Inverness DUI Attorney Defends Accused Drivers
Determined Citrus County lawyer guards legal rights
Inverness is a small town of less than 7,400 residents in Citrus County, Florida, where folks enjoy outdoor activity on the lakes, on the golf course or in Withlacoochee State Forest. Unfortunately, people driving to and from recreational activities occasionally make poor decisions about drinking and driving, and the consequences can be severe. If you’ve been charged with DUI, you need a skilled and determined defense lawyer to protect your rights and strive to obtain the best outcome possible. For decades, the DUI attorneys in Inverness at Largey Law have fought on the side of accused drivers and we are ready to fight for you.
Experienced litigator explains varied types of DUI offenses
A charge of driving under the influence can be based on impairment due to alcohol or drugs. Evidence of blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is enough for a misdemeanor DUI conviction, though the legal threshold is 0.04 for commercial drivers and 0.02 for drivers under the age of 21.
The penalties for a DUI in Florida may be enhanced if there were aggravating factors, such as when the driver:
- Had a BAC of 0.15 percent or greater
- Had a child in the car
- Operated a vehicle recklessly or at an excessive speed
- Had a suspended or revoked license
- Caused an accident inflicting bodily harm on another person
Gauging whether a driver is under the influence of drugs is more complex, since an equivalent of a BAC test does not exist. There must be evidence that inhaling or ingesting a harmful chemical or a controlled substance worsened or diminished the driver’s faculties in some material respect.
Penalties for DUI convictions in Inverness
Florida imposes heavy penalties for DUI convictions and repeat offenders are treated more severely. The range of penalties is as follows:
- First offense — Jail for six to nine months, a minimum fine of $500 up to $2,000 and a license revocation of 180 days to one year.
- Second offense — Jail for nine months to one year, a minimum fine of $1000 up to $4,000 and a driver’s license revocation of five years.
- Third offense — This is a felony if the last conviction was within 10 years of the arrest for the second conviction. It carries a maximum prison term of five years, a fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and revocation of the driver’s license for 10 years.
Other penalties and conditions include alcohol education, substance abuse assessment and treatment and installation of an ignition interlock device (for two DUI convictions within five years or a BAC greater than 0.15) .
Within these mandatory penalty ranges, Florida judges have discretion exercise leniency when justified by particular circumstances and mitigating factors. Skilled representation by an experienced attorney is vital to making the strongest case for a reduced sentence.
Unmatched determination in challenging DUI charges
At Largey Law, we believe every client is entitled to a vigorous defense. We’re prepared to challenge the DUI case against you on substantive and procedural grounds. We question the validity of the traffic stop, the way officers conducted field sobriety tests and the timeliness and administration of breathalyzer, blood or chemical tests. In many cases, we are able to have evidence excluded. By orchestrating a thorough defense, we increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, such as an acquittal or a reduced sentence.
Contact a dedicated DUI defense attorney in Inverness, FL
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Inverness or anywhere in Citrus County, Florida, call the DUI attorneys in Inverness at Largey Law immediately. You can arrange to speak to a trustworthy DUI defense lawyer at 352.508.1485 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
