Create a Strategy Before the Festivities

Whether you’re attending a parade or gathering with friends, consider these strategies to avoid drinking and driving:

• Designate a sober driver well in advance of your activities.
• Opt for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for a safe, dependable ride home.
• Plan to spend the night at a trusted friend or family member’s home or a nearby hotel.

Commonly Patrolled Areas in Pinellas County

If you decide to drive home after St. Patrick’s Day festivities, be aware of law enforcement patrolled areas along higher-traffic routes leading to and from popular event destinations in Pinellas County, as well as the following areas: 

• 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.

Steps to Take If You Get Stopped for a DUI

Should you find yourself pulled over for a DUI stop after your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, you should understand your rights and the steps that you can take to avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction:

• Familiarize yourself with your rights during a DUI stop before heading out.
• Remain calm and cooperate with the law enforcement officers.
• Use your right to remain silent until you have legal representation from a top DUI attorney in Clearwater from our team.
• Know that you have the option to decline field sobriety tests.

If you get pulled over for a DUI stop, quickly seek out top-notch legal support and representation from the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Avoid a DUI This St. Patrick’s Day

This St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy your festivities responsibly, be mindful of your rights, and make informed choices to avoid a DUI after your celebrations.

Request a complimentary case consultation or give us a call at (727) 855-3847 to speak with one of the top DWI 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.

The Case of the “Second Refusal to Submit to Testing”

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in St. Petersburg, Clearwater or the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, you should know that there is a significant difference if you refuse the breath test for a first time, and if you refuse a breath, urine or blood test for a second or subsequent time. In most cases, if it is your first ever arrest for DUI and you refuse to submit to breath, urine or blood testing, you will be eligible to apply for a hardship license. Our highly qualified Clearwater DUI Attorneys guide our clients through this process and submit the appropriate paperwork with the DHSMV.

The Enhanced Penalties of a “Second” Refusal

If you are charged with a DUI and you have previously been arrested for a DUI where you refused a breath, urine or blood test, you may face the additional criminal offense of “Refusal to Submit to Testing” under Florida Statute 316.1939. A second refusal carries with it an eighteen-month suspension of your privilege to drive. Unlike a first offense, you are not eligible to immediately apply for a hardship driver’s license.

Potential Jail Time for a “Second” Refusal

A criminal charge of “Refusal to Submit to Testing” associated with a second refusal to take a breath, urine or blood test is frequently viewed by both the State Attorney’s Office and the local judiciary as a charge that is worthy of jail time. This is true even if your previous DUI arrest was reduced to Reckless Driving. In fact, it is not uncommon for the prosecutors to seek and the judiciary to impose jail sentences of 30 to 60 days for the “second refusal” offense.

We are Lawyers that Can Help

During your meeting with a top-rated Clearwater DUI Lawyer with our team, we will discuss the unique facts and circumstances of your case and discuss any proactive steps that you might take to secure the most favorable and lenient resolution. Our attorneys can also file a challenge with the DHSMV in an effort to invalidate the eighteen-month suspension of your license – but we only have ten days from the date on your citation to file that challenge. Time is of the essence to attempt to preserve your privilege to drive.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI or a “Refusal to Submit to Testing,” call our office at 727-855-3847 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.

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 pretrial 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 727-855-3847 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 The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan immediately.

If you need any legal representation, do not wait to contact the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy 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) 855-3847 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  from our team.
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 The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan in the case of a DUI.

Request a free consultation from The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, or give us a call at (727) 855-3847 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 The Law Office of Timothy 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 from our team, 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 The Law Office of Timothy 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 The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan today for the highest quality legal representation throughout your case.

Request a free consultation from The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, the leading DUI defense law firm in Clearwater, or give us a call at (727) 855-3847 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.

Do Not Drink and Drive

The best way to prevent a DUI is to avoid drinking and driving altogether. When getting ready to celebrate with your loved ones, make sure to plan ahead if you do plan on drinking:

• Designate a sober driver before your meal starts.
• Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
• Stay the night at a family’s house or a nearby hotel.

Watch Out for Patrolled Roads This Holiday Season

If you do go on the roads after your party, stay aware of these areas in Pinellas County. You may experience increased law enforcement presence throughout the month of December:

• 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

How to Handle a DUI Stop

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

1. Before you drive, know your rights during a DUI stop.
2. Stay calm and cooperate with the officer.
3. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
4. Know that you can refuse field sobriety tests.
5. Contact the DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan immediately.

As the holidays quickly approach, enjoying the festivities responsibly should be your number one priority. The top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan encourage you to know your rights and stay safe. 

If you or a loved one face a DUI charge this holiday season, request a free consultation from The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, or give us a call at (727) 855-3847 to speak with one of the best 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.

Types of DUI Tests

• Breath Tests (Breathalyzer): Breath tests measure drug use. Be aware that medical marijuana use can trigger positive results, even if it doesn’t necessarily indicate impairment at that moment.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are more accurate for detecting drug use or alcohol levels.
• Urine Tests: Urine is the most common form of testing in drug or marijuana DUI cases. It is inherently unreliable because urine testing only provides historical information of consumption – not current levels of impairment.
• Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): Roadside tests such as walking a line, standing on one leg, touching your finger to your nose, or reciting the alphabet. Such tests are used prior to chemical tests to evaluate a person’s sobriety before an arrest decision is made.

