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Our Biggest DUI “Wins” of 2022 | Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A.

Our Biggest DUI “Wins” of 2022 | Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A.

As 2022 winds down to an end, our office looks back fondly on the hard work that produced excellent results for our clients. What we know is that there are no shortcuts to success. Each client that hires our firm is provided individual attention and a strategy is designed based upon the unique facts and circumstances that the client is facing. While we are proud of the work that we accomplished on each and every case, there are five that stand out as our greatest success stories from this calendar year.

State of Florida v. D.M. – NOT GUILTY VERDICT

Our client was a CDL driver’s license holder. While visiting Florida, he was stopped for a traffic violation and arrested for Driving Under the Influence. He declined to submit to field sobriety exercises and breath testing. A conviction for DUI would have been a career killer. After weighing his options, our client elected to have his case resolved with a trial. Mr. Sullivan defended the client against the allegations and raised reasonable doubts as to his guilt. Ultimately, a verdict of Not Guilty was rendered and our client was able to maintain his employment.

State of Florida v. A.G. – NOT GUILTY VERDICT

Our client was gainfully employed in the medical field. As a young man, the client had been convicted of a DUI manslaughter offense and served time in state prison. While driving home from work one day, he was arrested for a misdemeanor DUI offense under the theory that he was impaired by his prescription medications. Mr. Sullivan used his Drug Recognition Expert training to poke holes in the state’s theory of impairment and our client was ultimately found Not Guilty of DUI.

State of Florida v. T.J. – BREATH TEST RESULTS EXCLUDED

Our client was represented by our Senior Partner Marc Pelletier for a misdemeanor DUI charge with a breath test result that exceeded .30. Given the high breath result, the prosecutor was seeking enhanced sanctions. Mr. Pelletier and Mr. Sullivan researched the machine that was utilized to test our client’s breath alcohol level and found a number of errors that called into question the reliability of the results. The duo litigated a Motion to Suppress the Breath Test Results which was ultimately granted by the Court. Because the State lost the ability to use the breath test evidence, our client was able to resolve her case with a plea to a reduced charge.

State of Florida v. R.W. – 4TH OFFENSE FELONY DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Our client was charged with a fourth offense DUI and was facing a lifetime loss of his license. The client hired Mr. Sullivan to defend his case shortly after the arrest. Mr. Sullivan’s early intervention in the case resulted in the administrative license suspension being invalidated and our client was able to fully reinstate his license. In the criminal case, Mr. Sullivan reviewed all discovery and evidence which revealed several factual and legal defenses. These issues were brought to the attention of the State Attorney who ultimately agreed to amend the Felony DUI to a misdemeanor reckless driving. Our client was able to resolve the case with no DUI conviction, no loss of license and no jail time.

State of Florida v. J.M. – 2ND OFFENSE DUI WITH BAC OF .11 REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Our office was contacted by a client in the middle of March. He had been charged with a DUI and hired another firm to represent him. The law firm was based out of Miami but advertised heavily on the internet for Pinellas County cases. After 8 months, he had never met his lawyers and they told him he should plea to a DUI, go to jail for 10 days, and accept a 5-year license revocation. After changing lawyers, Mr. Sullivan obtained all of the video, discovery, and intoxilyzer evidence associated with the case. He found a significant legal issue with the case that had been overlooked by the out-of-town Miami lawyers. Mr. Sullivan was able to leverage this legal issue in a way that the State Attorney agreed to reduce the second offense DUI to Reckless Driving. This outcome allowed our client to avoid jail time and the five-year loss of license.

Hire a Team of Highly Rated DUI Defense Attorneys in Pinellas County with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A.

While each case presented its own unique challenge, the common denominator is that there is no shortcut to success. When you hire the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater, our highly rated DWI defense attorneys will investigate all aspects of your case to ensure that we secure the most favorable outcome in your case.

Should you or a loved one be charged with a DUI in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, give our office a call at 727.578.0303 to schedule a free consultation to discuss the matter and learn what our team may be able to do to help you.

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Pinellas County “DUI Wolf Packs” | 3 Things to Know

Pinellas County “DUI Wolf Packs” | 3 Things to Know

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol caused over 750 fatal car accidents across Florida in 2020. With driving under the influence being such a prevalent issue, it is reasonable to understand the great measures local law enforcement takes to keep drivers safe. 

