Tampa Out-of-State DUI Lawyer

Tampa Out-of-State DUI Attorney

Sometimes, you incur a traffic violation while visiting another state or as you’re passing through. This can be confusing if you’re a non-resident facing penalties outside of your home state, and you are likely unsure how it’ll impact your driving privileges back home. Speak with a Tampa out-of-state DUI lawyer if you need legal assistance while here for a DUI offense.

The criminal defense team at Jeff Marshall Law is highly skilled and deeply experienced in assisting clients from out-of-state as well as Florida residents. Your motor vehicle accident may have resulted in property damage, caused someone serious injury, or was only partially your fault. Perhaps the breathalyzer test was inaccurate. No matter how complex or simple your circumstances are, we can handle your case.

Intoxicated Driving Laws in Florida

Florida traffic law prohibits any motorist from driving or being in immediate physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. There is zero tolerance for drivers under 21 years old who are found with alcohol in their system. They are susceptible to DUI charges if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is as low as 0.02 or above. Minors with a BAC of 0.08 will be charged as adults, as this is the legal limit for adults and necessitates an impaired driving charge.

It is possible for an adult to have a BAC below 0.08 and still be arrested if the arresting officer suspects them of being too impaired to drive safely. However, no further evidence is required if their blood alcohol content is at or higher than the legal limit. Motorists with a BAC of 0.15 or more, among other potential factors, will be charged with an aggravated DUI offense. Additionally, commercial drivers will be charged if their BAC is 0.04 or more.

Out-of-State Motorists Facing a DUI in FL

Florida is a frequent vacation destination, so it’s not uncommon for out-of-state tourists, particularly drivers, to visit. Many truck drivers from all over the country traverse the state on their route as well. However, traffic offenses will occur wherever people are, and any driver found violating the law will be held responsible, whether they’re a resident or not.

For non-resident offenders, you are subject to Florida’s laws and penalties if convicted of the charges against you, which will also likely carry over into your home state. Florida is a member of two interstate traffic violation compacts: the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC) and the Driver License Compact (DLC). These agreements allow participating states to share information with each other about any driving-related infractions that their residents may have incurred elsewhere.

This interstate exchange of information through the National Driver Registry (NDR) means that, if you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, you very well could continue to endure the penalties upon returning to your home state or in other states along the way as well. The majority of states participate in the DLC, except for Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

Penalties for Non-Resident DUI Convictions

Potential punishments for a first-time DUI conviction while in Florida as a non-resident include:

• Paying a fine
• Serving up to six months in jail
• A driver’s license suspension lasting several months
• The installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles owned by the convicted party
• The potential impoundment of their vehicle for multiple days
• Completing community service and/or a substance abuse education and treatment program

The offending driver may fulfill some of their DUI penalties while still in Florida but, due to the state’s compact with most other states, there’s a high likelihood that you will still be subject to completing the same suspensions and punishments when you return to the state in which you reside. Additionally, any traffic convictions and court rulings garnered in Florida will be added to your permanent driving record back home.

FAQs

Q: How Does Florida Handle DUIs for Out-of-State Drivers?

A: Florida handles out-of-state drivers facing DUIs the same as anyone else in the state. Penalties may include license suspension, vehicle impoundment, fines, jail, etc. The difference is that their conviction will be shared with their home state, meaning that they’ll most likely continue to fulfill these penalties back home.

Since DUIs are also transferred to their home state’s driving record, they may face additional driving-related penalties, along with other subsequent consequences of a DUI charge, such as losing a job or a college scholarship.

Q: Can You Get a DUI Dismissed in FL?

A: It’s possible to dismiss a DUI in Florida under some circumstances, but it’s not guaranteed. It’ll depend on the defendant’s attorney and the judge’s decision after reviewing the provided evidence.

Particularly compelling proof may include:

• The arresting officer lacked probable cause for the stop.
• Law enforcement committed other procedural errors or infringed upon the driver’s constitutional rights.
• The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence for the charge.
• You successfully challenge the validity of the result from the breathalyzer or other chemical test.

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: The rates for a DUI attorney will vary, and a case’s cost will depend on its complexity/severity, if it goes to trial, the lawyer’s success record, etc. Some Tampa DUI lawyers charge an hourly rate, while some request a flat fee payment with a potential retainer fee.

Attorneys with a successful record of handling DUI cases may charge more for their services. Complicated cases, such as an accident that injured someone in Tampa, Florida, will likely cost more since there’s more work and time required.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in FL?

A: For first-time DUIs in Florida, possible penalties include:

• Up to six months in jail
• A driver’s license suspension
• Fines
• Community service
• Vehicle impoundment
• Getting an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
• Completing substance abuse treatment

These apply to residents as well as non-residents, which includes college students from out of state, who are subject to academic punishment as well.

Qualified DUI Defense for Out-of-State Students and Visitors in FL

Contact the capable defense team at Jeff Marshall Law if you’re facing charges for impaired driving or another related offense. Our law professionals have handled numerous similar cases to yours and are ready to craft the most effective defense possible for your unique circumstances. Reach out to us today.