The New Law

Effective January 1, 2024, Florida Statute 903.011 was amended to require that the Florida Supreme Court set a statewide uniform bond schedule for pre-trial release. That same statute provided that the Chief Judge in each Judicial Circuit must also establish a uniform bond schedule for the circuit, but that bond schedule must not set a uniform bond that is lower than the statewide bond schedule. In accordance with that law, the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, who presides over Pinellas and Pasco Counties, published its Uniform Bond Schedule.

How it Applies to Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas DUI Cases

Prior to this law taking effect, many persons arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County would be released from the Pinellas County jail without the need to post any bond through an administrative “release on your own recognizance,” or “ROR,” as it is commonly referred. However, the Pinellas County Uniform Bond Schedule has completely eliminated the administrative ROR that previously existed in all DUI cases.

Under the new law, a person arrested for a DUI will only be eligible to immediately post a bond to secure his or her release from jail if:

• He or she has no prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence or Boating Under the Influence
• He or she did not have a prior DUI arrest dismissed through a diversion program.
• The case does not involve a traffic accident.

In all other cases, your loved one will not be eligible to post a bond until after he or she appears in court for “first appearance” or “advisory court.”

What Does This Mean for My Love One’s DUI Case

The effect that this law will have on your loved one’s case will vary depending on the circumstances of the case and his or her prior record. In almost all cases, it means that your loved one will stay in jail for a longer period of time. In addition, we expect:

• Higher bond amounts will be collected by the County.

• Many people arrested for DUI may miss work because of the inability to immediately post bond.

• Persons arrested for DUI may have to arrange child or pet care from inside the Pinellas County Jail until a bond can be set and posted.

• More cases will have “conditions of release,” which can include no alcohol, limitations on travel, and random urine testing.

• That the Court will order many persons arrested for DUI to wear a “Continuous Alcohol Monitor,” even if the individual does not have an alcohol dependency issue.

Call the Best DUI Lawyers in Clearwater for Help Right Away

If your loved one has been recently arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County, call the Top Rated Clearwater DUI Attorneys right away. Our highly experienced team may be able to:

• Appear at your loved one’s first appearance to request a low bond amount.
• Present mitigation that your loved one does not pose a flight risk and does not have a
  history of missing court appearances.
• Help preserve your loved one’s privilege to drive.
• If a Continuous Alcohol Monitor (CAM) was ordered, file a Motion to Remove the Continuous Ankle Monitor.

Contact our office today at 727-578-0303 to schedule 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.

Do Not Drink and Drive

If you want to completely avoid a DUI, avoid driving after alcohol consumption. If you do plan on drinking:
Plan to spend the night somewhere you do not need to drive to.

• Utilize rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft.
• Choose a sober designated driver before the festivities begin.

Watch Out for Patrolled Roads 

The areas in Pinellas County that usually have increased law enforcement presence during the Gasparilla celebration season may include:

• Memorial Causeway entering Clearwater Beach.
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, especially near downtown.
• Courtney Campbell Causeway, westbound from Tampa.
• Westbound on the Gandy Bridge leading from Tampa to St. Petersburg, and
• Westbound on the Howard Frankland Bridge leading from Tampa to Pinellas County

How to Handle a DUI Stop

If you do find yourself getting pulled over for a DUI stop, remain calm and cooperate with the officer. Follow these steps to get the best possible outcome:

1. Know your rights.
2. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have a skilled attorney present.
3. Know that you can refuse field sobriety tests.
4. Contact a DUI attorney in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan immediately.

If you need any legal representation, do not wait to contact the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.

If you or a loved one are facing a DUI charge during Gasparilla, request a free consultation today or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of our expert DUI attorneys in Clearwater.

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.

Make a Proactive Plan to Get Home Safely

Planning ahead is key to having a safe and enjoyable time this Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or attending one, prevent drinking and driving by:

• Designate a sober driver well before the kickoff.
• Utilize rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft for a reliably safe ride home.
• Arrange to stay the night at a friend or family member’s house or a nearby hotel.

Patrolled Roadways This Super Bowl Sunday

After the Super Bowl festivities, be mindful of increased law enforcement presence, especially in the following areas of Pinellas County:

• Memorial Causeway leaving Clearwater Beach.
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, especially near downtown.
• Courtney Campbell Causeway westbound from Tampa.
• Gulf Boulevard from St. Pete Beach to Indian Shores.
• Largo, around Ulmerton Road and US Highway 19 North.

Be Mindful in Parking Lots

On major events like the Super Bowl, law enforcement often likes to “fish where they are biting.” In that regard, it is not uncommon for officers to park their police vehicles in the parking lots of popular bars, restaurants and other drinking establishments. The officers will observe individuals leaving the bar or restaurant for indicators of impairment such as staggering, stumbling, needing assistance walking, or fumbling with keys.

What to Do If You Get Pulled Over For a DUI

If you do get pulled over for a DUI stop, follow these steps for the best possible outcome: 

1. Familiarize yourself with your rights during a DUI stop before you hit the road.
2. Stay calm and cooperate with the law enforcement officer.
3. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation from a Clearwater DUI attorney with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan.
4. Know that you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests.

As the Super Bowl festivities draw near, enjoying the game responsibly should be your top priority. Avoid drinking and driving and immediately contact the leading DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan in the case of a DUI.

Request a free consultation from Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater.

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.

If you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence, you may be concerned about your ability to drive. Navigating the aftermath of a DUI arrest can be confusing, but with the help of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, the leading DUI defense law firm in Clearwater, you may be able to gain your driving privileges back. 

Immediate Impact on Driving Privileges

After a DUI arrest, your license may be automatically suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles based on the circumstances of your arrest. This is a preliminary action that happens independently of the criminal court process.

During criminal court proceedings, the court may impose additional driving restrictions or suspensions as part of your criminal case, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

What Can I Do After an Administrative License Suspension?

In some cases, you have the right to challenge the administrative license suspension. This typically involves requesting a hearing within a specified timeframe after the arrest.  In the case of a first-offender, you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license immediately, to avoid any interruption in your privilege to drive.

Can the Court Grant Me Permission to Drive?

 Although the Court has the lawful authority to take away your driving privileges, it does not have the authority to give you a driver’s license. Only the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has the authority to issue driver’s licenses. When you consult with the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, we will discuss your eligibility for a hardship license and the necessary steps to minimize the interruption in your privilege to drive.

Seek Legal Representation

Consult with the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process, challenge the administrative suspension, and advocate for the best possible outcome in court. They can assess the details of your case, ensure that your rights were upheld during the arrest, examine the evidence, and work to build a strong defense strategy.

Protect Yourself With a DUI Attorney Today

Facing a DUI arrest can be overwhelming, but understanding your options can help you achieve the most favorable outcome. Work with one of the attorneys with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today for the highest quality legal representation throughout your case.

Request a free consultation from Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, the leading DUI defense law firm in Clearwater, or give us a call at (727) 291-9717 to speak with one of our attorneys.

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.