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I Got a DUI in Florida! Does That Mean I’ll Get Points on My License?

I Got a DUI in Florida! Does That Mean I’ll Get Points on My License?

Whether you’re visiting Florida or you live in the state, getting a DUI can be a major inconvenience. Whether you use your vehicle to transport your family to and from appointments or have to drive for work, if you get a DUI in Florida you may be facing a suspension of your license. But, will you also face the additional penalty of getting points on your license?

In this brief article, a DUI defense lawyer in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan who shared whether the point system applies to your license after a DUI and how to get back on the road. 

Does a DUI Put Points on Your License?

Before we answer the question of whether or not a DUI puts points on your license, let’s discuss a few basics of what the point system is. The point system in Florida is the method in which violations are scored, so to speak. 

Different violations carry different point values – for example, reckless driving conviction would add four points to your license, while speeding can add three to four points depending on how fast you were driving. If you receive too many points within a given period of time, you may be facing suspension of your license. 

To answer the original question, a DUI doesn’t add points to your license, but that’s because your license is likely already being suspended and a conviction for DUI, in and of itself, will cause significant insurance ramifications. Under Florida DUI law, a DUI charge carries the possibility of two different driver license suspensions: an “administrative” suspension which occurs on the night of the arrest, or a “court-ordered” suspension. A court ordered suspension only occurs upon conviction for the DUI offense.

How Can I Get My License Back After a DUI?

If you rely on your vehicle, you may be able to challenge an administrative suspension. In some cases, you may be eligible to immediately apply for a hardship license following your arrest. However, it’s critical that you contact DUI lawyers in Clearwater to help ensure that you meet the necessary deadlines to do so.

Defense for a DUI with License Points or Suspension

If you were charged with a DUI and are facing a license suspension, call our team of DUI lawyers in Clearwater. Our team at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan may be able to work to get your charges reduced, and will help you learn your options to clear points from your license and get back on the road. Contact us 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.

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Arrested for a DUI While Visiting Pinellas County? Here’s What to Do Next

Arrested for a DUI While Visiting Pinellas County? Here’s What to Do Next

Pinellas County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Clearwater and Honeymoon Island. The miles of pristine beach make it easy to forget about the real world, but if you are arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County you’ll quickly be snapped back to reality and your vacation could be ruined. Although this scenario is the last thing you may want to think about, it is all too common. 

In this brief article, the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan shared a few tips to help you handle a DUI charge in Pinellas County if you’re from out of town.

Traveling Home After a DUI

There are a few things out-of-state visitors may need to consider if they’ve been charged with a DUI in Pinellas County. 

The first thing out-of-towners should know is that if you are arrested for a DUI while on vacation, law enforcement may confiscate your out of state driver’s license if you provided a breath or blood alcohol level above .08 or if you refused a breath, urine or blood test. Our experienced team of DWI defense lawyers will counsel you on efforts that you must take to get through TSA security if you are flying. Likewise, our office can advocate on your behalf in an effort to challenge the suspension imposed in Florida.

When it comes to returning home, you may be permitted to travel back to your home state. In some cases, our office will need to file an Emergency Motion to Permit Out of State Travel to allow you to do so. 

Will I Need to Return to Clearwater for My DUI Case?

In many cases, no. Our office routinely represents individuals who have been arrested for DUI and reside out of state. In many cases, our office is able to represent the client from start to finish without the client ever needing to return to the State of Florida. Of course, you should consult with the best DUI attorney in Clearwater to determine if such a strategy would work under the unique facts and circumstances of your case.

The best course of action after any arrest when you are on vacation is to attempt to handle as much as you can while you are still in town. Contact the best DUI attorney in Clearwater to make sure that your case is handled on your behalf once you return home. Remember, just because you go home doesn’t mean the charges will not follow you. 

To find out what you should do when you’ve been arrested for any reason during a vacation, 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.

Defense services for DUI and DWI offenses

FREE
CONSULTATION

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week