Duval County DUI Lawyers

Facing DUI Charges in Duval County? Call Us for Help

Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have severe legal consequences in Florida. 

Having a DUI conviction on your record can impact your personal and professional life in many ways. That's why it's essential to hire an experienced DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.

A Duval County DUI attorney from First Coast Criminal Defense can evaluate the evidence against you, explain the consequences you may face, and help develop a plan to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. With our extensive knowledge and experience with Florida DUI laws, we can work to help you avoid costly fines, license suspension, and even jail time. 

Working with a skilled DUI lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

To help you navigate this difficult time, we offer free consultations with our Duval County DUI lawyers. Don't hesitate to discuss your options with us – there's nothing to lose. Call (904) 474-3115 to get started.

How We Can Help

At First Coast Criminal Defense, we handle all types of DUI cases in Duval County, including those that involve:

• Driving under the influence of drugs
• DUI with serious bodily injury
• DUI manslaughter
• Driver's license suspension
• Multiple DUIs (i.e. second, third, or fourth DUI)
• Underage drivers (under 21 DUI)

Possible Defenses Against a DUI Charge

Being charged with DUI can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, it is important to know that there are several possible defenses we may use against a DUI charge. Potential defense strategies include challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arresting officer's actions, or arguing that the field sobriety or breathalyzer tests were administered incorrectly. 

It is crucial to consult with a DUI defense attorney in Duval County to determine the best course of action for your individual case. With skilled representation and a strong defense, it is possible to fight a DUI charge and protect your rights.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

First Appearance for DUI

A DUI arrest requires immediate legal action. Several time-sensitive matters need an experienced attorney's eye before the accused makes a decision.

For example, Florida law states that if an accused criminal is in custody for more than 24 hours, a first appearance must take place for that individual.

At a first appearance, the judge will:

• Inform the defendant of the charges
• Give the defendant a copy of the complaint
• Advise the defendant about the right to communicate with counsel, family, and friends
• Set conditions of release, if any

This law means the accused may only have 24 hours before going before a judge.

However, the accused can hire a DUI lawyer in Duval County before a first appearance to help make sense of the situation. An attorney can walk the defendant through a copy of the complaint and hear the charges made against the defendant.

Additionally, hiring an attorney can slow down the criminal process, as the court must give the attorney time to show up. As a result, the defendant may have extra time to think about the case and make a plan.

DUI Arraignment

An arraignment is where a judge reads the charges made against the accused. At this point, the defendant must enter a plea.

At an arraignment, a defendant can plea:

• Guilty - Accepting the facts of the case and moving straight to sentencing
• Not guilty - Denying responsibility for the crime, and the court will set a trial date
• No contest plea - Not admitting guilt, but not disputing the charges either

Typically, an arraignment occurs within three days of the defendant’s arrest. Therefore, the accused must determine how he or she is going to plead soon after an arrest.

ARL Hearing

Many people accused of DUIs overlook their license review hearings, which they need to request within ten days of their arrests. During these meetings, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reviews the driver’s case to either maintain or revoke a license suspension.

While a driver’s license suspension is a civil matter, a Duval County DUI lawyer can make the case for license reinstatement. If the DMV upholds a suspension, an attorney can help a suspended driver seek a hardship license from the state.

Investigating the DUI Case

It’s essential to hire an attorney early on in the case to give them time to investigate the facts. With proper time, an attorney can look into the details of the incident to determine if officers committed any errors when: 

• Making the traffic stop
• Administering sobriety tests
• Placing the accused under arrest

Police errors are so crucial because one mistake could result in a dismissed case. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to talk to a lawyer early on in the case to give them proper time to investigate.

Representation For Your DUI Case

If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, time is of the essence. Thankfully, our firm is ready to help. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys named First Coast Criminal Defense one of the 10 best law firms for client satisfaction, which means we have a track record of satisfied defendants. 

If you want award-winning representation, look no further than the Duval County DUI attorneys at First Coast Criminal Defense.

Protect Your Driver's License After a DUI

After a DUI arrest in Florida, your driver's license is immediately suspended. However, you are granted a temporary driving permit for 10 days. It is crucial to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, which is a separate process from the criminal case. Failure to do so will result in a minimum 6-month license suspension starting on the 11th day after your arrest. 

Our team of DUI lawyers in Duval County can assist you in promptly requesting and preparing for your ALR hearing.

Benefits of Working with a DUI Lawyer

Expertise in DUI Laws 

When you hire a DUI defense lawyer, you can be assured that they will have a deep understanding of the DUI laws in your state. An experienced lawyer will know the nuances of the law and how to best defend your case. They will also be familiar with court procedures and have experience negotiating with prosecutors to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Access to Resources 

A DUI defense attorney will also have access to resources that may not be available to you as an individual. This includes things like expert witnesses, private investigators, and other legal professionals who can help build your case. A good lawyer will also be familiar with the local court system in Duval County and able to provide advice on how best to navigate it.

Understanding of Your Situation 

A DUI attorney will also understand the unique circumstances of your particular situation. They will take into account factors such as your criminal history and any mitigating or extenuating circumstances that may affect the outcome of your case. This understanding can help them craft a defense strategy that is tailored specifically for you and increases your chances of a favorable outcome in court.

Ability to Negotiate Plea Deals 

In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal instead of going to trial. A DUI lawyer is well-versed in negotiation tactics and can work with prosecutors to get you the best possible plea deal if this is an option for you. In many cases, this can result in reduced charges, which can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

If you are ready to discuss your options with a Duval County DUI attorney at First Coast Criminal Defense, call us today at (904) 474-3115 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online.