So, you had a small pint at the bar or at a party. However, because you felt fine, you got behind the wheel and started driving home. Halfway into your commute, a cop pulls you over on a routine stop and asks you to blow into a breathalyzer. Next thing you know, you are in cuffs and on your way to the station. Sounds familiar? Being charged with a first-time DUI in Fort Pierce can be distressing.
Not to worry, our experienced DUI defense lawyers at JJK/LLC can help you. We have successfully defended other first-time offenders in the past, protected their interests and rights, and helped reduce their charges, where possible. Let us help you do the same. Contact us to discuss your case.
As a first offender, a conviction for a driving under the influence offense can attract harsh consequences. Some common penalties include:
These can also have a ripple effect on other areas of the driver’s life, in the sense that the criminal conviction can affect everything from their ability to access mortgages to paying higher premiums on car insurance. This is why it is important to engage legal counsel and talk to a DUI defense lawyer about the case.
There are different blood alcohol content (BAC) limit requirements for drivers in Fort Pierce and across the state. Drivers under 21 have a .02 percent limit, while older motorists have a .08 percent limit. Commercial motor vehicle operators, however, should not exceed the .04 percent limit.
The BAC level typically serves as the basis for most arrests. Individuals at or just below the legal limit may not face prosecution. Those with higher BAC levels are more likely to face arrest for driving while impaired.
Several factors can worsen a first offense in Fort Pierce DUI cases and elevate it to a more serious charge. For example, a BAC of 0.15 percent can aggravate the case. The presence of a minor in the vehicle while the driver was impaired is another aggravating factor.
If another person sustained severe bodily harm because an impaired driver caused a collision, the offense becomes more serious. In these situations, the driver’s status as a first offender may not influence the court’s judgment.
Although this may be your first DUI offense, the state’s efforts in cracking down on impaired driving can result in very harsh penalties. So, it is crucial to avoid taking chances. If you have been accused of a first-time DUI in Fort Pierce, you need the help of an experienced DUI attorney.
At JJK/LLC, our DUI lawyers focus on exploring strategies that could help you navigate your situation. This may include examining potential flaws in breath test results or seeking to reduce the charges, while tailoring the legal approach to the specific facts of your case.
Contact us to discuss your case today.
