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Out of State DUI Offenders – What You Need to Know From a Top DUI Lawyer in Clearwater

Out of State DUI Offenders – What You Need to Know From a Top DUI Lawyer in Clearwater

Florida set an all-time record for tourism in 2019, with almost 69 million tourists visiting The Sunshine State in the first six months of the year. It’s no surprise given this sheer number of visitors that not all of them are aware they must adhere to Florida law from the moment they enter the state. Regardless of where you live in the country, violating Florida’s DUI laws could result in hefty fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and possible imprisonment.

If you’re from out of state and are currently facing a DUI charge in Florida, it’s important to seek immediate legal assurance from the top DUI attorney in Clearwater to understand Florida’s DUI laws and possible penalties and preserve your driver’s license.

Penalties for Non-Resident DUIs in Florida

Violating Florida’s DUI laws while visiting or traveling through the state could result in the following consequences for a first-time DUI conviction:

  • A fine ranging from $500 to $1000
  • A sentence of up to six months in jail
  • The suspension of your driver’s license for 6-12 months
  • Ignition interlock devices installed on all of your owned vehicles
  • The impoundment of your vehicle for up to 10 days
  • Community service
  • Substance abuse treatment program

Interstate Compacts and the National Driver Registry

A common misconception is that a driving-related offense that occurs in another state will not affect your driving privileges back home. With a DUI charge in the State of Florida, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For starters, Florida is a member of two interstate compacts for traffic violations — the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC). Both of these compacts are agreements with the participating states to exchange information regarding traffic infractions committed by out-of-state drivers and to recognize penalties issued by other states, such as driver’s license suspensions.

If that wasn’t enough, a system known as The National Driver Registry (NDR) also provides each of its 45 member states with a method for honoring driver license suspensions issued by their sister states. As such, if you receive a Florida DUI arrest with an out-of-state license, you can rest assured knowing that your driver’s license suspension will be easily transmitted back to your home state. To dispute these charges and protect your privilege to drive in both Florida and your home state, you’ll want to consult the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater.

Act Fast To Resolve Your Out-of-State DUI With an Experienced Attorney

Time is of the essence in tackling your out-of-state DUI and protecting your privilege to drive. As soon as possible, you’ll want to schedule an initial consultation with the top DUI lawyer in Clearwater to understand the ramifications of the administrative driver’s license suspension and learn how you may be able to prevent the Florida DHSMV from directing your home state to suspend your privilege to drive. Because a Florida DUI charge poses a double threat to your driving privilege, it is all the more important to aggressively fight your case at the DHSMV level and in the criminal court system. We can perform the following actions to reduce the length of your potential driver’s license suspension or eliminate the suspension of your license altogether:

  • Challenge the administrative suspension of your license within 10 days of your DUI arrest
  • Seek a temporary driving permit that enables you to continue driving beyond the 10 days from the date of your arrest
  • Handle your first court case in Florida for you, without the need for your personal appearance in the courtroom in most cases
  • Provide you with a copy of the narrative police report, field sobriety supplements, and the videotape taken in your case
  • Obtain, review, and forward the breath test report and maintenance records associated with the Intoxilyzer
  • Conference with you over the phone or Zoom to discuss the best strategy for resolving your charge
  • Negotiate a reduction of your DUI charge to a reckless driving offense

If you were charged with a DUI while visiting Florida, it’s imperative that you act quickly to secure the services of the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater. We offer free telephone consultations and will be more than happy to discuss your case by phone.

For a free consultation with the top DUI lawyer in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Call our office for a free consultation at (727) 578-0303

Defense services for DUI and DWI offenses

FREE
CONSULTATION

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

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How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After a DUI

How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After a DUI

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in the State of Florida, then your driver’s license could be suspended for a period ranging from 180 days from your first offense to up to eighteen months for your second and subsequent offenses. If you’re like many Americas who rely on their personal vehicle for transportation, you’re anxiously awaiting the opportunity to have your driver’s license reinstated. Fortunately, with the assistance of the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater, there are steps you can take to have these charges dismissed or reduced and your driver’s license reinstated. It’s important to partner with someone like an experienced lawyer from The Law Offices of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan for this process as they are adept at handling DUI cases, routinely deal with the DHSMV in making applications for driving permits and Florida hardship driver’s licenses, and will be dedicated to protecting your privilege to drive.

Waive the Formal Review Hearing to Obtain an Immediate Hardship License

If this is your first DUI arrest in your lifetime, your driver’s license could be suspended for a period ranging from 180 days to one year. Thankfully, you can apply for a hardship driver’s license immediately after your arrest. However, time is of the essence to do so. A hardship license does not restore your full driving privileges; however, it does grant you limited driving privileges for business or employment purposes, depending on which type of hardship license you receive.

Provided that you’re a first-time DUI offender, the best attorneys in Clearwater may recommend that you take advantage of the “waiver” process. This is when you voluntarily waive your rights to a DHSMV Formal Review Hearing within 10 days of your arrest. Through the automatic administrative suspension of your privilege to drive, you’ll also gain the opportunity for immediate application for a hardship license, thus circumventing the hard suspension. That being said, every case is unique, which is why it’s so important to discuss the DHSMV administrative process in more detail with an attorney to determine whether it is truly in your best interest to request or waive the formal review hearing. If you elect to waive your right to challenge the suspension, our DUI-defense team will provide you with step-by-step instructions on securing a hardship license.

Challenge the Administrative Suspension of Your Driving Privilege Via a Formal Review Hearing

If this is not your first DUI arrest or if you don’t choose to waive your right to a formal review hearing, you only have 10 calendar days from the date of your arrest to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license via a Formal Administrative Review Hearing. As this process requires the filing of specialized paperwork and careful attention to Florida DHSMV procedures, we cannot stress enough the importance of partnering with the best DUI attorney in Clearwater. Their years of experience and legal expertise will be crucial to avoiding many of the potential pitfalls and mistakes that can easily leave you without a driver’s license.

An attorney will not only file the application for a Formal Review Hearing within the required deadline, but he or she will also request a copy of the forms and reports law enforcement relied upon to justify taking your license. These documents will be of the utmost importance in preparing for the hearing. If necessary, an attorney also can call witnesses to testify, subpoena and cross-examine the police officer who arrested you, and conduct the hearing without you needing to attend.

Contact an Attorney Today

Above all else, the most important step in getting your license back following a DUI charge is to request the assistance of a qualified attorney who can easily spot the issues associated with both your criminal court case and the DHSMV Formal Review process. Our office routinely handles hearings at the local Florida DHSMV, are familiar with the procedures put in place, and are prepared to tackle the legal issues that must be explored to overturn the administrative suspension. Whether you’re looking to obtain a temporary driving permit, request a Formal Review Hearing, secure a hardship license, and work to have your charges reduced, partner with the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater at The Law Offices of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.

For a free consultation with with the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Call our office for a free consultation at (727) 578-0303

Defense services for DUI and DWI offenses

FREE
CONSULTATION

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week