A DUI crime is committed when an individual is unlawfully under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving or while in physical control of a motor vehicle. In Florida, and across the country, a driver is considered impaired when his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) level is .08 percent or higher. It’s even possible to be charged with a DUI even at a lower BAC if a person is significantly impaired.
Law enforcement determines a person’s level of impairment through a number of tests, including: Field Sobriety Exercises, Breathalyzer, Blood Test, or Urine Test. Typically DUI arrests also carry separate administrative penalties including severe driver’s license revocations. It is crucial to act immediately in order to address both the criminal and civil implications related to a DUI arrest.
Rest assured however, officers must strictly follow multiple steps prior to activating their emergency lights. Our job is to determine if your officer jumped through the multiple hoops necessary to stop your vehicle.
When you walked this morning from the parking lot to your job, did you walk heel to toe, counting out loud, with your arms by your side?
Of course you didn’t. When you turned 16 and took your driving test, did the DHSMV require you to stand with one leg in the air for thirty seconds? Sounds foolish, but this is exactly what officers have people do when they are suspected of driving under the influence. Field sobriety exercises are voluntary exercises used to (allegedly) determine your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Rarely does an officer follow the strict protocol as set forth by the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration when administering the exercises. We pride ourselves on knowing exactly how an officer is to instruct and judge these exercises to use in your favor during the defense of your case.
No single question is asked more than a client than “can you beat my breath test?” The simple answer is yes, breath test cases can be beaten. While defending your breath test case, we will seek answers to the most pressing questions, including:
A DUI charge is a serious legal matter that can impact your life in many ways, including the loss of your driver's license and criminal penalties. At Nichols & Pina, we have years of experience defending clients facing DUI charges in Florida. From field sobriety tests to breathalyzer results, we thoroughly examine every detail of your case to protect your rights. Our team works tirelessly to minimize the consequences of a DUI, offering aggressive defense strategies to help you navigate both the criminal and civil aspects of your case.
You can reach our Jacksonville office at 904-353-3300, by email at gene@nicholsandpina.com, or by using our online form to arrange a free consultation.
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