DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer | Orlando & Central Florida
Criminal Defense Attorney, Mary. M. Ibrahim proudly provides DUI Criminal Defense legal services throughout Central Florida, including, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County and surrounding areas.
Call 407.255.6300 today to schedule a confidential consultation with DUI defense attorney, Mary M. Ibrahim.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrest in Florida can be a stressful and confusing experience. The penalties are serious, and the legal process can be complex. If you've been charged with DUI in Orlando, Orange County, or Central Florida, it's crucial to understand your rights and seek experienced legal representation immediately. The Law Offices of Mary M. Ibrahim, P.A., are here to help you navigate this challenging situation.
Understanding DUI in Florida (Florida Statute 316.193)
Florida law prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances, to the extent that your normal faculties are so impaired. "Actual physical control" can include being behind the wheel of a car, even if it's not moving.
Specific DUI Crimes in Florida
Florida law addresses several aspects of DUI, including:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): This is the primary charge, encompassing driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- DUI with Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher: If your BAC is 0.08 or above, it's considered legally intoxicated, regardless of whether your normal faculties are impaired.
- Refusal to Submit to Breath, Blood, or Urine Test: Refusing to take a lawfully requested test can result in additional penalties, including license suspension.
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury: If a DUI results in serious bodily injury to another person, it becomes a felony.
- DUI Manslaughter: If a DUI results in the death of another person, it becomes a very serious felony.
Penalties for DUI Convictions
The penalties for DUI convictions in Florida increase with each subsequent offense and the presence of aggravating factors. Penalties can include:
- Jail Time: From a few days for a first offense to several years for repeat offenses or DUI with serious bodily injury.
- Fines: Substantial fines, often in the thousands of dollars.
- Probation: Supervised probation with specific conditions, such as DUI school, substance abuse evaluation, community service, and ignition interlock device installation.
- Driver's License Suspension: From six months to permanent revocation, depending on the number of prior offenses.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle may be impounded after a DUI arrest.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Requiring the installation of a device in your car that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
- A Criminal Record: A DUI conviction will result in a permanent criminal record.
Potential Defense Strategies in DUI Criminal Cases
Building a strong defense against DUI charges requires a thorough understanding of the law and a meticulous examination of the facts. Some potential defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, the evidence obtained may be suppressed.
- Attacking the Breath Test Results: Breath test machines can malfunction, and the results can be challenged based on various factors, including the machine's calibration and the officer's administration of the test.
- Questioning the Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are subjective, and their validity can be questioned.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can mimic intoxication.
- Rising BAC Defense: If your BAC was below 0.08 at the time of driving but rose above it later due to alcohol absorption, this could be a viable defense.
- Lack of Actual Physical Control: If you were not actually "driving" or in "actual physical control" of the vehicle, the DUI charge may be challenged.
The Importance of Legal Representation in DUI Criminal Defense Cases
DUI cases are complex and carry severe consequences. Attempting to navigate the legal system without experienced representation is extremely risky.
Attorney Mary M. Ibrahim has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against DUI charges in Orlando and Central Florida. She will thoroughly investigate your case, protect your rights, and develop the most effective defense strategy possible. Don't face these charges alone. Contact The Law Offices of Mary M. Ibrahim, P.A., today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for you.
Call 407.255.6300 today to schedule a confidential consultation with DUI defense lawyer, Mary M. Ibrahim.
About Felony Crimes
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence.
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence. Third-degree felonies are the least severe, with a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree felonies are more serious, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies carry the most substantial penalties, with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, although some first-degree felonies have even harsher penalties.
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction in Florida can have lasting consequences, impacting an individual's rights and opportunities. These can include restrictions on voting, firearm ownership, jury service, and certain professions. It's crucial to understand the potential ramifications of felony charges and seek experienced legal counsel. The specific penalties and classifications can be complex, so consulting with a qualified attorney is essential for anyone facing felony accusations.
About Felony Crimes
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence.
In Florida, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year in state prison, up to life imprisonment, or even death. Felonies are categorized into degrees, with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties. The most serious are capital felonies, punishable by death or life imprisonment, followed by life felonies, which carry a life sentence. Third-degree felonies are the least severe, with a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Second-degree felonies are more serious, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. First-degree felonies carry the most substantial penalties, with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, although some first-degree felonies have even harsher penalties.
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction in Florida can have lasting consequences, impacting an individual's rights and opportunities. These can include restrictions on voting, firearm ownership, jury service, and certain professions. It's crucial to understand the potential ramifications of felony charges and seek experienced legal counsel. The specific penalties and classifications can be complex, so consulting with a qualified attorney is essential for anyone facing felony accusations.
About Misdemeanor Crimes
In Florida, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense less serious than a felony, generally punishable by fines, probation, and up to one year in a county jail. Misdemeanors are categorized into two degrees: first-degree and second-degree.
A first-degree misdemeanor is the more serious of the two, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include battery, petit theft (first offense), and driving under the influence (DUI) – first offense. Second-degree misdemeanors are less severe, with a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. These can include offenses like simple assault, disorderly conduct, and certain traffic violations.
While misdemeanors don't carry the same severe penalties as felonies, a conviction can still have negative consequences. A criminal record, even for a misdemeanor, can impact employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life. It's important to take any misdemeanor charge seriously and understand the potential ramifications. Although the penalties are less severe than felonies, legal representation is still crucial to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a conviction. Consulting with a qualified attorney is recommended if you are facing misdemeanor charges in Florida.
Orlando DUI Defense Attorney serving Central Florida Area, including Orange County Florida, Orlando, Maitland, Apopka, Winter Park, Alafaya, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Bithlo, Christmas, Doctor Phillips, Eatonville, Edgewood, Fairway Shores, Goldenrod, Gotha, Hunter's Creek, Lake Buena Vista, Lockhart, Meadow Woods, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlovista, Pine Castle, Pine Hills, Southchase, South Apopka, Taft, Tangerine, Union Park, Wedgefield, Williamsburg, Windermere, Winter Garden, Zellwood, Seminole County Florida, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Forest City, Geneva, Goldenrod, Heathrow, Lake Mary, Lake Monroe, Oviedo, Wekiva Springs, Winter Springs, Osceola County Florida, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Campbell, Celebration, Champions Gate, Deer Park, Four Corners, Harmony, Intercession City, Kenansville, Narc oossee, Poinciana, Reunion, Yeehaw Junction, and surrounding Central Florida Areas.
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