Medical Conditions That Can Affect DUI Test Results

Certain medical conditions can impact the accuracy of DUI test results, both for alcohol and marijuana impairment:

• Chronic Pain: Medical marijuana may be prescribed to individuals with chronic pain conditions. This condition can affect performance on FSTs.
• Epilepsy: Some medical marijuana patients have epilepsy. Treatment medication used may affect balance and coordination, potentially leading to failed FSTs.
• Anxiety Disorders: Patients with anxiety disorders may exhibit nervousness during traffic stops, which can potentially be misinterpreted as impairment.

Legal Implications and Defense Strategies

You should know that having a valid medical marijuana prescription is not a defense to a Marijuana DUI. While a medical marijuana card provides a lawful explanation for your possession or use of marijuana, one can still be prosecuted for a marijuana DUI if the use of medical marijuana causes impairment. 

If you’re facing DUI charges while using medical marijuana as prescribed, you should seek legal counsel immediately. Here are some defense strategies your attorney with our team may use:

• Proper Documentation: Maintain records of your medical marijuana prescription and any related medical conditions to provide your Clearwater DUI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. Your records can be crucial in demonstrating the legitimacy of your marijuana use.
• Expert Witnesses: Expert witnesses may be able to testify about how your medical condition or prescription may have influenced your performance on DUI tests.
• Challenging Test Results: DUI test results may not always be accurate. We may challenge the reliability of the tests used and whether they were administered correctly.
• Reasonable Suspicion: We may examine whether the officer had a reasonable suspicion to stop you in the first place and whether your medical condition was adequately considered.

If you have a medical marijuana prescription and worry about being pulled over for a DUI in Clearwater, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial. The top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan are here to protect and defend your rights.

If you or a loved one are facing a DUI charge, request a free consultation today or give us a call at (727) 855-3847 to speak with one of our expert DUI lawyers 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.

Understanding BPO and Its Eligibility Factors

A Business Purposes Only (BPO) license is a restricted driver’s license that allows individuals with a suspended or revoked license due to a DUI conviction to drive under certain circumstances.

Exploring Eligibility Factors

If it is your first ever arrest for DUI, you will be eligible to apply for a “business purposes only” license. However, you must also establish that you have enrolled in a state-approved DUI educational course, and that your license was valid at the time that you were arrested. Obtaining a “business purposes only” license is not as simple as visiting your local tax collector’s office. The process can be complex and overwhelming for some clients. Our highly rated DUI defense lawyers will help you cut through the red tape and streamline the process of obtaining a hardship license.

Navigating the Legal Gray Area with Professional Help

Obtaining a BPO license involves navigating a legal gray area due to the vagueness of the statute governing its permissible use. Questions arise about what constitutes “business purposes” and how far-reaching these purposes can be. For instance, does driving to DUI School count as an educational purpose?

Given the confusion and conflicting interpretations surrounding BPO eligibility, seeking legal assistance from the experts with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can make a significant difference in your case. As the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater, we understand the intricacies of BPO licenses and can provide valuable guidance.

If you are facing a DUI charge that may affect your driver’s license, request a free case consultation with one of our top Clearwater DUI attorneys or call today at (727) 855-3847. 

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.

Navigating Pinellas County’s Patrolled Roadways Over Labor Day Weekend 

Law enforcement will likely be patrolling along several routes in Pinellas County during the Labor Day weekend, including:

• Memorial Causeway leaving Clearwater Beach
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, especially when leaving or entering downtown
• The Courtney Campbell Causeway westbound as people are returning to Pinellas County from Tampa
• Gulf Boulevard from St. Pete Beach down to Indian Shores
• Largo, in the area of Ulmerton Road and US Highway 19 North

Best Practices in the Case of a DUI Stop 

Despite the best intentions, a DUI stop can occur unexpectedly. The Clearwater DUI attorneys with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan recommend these practices:

Remain Calm and Cooperative

If pulled over, stay calm and follow the officer’s instructions. Avoid any confrontations, as they can escalate the situation.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

You have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. Politely inform the officer that you choose to exercise this right until you have a Clearwater DUI attorney with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan present to help guide you.

Avoid Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are optional. It’s within your rights to refuse them, as they can be subjective and potentially used against you. Declining these tests prevents the potential use of unreliable evidence against you, depriving the State Attorney of important evidence which they rely upon to make their case.

Contact an Attorney

Once possible, reach out to a skilled DUI defense attorney with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. Their expertise can help safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with your rights and state laws regarding DUI stops. This knowledge can empower you during a potentially stressful situation. You can find more resources related to this topic at the links below:

• What Are Your Rights During a DUI Stop
• What You Should Know About Field Sobriety Tests
• Tips From a DUI Lawyer: What To Do If You’re Stopped For Driving Under the Influence

As Labor Day approaches, enjoying the festivities responsibly should be your top priority. Avoid driving under the influence and stay informed about patrolled roadways and the best practices in case of a DUI stop. 

If you are facing a DUI charge this Labor Day, request a free case consultation with one of our top Clearwater DUI attorneys or call today at (727) 855-3847.

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.