Fort Myers DUI Lawyer

Fort Myers DUI Attorney

A DUI conviction is a serious matter, and you need a solid defense strategy if you are accused of driving under the influence in Florida. Working with a Fort Myers DUI lawyer can give you the optimal chance at dismissing your charges or having the penalties reduced.

The DUI lawyers at Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC have years of experience representing defendants in DUI cases. We understand how to review documentary evidence, initiate plea bargains, and provide clients with guidance on what they should do after being arrested for driving under the influence in Fort Myers. Our team is dedicated to helping clients protect their legal rights.

The Actions You Should Take After a DUI Arrest in Florida

In 2023, approximately 5,132 alcohol-confirmed automobile crashes occurred in the state of Florida, and impaired driving is involved in approximately one-quarter of all motor vehicle deaths in Florida. DUI charges can come with severe penalties, and it is crucial to have a skilled defense attorney who knows how to help.

If you are arrested for DUI in Florida, then you need to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Do not speak about your case with anyone until you consult with a lawyer who is experienced in representing defendants in DUI cases.

It can benefit your case if you write down all the details you can recall about the initial traffic stop and the subsequent arrest. Note any inconsistencies in the officer’s behavior, the reasonable suspicion the officer stated for the traffic stop, and if the officer performed field sobriety tests. It is also important that you verify if the officer informed you of your Miranda rights.

Common Reasons for Dismissal of a DUI Case

The following are some of the most common reasons a DUI charge may be dismissed in Florida:

• Evidence supporting that the defendant is innocent
• Unreliable witnesses
• Faulty evidence
• Problems with field sobriety tests
• Improper arrest

Witness statements regarding the defendant’s sobriety may contribute to a dismissal of charges. Some witnesses may also be unreliable or present conflicting testimony about the behavior of the driver. Breathalyzer test results and other forms of evidence may be faulty or unreliable for a variety of reasons.

How the officer conducts field sobriety tests is also critical to a DUI case in Florida. Wet roads, flashing lights, and large crowds may degrade the reliability of the field sobriety tests. A defendant may have also suffered a physical injury prior to the initial traffic stop, and this may cause the results of field sobriety tests to be inadmissible.

Officers must have reasonable suspicion to engage in an initial traffic stop. How the officer communicated the reason for the stop to the defendant will be relevant to a DUI case. Also, all officers must inform defendants of their Miranda rights upon arrest, and failure to do so can result in dismissal of the DUI charge.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

Common areas for DUI arrests in Florida include areas associated with nightlife, dining, and entertainment. DUI arrests often occur in the downtown River District, in the Bell Tower Shops area, and on Daniels Parkway. In 2022, a total of 44,001 DUI citations were issued throughout Florida. If you are arrested, it is crucial that you reach out to a DUI defense attorney who can be with you every step of the way.

A DUI conviction can impede your ability to obtain stable employment due to restrictions related to your driving privileges. Also, insurance rates often increase for those who have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you hire a DUI lawyer in Florida, you will be able to assert your legal rights and defend yourself in and out of the courtroom, safeguarding your future.

About Us

Donald Day has practiced law in Florida for more than twenty-five years. He was a prosecutor with the Broward and Collier County State Attorney’s Office before entering private practice. Mr. Day has handled criminal appeals at the state level and before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Thomas R. Gorman, III, has worked on cases in Florida and Illinois. He served as an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit in Collier County. He has experience representing clients in criminal and civil cases.

Mike Hopkins began practicing as a prosecutor in Florida and also worked in Naples, Florida, for over ten years, defending high-profile criminal cases. His criminal defense skills earned him the distinction of Top Lawyer by Naples Illustrated multiple times.

FAQs

What Is the Ideal Plea Deal For DUI?

The ideal plea deal for a DUI charge in Florida is a reduction of the offense to reckless driving. A defendant who receives this reduced charge will not have to face a DUI conviction, license suspension, exorbitant fines, or a jail sentence. An individual who pleads guilty to reckless driving may still be required to complete a term of probation, participate in substance abuse education programs, and perform community service.

How To Get a DUI Dismissed in Florida?

How you get a DUI dismissed in Florida depends on the facts and circumstances of the arrest leading to the DUI charge. A criminal defense attorney will identify any constitutional violations the arresting officer committed while pulling you over and performing field sobriety tests. The initial traffic stop must also be based on reasonable suspicion. These and other factors may contribute to a dismissal of a DUI.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI In Florida?

Yes, you should get a lawyer for a DUI in Florida as soon as you know you have been charged with a criminal offense. You may have been arrested and booked into jail for a DUI. As soon as you are able to obtain legal representation, you should do so. A skilled criminal defense attorney can assess the evidence related to your case and determine which legal defenses may be effective for your case.

Contact Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC, Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review the evidence associated with your case, provide you with a case analysis, and determine the next steps you should take.