Driving Under the Influence: A Serious Crime

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Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs is considered as a serious crime in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Taking drug or drinking alcohol can affect your ability of operating a car safely. Driving in such situations is prohibited by law in every state of US and Florida is not an exception.

If the police catch you for violating traffic laws or driving erratically, they can stop you and bring a DUI charge against you. You can be asked to submit to some tests if you are suspected of being intoxicated. The tests may also include blood alcohol test.

Blood Alcohol Content

Alcohol gets absorbed into the blood stream when you consume any drink that contains alcohol. The level of alcohol present in the blood stream is known as BAC or Blood Alcohol Content. The level can be measured by various tests. If you drive with a Blood Alcohol Content level of .08 or above, a DUI charge can be brought against you. There are also zero tolerance laws for those under the age of 21.

The police may ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test if they suspect you for drunk driving. They may also ask you to give blood sample for BAC test. If you refuse to take the test your license will be suspended automatically for a long period of time.

A jury can convict you on the basis of the evidence that your language, movement, conduct and breath showed you were intoxicated. Police collect this evidence through a field sobriety test.

DUI Penalty

Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drug may lead to serious penalties.

First time offenders may have to pay huge fines as well as experience suspension of license and driving privileges.
The penalties increase for second or subsequent offenders. They may face jail time.

One of the major disadvantages of getting a DUI charge is that your automobile insurance premiums increase drastically. Other than that the social stigma attached with getting a DUI charge may also hamper your personal and professional life.

Fighting a DUI Charge

If you want to fight a DUI charge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida hiring a Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer is critical. When you request a trial in order to fight the charge, proceeding without the help of a lawyer is not a wise decision. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help to reduce or even dismiss the charges.