DUI Lawyer Jacksonville

Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys in Duval County

DUI cases are complex criminal defense cases that can change a person’s life. If convicted, a DUI sentence carries not only the penalties ordered by the court, such as classes, probation, and community service, but also collateral penalties that come with the conviction, such as higher insurance. Florida has very serious penalties for even first-time DUI offenders.

When someone is arrested for a DUI, it often comes as a shock. Our clients are ordinary, hard-working people who never thought something like this could happen to them. We do not judge, but analyze each criminal case carefully to determine the best course of action.

Our Jacksonville DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence against you and fight for the most suitable outcome on your behalf!

Every DUI defense case is different. Let our firm prepare a solid defense based on your unique circumstances. Call The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. at (904) 615-8950 today.

Do I Need a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

While you aren't required to hire a DUI lawyer in Florida, it is highly advisable. DUI laws are complex and can have severe consequences. A knowledgeable DUI attorney can help you avoid a conviction and mitigate penalties.

Driving under the influence is not only a legal issue but can also have long-lasting implications on your personal and professional life. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference, providing guidance through each step from arrest to court proceedings and potentially reducing penalties or charges.

What Triggered Your DUI Stop?

A good starting point to evaluate your DUI case is understanding why you were pulled over. Was it for speeding? A broken tail light? Perhaps weaving within the lane? Did the officer claim they suspected an impaired driver?

In order to pull you over, the officer must have reasonable suspicion. In the absence of reasonable suspicion, the stop has to be suppressed. This type of issue is brought up before the court on a Motion to Suppress. The Jacksonville court will then hear the testimony and argument and make a decision. If the Motion to Suppress is granted, this can lead to the suppression of the entire stop and the arrest.

Understanding the initial cause for your traffic stop can provide insight into the legality of the procedures followed. If an officer fails to adhere to legal standards for initiating a stop, this can significantly weaken the prosecution's case. Additionally, gathering comprehensive details about the stop—such as the officer’s demeanor, the time and location, and any prior incidents at the stop location—can be crucial in building a defense.

Additionally, we ask clients for information about field sobriety exercises. When did the officer ask you to perform these exercises? Did they have reasonable suspicion to suspect impairment? For example, in a situation where one officer pulls you over and calls a DUI officer for an investigation, our Jacksonville DUI defense lawyers evaluate the matter to see if the first officer had enough reason to suspect you were impaired. Once again, this can be a turning point in your DUI case.

Defenses Against a DUI Charge in Jacksonville

When facing a DUI charge in Jacksonville, several potential defenses could challenge the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to a favorable outcome. Understanding these defenses is crucial for anyone navigating this complex legal situation.

One common defense is questioning the legality of the traffic stop. If law enforcement officers did not have a reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over, any evidence gathered during the stop, including field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results, may be deemed inadmissible.

Another defense involves challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests. These tests, while commonly used, are not infallible. Factors such as poor weather conditions, medical conditions, or even officer bias can affect the results. An experienced DUI attorney can scrutinize these tests to ensure they were administered and interpreted correctly.

Breathalyzer results can also be contested. These devices must be properly calibrated and maintained to ensure accuracy. If the machine was not correctly calibrated or the testing procedure was flawed, the results may not be reliable. An attorney can investigate whether the breathalyzer was functioning correctly and if the testing protocol was followed.

Similarly, blood test results, though more accurate than breath tests, can be challenged on grounds of improper handling or contamination. Ensuring that blood samples were collected and stored according to legal standards is crucial in contesting the validity of these results.

Lastly, it's essential to consider the potential for procedural errors or violations of your rights. If police failed to inform you of your rights or did not follow proper procedures during the arrest, this could impact the admissibility of evidence.

Understanding the specific nuances of each defense can make a world of difference in handling DUI charges. Legal knowledge combined with strategic investigation could uncover critical aspects that lead to a more favorable outcome, such as reduced charges or dismissed cases.

Is DUI a Misdemeanor in Florida?

In the state of Florida, first and second DUIs are generally considered misdemeanor offenses. First or second DUI charges in Florida are usually punishable by fines, probation, community service, driver’s license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and possibly even imprisonment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the classification of a DUI may vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances and prior convictions. Subsequent offenses or instances involving certain aggravating factors, such as causing bodily injury or death of another, could be charged as felony offenses.

Furthermore, understanding the potential ramifications of a DUI charge is crucial for those charged. Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, a DUI conviction can lead to long-term consequences that affect employment prospects, insurance premiums, and even social stigma. It’s vital to approach these charges with a comprehensive understanding of their potential impacts and to plan a strategic legal defense.

Why Choose Us as Your DUI Defense Attorney in Jacksonville?

Over the past 15 years, I have provided knowledgeable and personalized legal representation to clients throughout Jacksonville, including Duval, Nassau, Clay, and St. Johns. At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we handle criminal and business law matters with a commitment to obtaining the most favorable outcome in Jacksonville court.

Our approach to legal representation is rooted in empathy and understanding, recognizing the stress and uncertainty that accompany legal charges. We prioritize listening to our clients’ needs, ensuring they receive customized legal solutions that align with their unique circumstances. This holistic approach has earned us a reputation for reliability and trust in the community, assuring clients that their cases are handled with utmost care and professionalism.

Every situation that requires field sobriety exercises brings its unique set of circumstances. If you fail to mention any medical issues to the arresting officer, it can be a missed opportunity to defend your position. Many clients suffer from conditions like vertigo or previous injuries that can significantly impair their performance on these exercises, without their awareness. Therefore, it is essential to recognize any factors that could potentially influence the results, and share this information with your attorney.

