Fort Myers DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Fort Myers, FL

Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol can lead to dangerous decisions on the road and even cause an accident. An arrest and conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to lifelong consequences. The support of a Fort Myers DUI lawyer helps protect you from the serious criminal consequences of a DUI.

Hire a DUI Lawyer at Atlas Defense Law to Defend Your Future

Being charged with a DUI can be isolating and humiliating, but there are options in this incredibly difficult time in your life. You need an attorney who is dedicated to fighting for your rights and has a deep understanding of DUI laws and DUI penalties. At Atlas Defense Law, we provide compassionate support and fierce advocacy backed by nearly two decades of legal experience.

DUI convictions can alter your future, leading to fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and a criminal record. Don’t take this case lightly, but know there is hope. With our firm, you can build an effective defense strategy or negotiate a plea deal, depending on what’s most optimal for your situation.

Our firm responds quickly to calls and communications, and Benjamin Abdulnour, Esq., answers calls personally. His legal guidance helps you understand your situation and offers support. He is experienced with the Sixth District Court serving Fort Myers and has handled over 50 trials, securing several acquittals.

What Is a DUI Offense?

A DUI offense is the offense of driving or having physical control of any vehicle while:

1. You are under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance, and it impairs your normal faculties
2. Your blood alcohol level (BAL) is 0.08% or higher
3. Your breath alcohol level is 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath or higher

If any one of these three things is true, then you can be arrested and charged with a DUI. You do not have to have a BAL higher than the legal limit.

When a DUI Can Be Charged

Just because you are arrested for a DUI doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable. There are options for a defense, but it takes a skilled Fort Myers DUI attorney to find weaknesses in the case against you and advocate for a beneficial outcome.

Criminal Penalties for a DUI

DUI penalties rely on prior DUI convictions, your BAL level, whether there was an accident, and other issues. If there were no aggravating factors in your DUI and it was your first offense, penalties may include:

• Fines from $500 to $1,000
• Up to six months of imprisonment
• Suspension of driver’s license for between 180 days and one year

Penalties can also include installation of an ignition interlock device, probation, DUI schooling, community service, and other consequences. Penalties can increase with aggravating factors, such as a BAL over 0.15%, prior offenses, or a minor present in your vehicle during the DUI offense.

What Are Potential Defenses to a DUI Charge in Fort Myers?

Each DUI case is different. There are several potential options for defense, such as:

• Challenging whether the officer had probable cause to conduct a traffic stop
• Field sobriety tests were insufficient, and the results were affected by other factors like weather, physical or mental disabilities, medications, or other conditions
• Chemical tests are inadmissible due to improper administration, improper calibration of the machines, or failure to follow the proper chain of custody
• Rising blood alcohol between the arrest and the chemical test gave you a higher BAL on the test than you had while driving
• Other rights violations by police officers can negate evidence

FAQs

Q: Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a First-Time DUI Charge?

A: It is incredibly beneficial to hire a DUI lawyer for a first-time offense. Even for a first-time offense, you can lose your license, face high fines, and even face jail time. Aggravating factors, such as causing an accident, can increase these penalties. There are also collateral consequences. With an attorney’s support, you can find a strategic defense or assess the benefits of a plea deal. An attorney can help you limit the consequences of the offense or even avoid conviction.

Q: What Is the Ideal Plea Deal for a DUI?

A: The ideal plea deal for a DUI will depend on the facts of your case, and it is essential that you work with a skilled defense attorney to assess whether a plea deal is in your interests. One option for a plea deal is reducing a DUI offense to a reckless driving offense. This can reduce fines and jail time. It can also protect your driver’s license.

Q: Can a First-Time DUI Be Dismissed in Florida?

A: Yes, a first-time DUI could be dismissed in Florida. An attorney can challenge the conduct of the arresting officer, such as if improper procedure was used or there wasn’t probable cause to complete a traffic stop. Evidence can also be challenged if it wasn’t handled properly. If evidence can be suppressed because it was secured illegally, then the prosecution may not have enough evidence for a case against you. Other defenses could also be used.

Reach Out to Atlas Defense Law in Fort Myers

If you, your child, or someone else you love was arrested for a DUI, contact Atlas Defense Law today.