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Underage DUI in Florida: What Are the Consequences?

DUI in Florida

Any DUI conviction can result in serious consequences, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department has stricter laws when it comes to underage drinking and driving. If an individual under 21 is found operating a moving vehicle under the influence even after a single drink, they could potentially face a wide variety of legal repercussions and penalties.

As the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater, the team with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan has a nationally-recognized track record in handling underage DUI cases, and has the experience to provide you with skilled representation and counsel.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Florida

Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy, which essentially means that drivers under the age of 21 can face DUI penalties if they have a BAC of just 0.02%. This number is significantly lower than the 0.08% threshold for drivers over 21, and it means that even a single drink can result in serious consequences, which can include:

  • A driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher may face an automatic six-month license suspension.
  • These must complete a DUI substance abuse course and may be required to attend alcohol counseling
  • While rare for first-time offenders with lower BAC levels, there is a possibility of a jail sentencing, especially in cases for repeat offenders or when there are injuries or property damage 

While underage DUI penalties can be extenuating, working with an attorney with a leading Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can help increase the likelihood of you achieving a more favorable case outcome.

Long-Term Consequences of an Underage DUI

A DUI conviction extends beyond immediate legal penalties and can result in terrible impacts for the future. Having a criminal record can result in denied college admission or revoked scholarships. It will also show up on background checks for 75 years and can also potentially limit your ability to get an enjoyable or financially secure job.

Insurance rates for young people are already quite high. However, a DUI conviction on top of being young can cause insurance rates to go up dramatically

Possible Defenses Against Underage DUI Charges

While underage DUI charges are serious, there are legal defenses that can challenge the case. One common defense that your top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may choose to employ is to question the accuracy of the breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test. Breathalyzer devices can show inaccurate results due to improper calibration, medical conditions, or external factors like residual mouth alcohol. Field sobriety tests are also very subjective and easily influenced, and an officer’s interpretation may not always be accurate. 

Other potential defenses include proving that the traffic stop was unlawful or that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull the driver over. In some cases, a skilled attorney can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options that minimize long-term repercussions.

Seeking Legal Representation

If an individual has an underage DUI charge in Florida, their future is at risk. However, legal defenses may be available, and seeking the help of an experienced DUI attorney from a trusted Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can make a substantial difference in the outcome of their case

Facing a DUI? You need to consult with a lawyer who has the skills to make a difference. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.

For more information, view this VIDEO discussing minors being charged with DUI.

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How a Florida DUI Affects Your Insurance Rates

Florida DUI Affects Your Insurance Rates

Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which leads to significantly higher premiums or, in some cases, outright policy cancellations. This financial burden only adds to the already severe penalties associated with a DUI, which include fines, a suspended license, and even jail time. 

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, the first step you need to take is to consult with the best DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI?

The exact increase depends on your insurer, but Florida drivers can generally expect their rates to skyrocket after a DUI conviction. For instance, if your car insurance previously cost $1,500 per year, your new rate could be around $3,000 or higher. Some drivers may even find themselves paying rates close to triple the amount of their original premium.

A DUI conviction in Florida triggers an obligation to obtain FR-44 coverage, which is a form that requires significantly higher liability coverage than a standard insurance policy would. This requirement typically lasts for at least three years and can make your already expensive insurance even more costly.

Other Insurance Policies May Be Affected

After a DUI conviction, some insurers also increase rates on health, life, medical, and disability insurance. And in more severe cases, your provider may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it, leaving you scrambling to find coverage.

Factors That Influence Insurance Rate Increases

Several factors can determine just how much your insurance rates will rise after a DUI conviction:

  • Younger drivers already face higher insurance premiums, and a DUI conviction will only make matters worse and drastically increase your rate
  • A clean record before a DUI might soften the extent of your overall penalties and insurance rate increase, but if you have prior criminal convictions, you can most assuredly expect a much steeper increase
  • Repeat offenders will see significantly higher insurance costs in comparison to first-time DUI offenders
  • Some insurers will provide harsher penalties for DUIs than others, so where you’re insured plays a big role in how drastically your rate will increase

Because of how many variables there are associated with the penalties after a DUI conviction, your best bet is to immediately consult with the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. In some cases, our top-rated Pinellas County DUI attorney can seek a dismissal or reduction to reckless driving in order to sidestep the hefty insurance ramifications of a DUI conviction.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance Premiums?

In Florida, a DUI can impact your insurance rates for a long time. Most insurers consider a DUI conviction when calculating premiums for three to five years, but in some cases, it may be even longer.

