc.).
• Get out on the water to physically inspect the scene of the incident or arrest.
• Handle all documents, paperwork, and report processes and preparation.

Team with us and put our experience to work for you in Pinellas County!