Unfortunately, people taking the field sobriety exercises never know whether they did well or poorly. Remember, they are exercises, not “tests,” so there is no pass or fail. The officer is looking for signs of impairment, such as swaying, inability to maintain balance when walking a line, coordination, speech, color of face, smell, ability to follow directions, and others.

All of these can be considered signs of impairment. This is why, before the officer lets you perform the field sobriety exercises, they will ask you if you have any medical problems, disabilities, or anything else that would prevent you from performing the exercises. Let your DUI defense attorney in Jacksonville, Florida know if there was something that prevented you from doing well on the FSEs, such as back problems, vision problems, or any previous injuries, even if you did not tell the officer on the day of the arrest.

Additional questions that may be important to your defense include:

• What did you say to the police before and after arrest?
• How was your driving that night? Were you weaving in and out of the lane?
• Where were the field sobriety exercises performed?
• What were the conditions of the road?

Another avenue of defense is always the actual breath/blood test procedure, so all details are important. The actual place where you were pulled over and performed the field sobriety exercises may be helpful to your DUI case, so we will drive out and visit the scene to help us evaluate the criminal case and then be able to describe it to a jury.

Related Reading

• 11 HELPFUL TIPS IF YOU EVER GET PULLED OVER FOR A DUI
• MOTIONS IN FLORIDA DUI CASES
• HARDSHIP LICENSE AFTER SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT DUI 

Kate Mesic Is Rated by Avvo as a Top Jacksonville DUI Attorney!

Local DUI Defense in Jacksonville: Understanding Your Community

Living in Jacksonville, you know that our city is not just a place, but a community with unique challenges and resources. When facing a first offense DUI, it's crucial to have a defense team that understands the local landscape. At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we are deeply familiar with the intricacies of Duval County's legal system and the specific concerns of Jacksonville residents.

Jacksonville's sprawling urban environment, combined with its vibrant nightlife and numerous events, can sometimes lead to increased DUI checkpoints and traffic stops. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, are vigilant in monitoring for impaired driving, especially around popular areas like Riverside, San Marco, and the Jacksonville Beaches. Understanding these local enforcement patterns can be pivotal in building a strong defense.

Moreover, Jacksonville residents often face unique challenges such as navigating the busy intersections of I-95 and I-10 or dealing with the heavy traffic on the Arlington Expressway. These conditions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings during traffic stops. Our team knows these areas well and can use this knowledge to question the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by the officers.

We also recognize the importance of local resources in your defense. Duval County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) are essential resources for managing the administrative aspects of a DUI charge, such as license reinstatement and court documentation.

An intimate understanding of how Jacksonville's court system operates, including typical proceedings for DUI cases and the tendencies of local judges, can also offer significant advantages in structuring your defense. Our knowledge of local processes ensures that our approach is perfectly tailored to the nuances of the community, reflecting our commitment to defending your rights effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense

What Happens After a First DUI Arrest in Jacksonville?

Following a first DUI arrest in Jacksonville, the process involves several stages. Initially, you might be held in custody until bail is posted. You’ll then face an arraignment, where charges are officially presented. During this time, the court may impose conditions such as mandatory attendance in DUI education programs. It’s crucial to prepare thoroughly by gathering evidence and identifying any procedural missteps that occurred during the arrest. This preparation forms part of your defense strategy, aiming to contest the charges or seek reduced penalties. Legal counsel assists greatly in navigating this complex process.

What Are the Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer in Florida?

In Florida, refusing a breathalyzer test can have significant consequences, due to the state’s implied consent laws. This means by driving, you've consented to chemical testing if suspected of DUI. Refusing can result in immediate license suspension—potentially for 12 months or more if it's not your first refusal. The refusal can also be used against you in court as an implication of guilt. It's a critical decision in the heat of arrest that could complicate your legal standing. Consulting with a DUI attorney is essential to understand how this choice impacts your defense and potential outcomes.

How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance Rates in Jacksonville?

A DUI conviction in Jacksonville noticeably affects your car insurance rates, often categorizing you as a high-risk driver. Premiums may increase significantly, sometimes doubling based on the insurer’s policy. Additionally, acquiring SR-22 insurance may be required, serving as proof of financial responsibility. This documentation often leads to further cost hikes. It’s important to shop around, as rates vary considerably among insurers. Over time, assuming no further infractions, rates can gradually decrease, but they rarely return to pre-DUI levels. Engaging an attorney can help mitigate these impacts by potentially reducing charges.

Can a First DUI Charge Be Expunged in Florida?

In Florida, expunging a DUI charge is challenging but possible under certain conditions. If the charge is dropped or you are found not guilty, expungement might be an option. However, a conviction means it remains on your record permanently, impacting various aspects of life. Expungement involves filing a petition and demonstrating how the record’s destruction serves justice. It's a process laden with legal intricacies, where the guidance of an experienced attorney is beneficial. They can assess your eligibility and assist in navigating complex paperwork and procedures involved in attempting an expungement.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a DUI Attorney in Jacksonville?

The cost of hiring a DUI attorney in Jacksonville varies based on complexity, attorney experience, and the case’s demands. Initial consultations are often free, allowing assessment of your situation without financial commitment. Retainer fees can range from several thousand dollars for straightforward cases to more for complex situations. Some attorneys offer payment plans to ease financial burdens. It’s crucial to understand what fees cover, such as representation across stages like arraignment and trial or additional services. Investing in professional legal services can significantly influence the outcome, offering peace of mind and potential reductions in long-term costs from fines and penalties.

Our DUI lawyer in Jacksonville, FL, does everything possible to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected. Call (904) 615-8950 now to schedule your free initial DUI consultation.