One of the latest Pinellas County initiatives to reduce drunk driving has been dubbed the “DUI Wolf Pack.” During times when incidents of impaired driving increase (including holiday weekends such as Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend), officers are organized into patrol groups called “wolf packs,” whose main job is to crack down on DUIs with increased patrol and arrests throughout Pinellas County. 

While reducing the number of drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence is an important effort, even more important is ensuring Pinellas County drivers are protected and treated fairly by law enforcement. In this article, the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. explain three things you should know about “DUI Wolf Packs.”

1. DUI Wolf Pack Initiatives Occur Multiple Times a Year

These operations occur numerous times a year and consist of large-scale patrol units that pull over drivers suspected to be under the influence. During these stops, officers will test your blood alcohol content no matter the reason and file charges according to the results. Often times, the “wolf packs” will look to pull over as many drivers as possible on those evenings to increase the chances of locating and arresting impaired drivers. Common reasons for traffic stops include expired registration, stopping in front of a stop bar at a light or stop sign, or failing to maintain a single lane.

If you are pulled over by one of these wolf pack patrols, it is essential to know your rights when it comes to submitting to a breathalyzer test and other field sobriety tests (FSTs). In Florida, the FSTs are not mandatory, but if you refuse, you risk the officer making a decision to arrest and charge you with a DUI based on various other factors.

Our seasoned attorneys received the same certifications as Pinellas County law enforcement officers for both the breathalyzer test and field sobriety tests. We are able to analyze the results of those tests and determine if they were administered correctly and fairly.

2. DUI Wolf Packs Serve as a Deterrent

The goal of DUI Wolf Packs is not to arrest more people for DUIs, but to serve as a deterrent, and to make one think twice about drinking and driving. For this reason, DUI Wolf Packs in Pinellas County are typically announced to the public. Be sure to pay attention to the local news and follow us on Facebook to know when the next DUI Wolfpack operation will be in effect.

In a recent DUI Wolf Pack Initiative during the 2022 Fourth of July weekend, wolf packs throughout Pinellas County made 25 DUI arrests. In addition, 25 people were cited for driving without a license, four for not having car insurance, and two for violations of driver’s license restrictions. Law enforcement officers also issued 36 speeding tickets, 30 non-moving violations, and 46 moving violations.

As the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater, the team at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A. is equipped to handle any case that results from a DUI Wolf Pack operation.

3. Charged With a DUI? Hire Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A.

If you’re charged with a DUI, we will thoroughly evaluate your case and utilize our expertise to obtain the most favorable outcome. Our DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater will review your case and create a strategy to protect your rights, and your future.

Do not become another statistic in the Pinellas County criminal justice system; reach out to our DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater immediately. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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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5 Reasons You Should Never Fight a DUI Charge in Pinellas County on Your Own

5 Reasons You Should Never Fight a DUI Charge in Pinellas County on Your Own

Because DUI violations are prosecuted with particular vigor by the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County, fighting your DUI charge without representation is a risk not worth taking. 

As the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater, the team at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A. is no stranger to the Pinellas County courtroom, judges, or prosecutors. Each of our attorneys have previously served as prosecutors for years, and are prepared to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Read on to learn more about the benefits of hiring a DUI attorney with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A.

1. Build a Sound Strategy for Your Defense

When choosing to represent yourself after being accused of Driving Under the Influence, you miss out on the valuable expertise that Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan P.A has to offer. 

Our holistic team approach means that each attorney in our office works together on every case, providing various perspectives and backgrounds that ultimately build a sound strategy for your defense. Some of the most common possible defenses used for DUI are Improper Stop, where officers have a lack of probable cause, Mistake of Fact, where the individual has an honest belief that they are not intoxicated, and inaccuracy of the breathalyzer test or field sobriety test. This level of support from a team of dedicated attorneys is unmatched, and you can have confidence in knowing that your defense strategy will remain strong throughout the case.

2. Increase Your Chances to Obtain a Favorable Outcome

For most defendants, serving jail time is the worst case scenario. By hiring one of our attorneys that has extensive experience in DUI defense, you can be certain that we will fight to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Because our attorneys are former prosecutors, we have extensive experience on both sides of the courtroom. Additionally, our attorneys are familiar with many of the judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, having worked with them previously. These relationships matter when it comes to obtaining a favorable outcome.

3. Avoid Jail Time & Loss of License

When arrested for a DUI, losing your license and spending time behind bars does not always have to be your future. In many instances, our clients may have the opportunity to attend DUI School/Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment, take part in a DUI Diversion Program, or participate in community service rather than serve jail time. 

