Pasco County DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI charge can have serious consequences, including driver’s license suspension, large fines and administrative fees, vastly increased insurance rates, and even jail time. If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Pasco County, Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. is here to protect your rights and represent you throughout the legal process. With years of experience handling DUI cases, our firm is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact an experienced Pasco County DUI defense lawyer today to set yourself on the best path toward success.

Florida DUI Laws

In Florida, a person can be charged with DUI if they are found driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while either 1) having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or 2) being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired.

Penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida vary depending on factors such as BAC level, prior offenses, and whether the incident involved property damage, bodily injury, or death. Potential penalties include:

First Offense: Up to six months in jail, fines between $500 and $1,000, and a license suspension of up to one year.
Second Offense: Up to nine months in jail, fines between $1,000 and $2,000, and a five-year license revocation if within five years of the first offense.
Third Offense: Up to five years in prison if within ten years of the prior conviction, fines up to $5,000, and a ten-year license revocation.

Additionally, drivers with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or those charged with DUI while a minor is in the vehicle, may face enhanced penalties.

Defending Against DUI Charges in Pasco County

DUI charges are not unbeatable. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we thoroughly analyze every aspect of your case to build a strong defense. Possible defenses in DUI cases include, for example:

Improper Traffic Stop: Challenging whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle.
Faulty Breathalyzer Test: Questioning the accuracy and reliability of chemical testing equipment and procedures.
Medical Conditions or Other Explanations: Demonstrating that medical issues or other factors may have affected your BAC or physical behavior.
Violation of Rights: Identifying any procedural errors or violations of your constitutional rights during the arrest process.

Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific circumstances to develop a tailored defense strategy.

DUI Penalties in Pasco County, Florida

If you are facing a DUI charge in Pasco County, understanding the potential penalties you face is crucial. Florida takes driving under the influence (DUI) offenses seriously, and even a first-time conviction can result in significant consequences. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we are here to provide the skilled legal defense you need to protect your rights and future. Learn about the consequences of a DUI conviction below, and contact our office for immediate assistance from a skilled and knowledgeable Pasco County DUI defense attorney.

Florida DUI Overview

In Florida, a driver can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher or if their normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs. The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on factors such as prior offenses, the level of impairment, and whether aggravating circumstances exist, such as causing an accident or having a minor in the vehicle. Even without any aggravating factors, penalties increase by law with each succeeding conviction, making it imperative to fight DUI charges even if it is your first (and hopefully last) arrest.

First-Time DUI Penalties

For individuals with no prior DUI convictions, penalties may include the following:

Fines: $500 to $1,000
Jail Time: Up to six months
License Suspension: Six to 12 months
Probation: Up to one year, including mandatory DUI school
Community Service: A minimum of 50 hours

Enhanced penalties may apply if the driver’s BAC was 0.15% or higher or if a child was present in the vehicle.

Second DUI Conviction

A second DUI within five years of a prior conviction carries more severe penalties, including:

Fines: $1,000 to $2,000
Jail Time: Up to nine months (or up to one year if BAC is 0.15% or higher). A jail sentence of at least ten days is mandatory, including at least 48 consecutive hours of confinement.
License Suspension: At least five years, with the possibility of a hardship reinstatement after one year
Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation for at least one year

Third and Subsequent DUI Convictions

A third DUI offense is classified as a third-degree felony if it occurs within ten years of the second conviction. Penalties may include:

Fines: $2,000 to $5,000
Imprisonment: Up to five years, including a mandatory sentence of 30 days or more, with at least 48 hours of consecutive confinement
License Suspension: Minimum of 10 years, with limited options for hardship reinstatement
Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory for at least two years

For DUIs outside the 10-year period, penalties are still harsh and include significant fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can increase the severity of DUI penalties in Florida. These include an accident causing serious bodily injury or death, having a BAC of 0.15% or higher, driving with a minor in the vehicle, or refusing a breathalyzer test after prior refusals. These factors can elevate a DUI to a felony offense, resulting in higher fines, longer jail sentences, and permanent damage to your driving record.

Additional Consequences of a DUI Conviction

In addition to legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have lasting consequences, such as increased auto insurance rates, challenges in securing employment due to the criminal record, loss of certain professional licenses, and even difficulty obtaining certain housing or loans.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Facing DUI charges without an experienced lawyer can be a huge mistake. Florida’s DUI laws are complex, and the consequences of a conviction can upend your life for months or years. Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. We will review the evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, seek to get the case dismissed where applicable, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties, and represent you in court and fight for an acquittal, if appropriate.

If you have been charged with DUI in Pasco County, don’t face the legal system alone. The experienced team at Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today at 727-810-8405 for a free consultation. Let us guide you through this challenging time and work toward a resolution that safeguards your future.

Our firm is committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive advocacy for each client.

How Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. Can Help

Fighting a DUI charge requires a thorough understanding of Florida DUI laws and procedures. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we examine every detail of your case to build a strong defense. Potential defense strategies may include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer results, or identifying violations in law enforcement procedures.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now with a Skilled Pasco County DUI Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Pasco County, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. today at 727-810-8405 for a free consultation. Our Pasco County DUI lawyer will evaluate your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible resolution. Call us now to get started on your defense.

Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. is your trusted partner for DUI defense in New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, and all of Pasco County.