The exact length of time depends on both Florida state laws and your insurance provider’s policies. Some companies may gradually reduce the surcharge over time, so long as you maintain a clean driving record, but others choose to keep your rates elevated for the full penalty period.

Seeking Legal Guidance with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan

Insurance rate hikes are just one of the many financial consequences of a DUI. A conviction can also impact your employment opportunities, ability to rent a car, and overall reputation. However, you don’t have to face it all by yourself. With the right legal strategy from the best Clearwater DWI lawyers with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, you may be able to reduce the overall charges against you or avoid a conviction entirely.

The best way to protect yourself from the terrible consequences associated with a DUI charge is to be represented by the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717. 

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NEGLECT-ing to Understand the Law

Law enforcement officers are given great power to understand and enforce state laws and make arrests, where appropriate. However, the top-rated Clearwater DUI Defense Attorney has observed a common scenario where law enforcement officers’ lack of understanding of Florida law has led to unwarranted, serious arrests. In this article, highly experienced DWI defense lawyer Timothy Sullivan discussed the “added offense” of Child Neglect, which sometimes accompanies a DUI arrest.

Child Neglect Defined

In order to establish “Child Neglect,” the government must establish that an individual engaged in conduct whereby:

  1. The parent or caregiver failed to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child; or
  2. The parent or caregiver failed to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person.

Law Enforcement’s Error

Our office has frequently experienced a scenario where law enforcement believed that an arrest for DUI where a minor is in the vehicle, in and of itself, established child neglect. This is simply not the case for many of these arrests. In fact, in most cases that our office has handled where a parent suffered an added charge of “Child Neglect,” the minors were commonly clean, well fed, and wholly uninjured.

Our Early Involvement May Help Secure a Dismissal of a Child Neglect Allegation

When our office is retained early enough, we can contact the prosecutor assigned to a client’s case to point out mitigation and legal issues with the arrest. Just because a person has been arrested for “Child Neglect,” that does not necessarily mean that the prosecutor will file the charge. In some cases, our office can point to the DUI statute itself, which provides additional misdemeanor sanctions where a minor is in the vehicle. In other words, we can point to the fact that the legislature itself has established what it believes the appropriate penalties should be for a DUI with a person under the age of 18 in the vehicle, and that prosecution for the felony offense of Child Neglect is inappropriate.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI and an added charge of Child Neglect, contact the Best DUI Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg for a free consultation at 727-855-3847.

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Common Questions Surrounding Spring Break DUI Arrests in Pinellas County

Common Questions Surrounding Spring Break DUI Arrests in Pinellas County

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence while on Spring Break in St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, or the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, it is imperative that you contact the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater to discuss your case. In this article, top-rated DWI defense lawyer Timothy Sullivan discusses common questions that come up surrounding Spring Break impaired driving arrests.

How Do I get my Car Back?

In many cases, law enforcement will elect to impound the vehicle that a person is driving after a DUI arrest. If that occurs, the process of getting your car out of impound will depend on who the registered owner of the vehicle is. In that regard:

  • If the arrestee is the registered owner, he or she will first visit the law enforcement agency that arrested him/her and secure an impound release form. From there, the registered owner will visit the tow yard to obtain the car.
  • If the registered owner is a parent or loved one who is not on Spring Break, the registered owner will either need to return to Florida, or provide a “power of attorney” document to allow the family member in Pinellas County to secure the release of the vehicle. (Our office routinely helps with this form).
  • If the vehicle was a rental car, you will need to contact the rental company and notify it that the vehicle has been impounded.

Can My DUI Arrest be Reduced to Reckless Driving?

Avoiding a DUI conviction will help our client’s job prospects, higher education opportunities, and provide significant savings in automobile insurance. One method of avoiding a conviction for DUI is securing a reduction in charge from DUI to Reckless Driving. During your free consultation with highly-experienced St. Petersburg DUI Defense Lawyer Timothy Sullivan, we will discuss the likelihood of such a resolution and the recommended steps that our client should take. 

Will I have to return to Florida to go to Court?

In many cases, our office can handle a DUI case from start to finish for persons arrested for DUI without the individual ever having to return to Florida. Attorney Tim Sullivan limits his practice to the Defense of DUI and similar cases in Pinellas County. As a result, he has extensive experience with the local judiciary and practice preferences.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI while on Spring Break in Pinellas County, contact our office at 727-855-3847 for a free consultation. We will tailor a strategy designed to meet your goals and objectives and minimize any penalties that might be imposed.