The attorneys at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. understand how to convince the County Court and the State Attorney’s Office that you will not reoffend. In other words, having the best DUI attorney in Clearwater by your side in the courtroom provides necessary reassurance to judges and prosecutors.

4. Avoid the Stigma of Being Found Guilty of a DUI

Being found guilty of any crime, but especially a DUI, often comes with a stigma that you are a bad person, have no control over yourself, and seek to harm others. This can cause you to lose your job, become isolated from family and friends, feel a sense of powerlessness, and lose your sense of identity. However, many offenders that find themselves in this difficult situation have never before been in legal trouble. 

We will do everything in our power to help you maintain a normal life and avoid the stigma of being found guilty.

5. Navigate a Confusing Legal System

The legal system can be complex and confusing, especially without an attorney in your corner. At Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A., we pride ourselves on providing individuals with a second chance at life, and do so through expertise of the Pinellas County court system. 

We work to advise our clients on each and every step to take after being arrested for a DUI, from filing all documentation properly to meeting important deadlines and behaving appropriately in the courtroom. Just as a doctor understands the intricacies of the human body and provides the best treatment for your ailments, the attorneys at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. understand the intricacies of the legal system, and will help you navigate the ins and outs of the courtroom.

Hire the Best DUI Attorney in Clearwater to Fight for Your Rights

As soon as you are arrested, calling the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A., should be your top priority.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Pinellas County, our team of top-rated DUI lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation so that we may discuss the specific facts of your case and begin building a sound strategy.

 

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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4 Important Things to Know Before Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

4 Important Things to Know Before Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

According to a study conducted by the CDC, drugs are involved in over 15% of vehicle crashes annually. While DUIs may be more commonly associated with alcohol, they also include the use of any substance that impairs cognitive and motor function, whether legally prescribed or not. 

Given the high number of DUIs that involve prescription drugs, it is important to understand what constitutes a DUI, as well as the types of drugs that can result in DUI charges. It is also crucial to understand the importance of immediately contacting the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. if you find yourself accused of driving under the influence of prescription drugs. 

The top DUI lawyers in Clearwater at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A. provide the facts below so you can be informed and well-represented no matter the situation you find yourself in.

Prescription Drugs Can Amplify the Effects of Alcohol

Most commonly associated with alcohol, a DUI charge can also result from driving while using an array of prescription medicines. Mixing prescription drugs and alcohol can result in stronger side effects of either substance. One drink while on strong cold medicine could cause impairment equivalent to multiple drinks.

When taking medication prescribed by a doctor, talk with them about how the prescriptions will impact your day-to-day functions. Understanding the dosage prescribed, the time it takes for the drug to work through your system, and how your body will react are all questions you should know the answer to. 

Knowing and following the recommendations associated with all prescription medications is vital to being a safe driver and avoiding a DUI charge.

Which Prescription Drugs Can Result in a DUI Charge?

Many medications commonly prescribed for anxiety or allergies can cause drowsiness and impact reaction time. Additionally, prescription drugs used as stimulants can cause difficulty concentrating. 

The following list contains drugs that most commonly lead to DUIs

  • Adderall 
  • Xanax 
  • Ambien 
  • Vicodin 
  • Clarinex 

If you regularly take any of the above medicine, be aware of how these drugs impact your driving ability. Being proactive about your routines around medicine and driving will help to avoid DUI charges altogether.

No Per Se Limit for Drugged Driving in Florida

While the BAC limit for driving under the influence of alcohol in Florida is clearly defined at .08%, there is no per se limit for driving under the influence of drugs. In order to determine whether or not you have taken controlled substances or other chemical substances, the police may ask you to submit to a urinalysis. The problem with this test is that it can detect chemicals as long as a week after you have taken them. 

If you find yourself in this scenario, it may be in your best interest to exercise your right to refuse the urinalysis test and contact an attorney at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. immediately.

Call Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A. if Charged With a DUI While Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

Getting charged with a DUI involving prescription drugs can be as impactful to your life as a DUI involving alcohol. Jail time, fines, community service, license suspension, and damage to your reputation are just a few consequences of being convicted. Working with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. means working with best DUI lawyers in Clearwater to ensure a favorable outcome. 

Don’t put your future at risk when the solution is simple. Contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan P.A., the top DUI Attorneys in Clearwater, today for a free consultation.  

 

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

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