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DUI Defense by Carlson Meissner & Hayslett

Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are one of the most common types of criminal cases. But don’t make the mistake of taking these criminal charges lightly simply because they are common in St. Pete. Being convicted of driving under the influence carries serious penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the loss of driving privileges. The Carlson Meissner & Hayslett DUI lawyers in St. Petersburg believe that everyone deserves solid legal representation. We are committed to helping you reduce the negative consequences of a DUI arrest and protecting your best interests. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 727-616-1210 today.

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm - DUI & DWI

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

What Are the DUI Laws in St. Pete, Florida?

DUI is defined as operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater. However, this is not the only DUI law in Florida. There are other laws that may apply to your case, including:

  • Underage DUI: If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02 or greater.
  • Aggravating factors: In Florida, the law imposes more serious penalties on offenders in DUI cases with certain aggravating factors. Examples of aggravating factors that could lead to enhanced penalties include a BAC of .15 or higher and the presence of a minor in your car at the time of your arrest.

A skilled lawyer from our firm will analyze each aspect of your case, including yourtraffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test. At trial, we utilize our own Intoxilyzer 5000 to illustrate how blood alcohol readings are measured and the guidelines that must be followed to ensure that the machine is in proper, working order. We are committed to easing your legal burdens and fighting for your freedom after a DUI arrest.

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When Should You Hire A DUI Lawyer in St. Pete?

The steps you take immediately following a DUI arrest can impact the outcome of your case. If you have been arrested for DUI, it’s in your best interest to move quickly and hire our knowledgeable DUI attorneys in St. Petersburg as soon as possible.

A DUI conviction in Florida has serious penalties and can have long-term consequences that affect you, your family, and your livelihood.Remember that you will lose your driving privileges if you are arrested for DUI. In fact, your DUI citation acts as your temporary driving permit for only 10 days after your arrest.

You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days after your arrest for an opportunity to retain your driving privileges. If you do not request a DMV hearing within 10 calendar days (including weekends), you forfeit your ability to challenge any DMV administrative suspension.

Because of this, it is important to seek legal representation from an attorney right away. Our attorneys can defend you during your DMV hearing to help you fight to retain your driving privileges.

How Can Our Attorneys Help After A DUI Arrest?

The penalties for DUI in St. Pete are serious, and a conviction can lead to a wide range of consequences that affect every aspect of your life.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you shouldn’t face this legal battle alone. You need a DUI attorney from Carlson Meissner & Hayslett in your corner.

Our DUI defense attorneys work hard to protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. Our goal is to do everything possible to preserve your rights, keep your record clean, and prevent you from losing your freedom and your license to drive.

Our attorneys have experience defending clients in all DUI-related matters, including:

  • First time offenders
  • Multiple offenders
  • Drugged driving
  • Accidents
  • Serious bodily injury
  • DUI manslaughter
  • Blood draws
  • Urine screens
  • Prescription drugs
  • DMV hearings
  • Hardship hearings

We know what it takes to win. Let us put our extensive experience and resources to work for you.

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Schedule A No Cost, No-Obligation Consultation With Our DUI DefenseAttorneys in St. Pete

Don’t face DUI charges in St. Pete without a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side. Turn to the trusted DUI attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett as soon as possible after a DUI arrest. For decades, we have helped DUI defendants in St. Petersburg fight for their freedom. Now, let us work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call us at 727-616-1210.

Man drinking from a flask in the drivers seat of a car.

FAQ

Will I have a criminal record after a DUI case?

What is the legal BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit to legally drive in Florida?

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

How much does it cost?

Am I legally required to submit to field sobriety tests?

Am I required to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test?

What happens if I refuse to submit a breath, blood, or urine test?

When can I be asked to submit to a blood test?

What happens if I blow below the legal limit?

Can I contest the DUI arrest license suspension?

Do I have to tell my employer about a DUI charge?

Will I have a criminal record after a DUI case?

Yes. Florida DUI penalties provide that you are ineligible to seal or expunge your record once you have the formal DUI conviction.

What is the legal BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit to legally drive in Florida?

The Florida legal limit for a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

In Florida, a first-time DUI is a misdemeanor offense unless an accident involves serious injuries or death. If your BAC was below .15 or you refused to provide a breath sample, your charge may be classified as a “standard DUI,” with a maximum penalty of six months in county jail. If your BAC were above .15, your DUI would be regarded as “enhanced,” which increases the maximum sentence to nine months in jail.

A second DUI within five years of the first conviction carries several enhanced penalties. A third DUI within ten years of a second conviction can be charged as a felony with a federal prison sentence. However, a third DUI outside ten years of the second conviction remains a misdemeanor and can’t be charged as a felony.

How much does it cost?

Hiring a DUI lawyer in St. Petersburg costs at least $6,000.

Am I legally required to submit to field sobriety tests?

No law or State Statute requires a Florida driver to submit to field sobriety tests. However, your refusal of the tests can be interpreted as a sign of intoxication.

Am I required to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test?

Everybody with a Florida driver's license can be legally required to submit to a breath, blood, or urine sample. Refusal to submit has DMV and criminal law consequences.

What happens if I refuse to submit a breath, blood, or urine test?

If you refuse, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your license for one year. Multiple refusals increase suspension length.

When can I be asked to submit to a blood test?

In Florida, you can be asked to take a blood test when: you voluntarily consent; you are at a hospital, and they cannot take your breath or urine; or you are involved in an accident causing severe injury or death.

What happens if I blow below the legal limit?

Florida law states that you may still be arrested for DUI if your driving is impaired, even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit of 0.08.

Can I contest the DUI arrest license suspension?

Yes, you have ten days to contest your license suspension.

Do I have to tell my employer about a DUI charge?

If your work requires driving, you’ll likely need to tell your employer about a DUI charge.

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