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How DUI Convictions Affect Your Driving Privileges in Florida

DUI Convictions Police Car

A DUI conviction in Florida carries serious consequences, including fines, possible jail time, probation, and mandatory alcohol education programs. However, one of the most immediate and long-lasting penalties is the impact on your driving privileges. 

If you are convicted of a DUI, the court will impose a license revocation. Retaining a highly rated Pinellas County DUI defense attorney at the outset of your case may mean the difference between losing your driver’s license or maintaining your privilege to drive.

DUI Penalties in Florida

A DUI conviction results in significant legal penalties that vary based on factors such as prior offenses and blood alcohol concentration. These penalties may include fines, jail time, probation, or even mandatory alcohol education programs. First-time offenders may face a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, whereas repeat offenders can face even higher fines and extended jail time.

License Revocation or Suspension

A DUI conviction will lead to an automatic suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The length, similar to the other penalties, depends on factors like whether there were previous offenses, whether there was a refusal to submit to a BAC test, and whether there were any subsequent injuries or fatalities. 

Length of License Revocation or Suspension

  • 1st offense with no refusal to take a BAC test: Minimum suspension of 180 days and up to one year.
  • 1st offense with refusal of a BAC test: Automatic one-year suspension.
  • 2nd offense: Minimum five-year revocation if the second offense occurs within five years of the first. Eligibility for a hardship license may be available after one year.
  • 3rd offense: Minimum 10-year revocation if the third offense occurs within 10 years of a prior conviction. A hardship license may be available after two years.
  • 4th, or any subsequent offenses: Permanent license revocation with no opportunity for hardship reinstatement.
  • DUI cases involving serious bodily injury: Minimum three-year license revocation.

Ignition Interlock Device and DUI Conviction

In more severe cases, individuals convicted of a DUI may be required to install an ignition interlock device (also known as an IID) on their vehicles. An IID requires the driver to provide a breath sample before starting the car, and periodically while driving. The device will prevent the car from operating if any alcohol is detected.

  • First-time offenders with a BAC of 0.15% or higher must install an IID for at least six months.
  • Second-time offenders must have an IID for at least one year.
  • Third-time offenders require an IID for at least two years.

Defenses for DUI Conviction

If you are facing a DUI charge, working with the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater may help you avoid or mitigate the consequences through a variety of potential strategies, which can include:

Seeking a reduction or an Amendment of the Charge

In many cases, seeking a reduction or an amendment of the charge of DUI to a Reckless Driving will allow our clients to avoid the stiff penalties associated with a DUI conviction including the mandatory loss of license.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

If law enforcement lacked the reasonable suspicion to stop you, the evidence obtained during the stop may be considered inadmissible.

Questioning Field Sobriety and Breath Tests

Improperly administered sobriety tests, faulty breathalyzer devices, or medical conditions that can affect test results can be used to challenge the charges.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If law enforcement chose not to follow proper procedures, such as failing to inform you of your rights, your Clearwater DUI attorney with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may argue for the evidence to be excluded.

Work With Timothy Sullivan for a Chance at a Better Outcome for Your DUI Case

Understanding your rights and potential defenses can drastically minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life and driving privileges. If you are facing DUI charges, consulting with an experienced attorney should be the first step you take.

Do not face a DUI charge alone. Get represented by the best Clearwater DUI attorneys. For a complimentary DUI case consultation call our office at (727) 291-9717. 

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Can I Face DUI Charges If My Breathalyzer Results Were Under the Legal Limit?

When facing a DUI charge in Florida, many assume that a breathalyzer result below the legal limit of 0.08% means automatic dismissal of any potential DUI charge. However, this is not always the case. 

Florida law allows for DUI charges based on factors beyond breath test results, and it is always important to consult with a top Clearwater DUI lawyer to protect yourself if you have been subjected to a breathalyzer test.

Role of Breathalyzer Tests in DUI Cases

A result of 0.08% on a breathalyzer or higher typically serves as evidence of impairment to an officer conducting a DUI stop. However, even if your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit, you can still be potentially charged with DUI if an officer believes your ability to drive safely is compromised due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination of substances.

