Tavares DUI Attorney
Helping DUI Clients Achieve the Best Possible Legal Outcomes
Have You or Someone You Know Been Arrested for a DUI?
Have you or a loved one been arrested for driving under the influence? Washo and Spivey are a team of skilled Tavares DUI attorneys who specialize in DUI defense for clients in Tavares and Lake County, Florida. We can assess the details of your case and provide strong 24/7 representation both inside and outside the courtroom.
We have been successfully representing DUI clients for 45+ years and understand the severity and sensitivity of these crimes; that is why we manage every case with the highest level of expertise and discretion. Our criminal defense law firm is also conveniently located next to the Lake County Clerk of Courts and Lake County Jail.
Experienced DUI Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights
Driving under the influence is a serious offense with the potential to harm yourself and others, but one mistake should not ruin a client’s life. Our Tavares DUI defense lawyers are here to help guide you through this difficult process and protect your best interests.
Washo and Spivey Law has been successfully representing DUI clients for 15+ years. A DUI can have serious legal and social implications including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and loss of employment. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a Tavares DUI attorney, Bushnell DUI attorney, or The Villages DUI attorney and figure out your best options.
Providing Strong 24/7 Legal Representation in Tavares, FL
What Is a DUI?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) refers to the criminal offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications. This impairment compromises the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, posing significant risks to themselves and others.
Legally, DUI is defined by blood alcohol concentration above a set limit, which varies by jurisdiction. DUI charges can lead to serious legal consequences including fines, license suspensions, and jail time depending on the circumstances.
Types of DUI Charges in Florida
In Florida, DUI charges are serious offenses with strict penalties. The state categorizes DUIs based on factors like blood alcohol content (BAC), previous offenses, and the presence of minors in the vehicle. Penalties escalate from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time for repeat offenders or high BAC levels. Florida also imposes enhanced penalties for DUI with property damage, injury, or manslaughter. These laws reflect Florida’s commitment to road safety and the deterrence of impaired driving.
DUI With Property Damage
DUI with property damage is a criminal charge where an individual driving under the influence causes damage to someone else’s property. This charge elevates the severity of a standard DUI, leading to harsher penalties. Consequences often include higher fines, longer jail sentences, license suspension, and mandatory restitution to the damaged party.
DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter occurs when a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes an accident that results in a fatality. This offense is considered a felony and can carry severe consequences including lengthy prison sentences, expensive fines, and a permanent mark on the offender’s record.
Wet Reckless Driving
“Wet reckless” driving is a plea bargain offered in some DUI cases, typically for first-time offenders with low blood alcohol levels. It’s a lesser charge than a DUI, implying reckless driving involving alcohol, and usually results in reduced penalties like lower fines and shorter jail sentences, but still carries significant consequences.
Aggravated DUI
Aggravated DUI is charged when certain aggravating factors elevate the severity of a standard DUI offense. These factors can include extremely high blood alcohol levels, the presence of minors in the vehicle, causing bodily harm or death, or having multiple DUI offenses. An aggravated DUI carries much stricter penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines in Tavares, FL.
Felony & Misdemeanor DUIs
Felony and Misdemeanor DUIs differ primarily in their severity and consequent legal repercussions. Misdemeanor DUIs usually involve first-time offenses or less severe instances, resulting in lighter penalties like fines or short jail terms. Felony DUIs are for more serious cases, such as repeat offenses or causing injury, leading to harsher punishments like longer imprisonment and larger fines.
First DUI Offense
Depending on the BAC level of the offender and their state laws, first-offense DUI penalties can include fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and mandatory education or treatment programs.
Second DUI Offense
Second-offense DUIs are more severe with harsher penalties than a first offense, often including longer jail time, higher fines, extended license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. This escalation reflects the increased risk and disregard for public safety demonstrated by repeat offenders.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI offense marks a serious and repeated breach of driving under the influence laws, indicating a habitual issue. This offense usually results in even harsher penalties, such as substantial jail time, exorbitant fines, extended or permanent license revocation, and mandatory rehabilitation programs.
Fourth DUI Offense
A fourth DUI offense represents a severe and chronic disregard for driving under the influence laws, reflecting habitual dangerous behavior. This level of offense typically leads to the harshest penalties including long or even lifetime prison sentences, extreme fines, and permanent license revocation.
Find a Tavares DUI Attorney Near Me
Our Tavares DUI attorneys specialize in providing exceptional legal representation for those facing DWI charges. Understanding the stress and uncertainty that accompany such charges, our skilled attorneys approach each case with a blend of compassion and tenacity.
We delve into the intricacies of each case from analyzing breathalyzer accuracy to scrutinizing police procedures, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected. With our comprehensive knowledge of Florida’s DUI laws and a commitment to personalized customer service, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. If you need legal assistance for a DWI charge, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a Bushnell DUI attorney or The Villages DUI attorney.