Alternative Evidence in DUI Cases

When breathalyzer results fall below the legal limit, law enforcement may rely on other forms of evidence to establish impairment, such as:

  • Field Sobriety Tests
  • Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol 
  • Poor and erratic driving, such as weaving between lanes or failing to obey traffic signals
  • A urine or blood test if drug use is suspected by the officer

Defenses Against Breathalyzer Results Under the Legal Limit

Facing DUI charges when your breathalyzer result is below 0.08% can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing, but viable defenses exist, especially when working with the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

If applicable, your attorney may argue that fatigue, medical conditions, or environmental factors may explain signs of impairment unrelated to substance use. Or, they may simply choose to argue that Field Sobriety Tests are subjective and can be influenced by anxiety, uneven surfaces, poor instructions from the officer, or even improperly administered and handled.

A Low Breathalyzer Result Can Still Potentially Be Incriminating; Protect Yourself Today with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan

If you are facing a DUI charge even after a low breathalyzer result, you should immediately consult with an experienced top Clearwater DUI lawyer at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. 

If you’re facing a DUI charge, you deserve to be represented by the best DWI lawyers in Clearwater. For a complimentary DUI case consultation call our office at (727) 291-9717.

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Can I Still Be Charged with a DUI if I Was on Private Property?

As the top Clearwater DUI lawyer, a common misconception we see is that being on private property exempts drivers from DUI laws. However, under Florida law, you can still potentially face DUI charges even if you were not on a public road. 

DUI Laws in Florida

Florida DUI law applies broadly to any area accessible to motor vehicles, and it includes private property. This means that you technically can be charged with a DUI even if the incident occurs in a location that is not a public roadway, as long as the officer determines you were in ‘actual physical control’ of the vehicle while impaired. 

Working with one of the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater can help you gain confidence in your case, especially if you were wrongly charged with a DUI.

Common Scenarios on Private Property

There are several common scenarios where individuals might face DUI charges on private property. These include:

Residential Driveways

If you were parked in your driveway while sitting behind the wheel, with the engine running, while impaired, you could still face charges. Being in control of the vehicle, even if you did not intend to drive at all, can meet the criteria for a DUI.

Parking Lots

Parking lots, even when privately owned, are considered accessible to the public. An impaired driver in a parking lot can still be charged if the officer says that they observed signs of intoxication.

Private Roads

Roads within gated communities or privately owned areas can also fall under these strict DUI laws if they are open for vehicular traffic and accessible to others.

Defenses for DUI on Private Property

To be charged with a DUI, the state must prove you were in actual physical control of the vehicle. If you were not in the driver’s seat or the car was not operational, this defense could potentially be used. Additionally, If the officer lacked probable cause to approach you or conduct a DUI investigation, it may be possible to challenge the charges.

While DUI laws can extend to cover private property, specific circumstances or technicalities could impact whether the statute applies in your case. In any event, the top Clearwater DUI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan are prepared to thoroughly analyze the details of your situation to determine the best defense strategy.

Don’t Lose Hope if You Were Charged With a DUI on Private Property

Being charged with a DUI on private property in Florida is not only possible but also increasingly common. However, our dedicated Clearwater DUI Defense Team has found that such cases can be ideal for seeking a reduction to Reckless Driving or a dismissal.

We are here for you. To schedule your complimentary DUI case consultation with the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater, call The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717.

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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Ready for Gasparilla? Avoid a DUI Conviction This Year

Residents and visitors of Tampa Bay await Gasparilla every single year. For some, it’s an excuse to dress up like their favorite swashbuckler; for others, it means parties from sunrise until sunset. 

As the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater, the team at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan is committed to ensuring our clients enjoy their Gasparilla this year and avoid a DUI.

Areas of Increased Law Enforcement Presence

During Gasparilla, law enforcement significantly increases its presence in high-traffic areas. While they are meant to promote public safety, they result in a higher likelihood of drivers being stopped. 

Keep a special eye out for:

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

 

To minimize your risk of getting a DUI, plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or arranging for alternative transportation.

Field Sobriety Tests and BAC Levels

If you get stopped by law enforcement, you must understand your rights.  While you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a breathalyzer test, you are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests in Florida. However, refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test can potentially result in an automatic license suspension or arrest under the implied consent law. 

Be polite to the officer(s) conducting your DUI stop, but remember that you have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer incriminating questions without legal counsel from a top Clearwater DUI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Know Your Rights and Request a DUI Hearing

If you are arrested for a DUI, you have just 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and provides you with the opportunity to retain your driving privileges potentially. Ensure you have legal representation and request your hearing to avoid complicating your DUI case. 

Contact an Experienced DUI Lawyer Immediately

If you’re facing DUI charges, reaching out to the best DWI attorneys in Clearwater is one of the most important steps to take. At The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, we understand how stressful an arrest can be, so take measures to avoid a DUI this Gasparilla.

]If you are facing a DUI charge after enjoying Gasparilla festivities, you need to consult with a top Clearwater DUI lawyer. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717.

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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Can I Be Charged with a DUI in Pinellas County if I Wasn’t Driving?

Many people believe that being charged with driving under the influence requires actively operating a vehicle, but that is not necessarily true.

In Pinellas County, law enforcement can file DUI charges against individuals who are not driving based on the legal concept of “actual physical control.” If you find yourself facing a DUI charge when you were not operating a vehicle, it is important that you consult with one of the leading DUI defense lawyers in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

What is “Actual Physical Control”?

The term “actual physical control” refers to the ability to operate a vehicle, even if it is not in motion. Florida law considers someone to be in actual physical control if they are in (or on, in the case of a bicycle or motorcycle) the vehicle and have the capability of operating the vehicle, even if there is no intent to drive whatsoever.

For example, if you are sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car with the keys in the ignition, law enforcement may argue that you have actual physical control over the vehicle, even if the engine is off. Actual physical control arguments against you require a strong defense strategy from an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Situations That Could Lead to a DUI Without Driving

Several situations can potentially result in a DUI charge, even if you are not actively driving the vehicle. 

Sleeping in a Parked Car

If you are intoxicated and fall asleep in your car, you could potentially be charged with a DUI. Law enforcement may argue that you had the potential to operate the vehicle.

Pulling Over to Rest

Even if you stop driving and pull over to avoid driving under the influence, you could still be charged if you remain in control of the vehicle and are intoxicated.

Idling in a Parking Lot

Sitting in a car with the engine running, even if it is parked, can lead to a DUI charge if you are under the influence.

Factors That Influence DUI Charges Without Driving

When law enforcement considers filing DUI charges in cases where driving did not occur, several factors can come into play:

  • If the keys are in the ignition, on your person, or within easy reach, this can support the prosecution’s claim of actual physical control. 
  • Sitting in the driver’s seat, or any position that suggests you could operate the vehicle.
  • The condition of the vehicle, such as a running engine or recent signs of operation, can serve as evidence of your control over it.

 

Protecting Your Rights in Pinellas County After a DUI Charge When You Were Not Driving

DUI charges in Pinellas County are serious, even when driving was not involved. The penalties for a conviction can include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, and even jail time. 

If you are facing a DUI charge, it is critical that you seek experienced legal representation from a top Clearwater DUI defense lawyer. At The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, we are committed to defending individuals accused of DUI offenses, including those involving allegations of actual physical control. 

For a complimentary DUI case consultation with a skilled and dedicated Clearwater DUI attorney, call our office at (727) 291-9717.

 

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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Keeping Holiday Spirits Bright Without a DUI in Pinellas County

The holiday season is a time of celebration, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying festive traditions. But at the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, our Clearwater DUI defense lawyers know how quickly a merry celebration can turn into a serious legal matter, so we’ve compiled our top tips to help keep your holiday spirits bright without a DUI.

Tips for Staying Safe and DUI-Free

  1. The easiest way to avoid a DUI is to plan ahead for a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft instead of relying on driving yourself home. 
  2. If you’re planning to drink, it’s important to know your limits and be mindful of how alcohol affects your body. Different people metabolize alcohol at different rates, and factors like age, gender, weight, and food intake can influence your blood alcohol content. If you’re uncertain about your level of impairment, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid driving.
  3. Never combine alcohol with other substances, such as prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or recreational drugs. The combination of alcohol and these substances can have unpredictable effects on your coordination and reaction time, which can potentially increase the likelihood of an impaired driving arrest.
  4. Taking it easy on alcohol allows you to stay in control, make responsible decisions, and avoid a DUI situation.
  5. If you are pulled over under suspicion of a DUI, immediately seek consultation from an experienced Clearwater DUI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. 

Stay Aware of Increased DUI Patrols and Checkpoints

Around Pinellas County, law enforcement increases DUI patrols and sets up checkpoints during Thanksgiving around high-traffic areas, including:

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

 

If you are arrested for DUI over the holidays, the first course of action is to immediately contact the Clearwater DUI defense lawyers with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, the number one DUI defense law firm for experienced legal representation.

Avoid a DUI This Holiday Season

This holiday season, keep the focus on celebrations with your loved ones, not on the potential consequences of a DUI. 

To schedule a complimentary DUI case consultation with one of the leading DUI lawyers in Clearwater, call the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717. 

 

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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