DUI Attorney in Atlantic Beach, FL
At Lockett Law, P.A., our Atlantic Beach DUI lawyers are skilled, aggressive advocate for clients. With a deep understanding of the legal system and extensive experience handling drunk driving cases, our legal team is ready to protect your rights. For a free, completely confidential consultation with an experienced Florida DUI defense attorney, please contact us today.
DUI Charges in Atlantic Beach
A large portion of our practice is devoted to handling intoxicated driving cases. We know how prosecutors approach these cases in the real world. Atlantic Beach, FL criminal defense lawyer L. Lee Lockett has experience fighting drunk driving charges—from first-time misdemeanor offenses to serious felony DUIs. Some DUI cases that we frequently handle include:
- First-offense DUI;
- Second, third, or fourth time DUI;
- Underage DUI;
- Drugged driving cases;
- Felony DUI;
- DUI manslaughter; and
- DUI appeals.
Florida Law: Intoxicated Driving
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 316.193), it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To get conviction on a DUI charge, prosecutors must prove that a defendant was:
- In actual physical control of a vehicle—meaning a person can be charged even if the car was parked; and
- Unlawfully impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Florida is 0.08. While the majority of DUI cases are brought against defendants who were alleged to be over the legal limit, there are plenty of exceptions. For example, charges can be brought against underage drivers (younger than 21) or commercial drivers who have a lower BAC level. Beyond that, drivers deemed to be impaired by drugs other than alcohol may also be charged.
DUI Penalties in Atlantic Beach, FL
Criminal Penalties
In Florida, DUI penalties vary based on a defendant’s history and the presence of aggravating factors. To start, a first-time DUI offense is punishable by six months in jail and a 180-day license suspension. Subsequent DUI offenses will be subject to heightened penalties. Prosecutors can also seek increased penalties if any “aggravating” factors are present. For example, a driver who was highly intoxicated (BAC above 0.15) may face additional punishment.
Administrative Penalties
While many people are not aware of it, Florida will take action at the administrative level before you ever get a chance to have your day in court. In Florida, a DUI arrest will result in an automatic administrative license suspension. To be clear, the charges are enough to trigger an administrative penalty—no conviction is required.
If you were arrested for a DUI, you need to act to stop your license from being hit with an administrative suspension. You can stop the administrative suspension if you request a hearing within 10 days. Call us now. Our Atlantic Beach, FL DUI defense lawyers can help you save your license.
Other DUI Consequences
It is also important to note that drunk driving conviction can carry other consequences as well. For example, a conviction will likely cause a dramatic increase in your auto insurance costs, it will come up in a criminal background check, and it could cost you professional opportunities.
How Florida DUI Lawyer L. Lee Lockett Can Help
Lee Lockett is a top-rated Atlantic Beach, FL DUI defense lawyer. A former Assistant State Attorney, public defense, and co-chair of Florida’s most recognized statewide DUI seminar, he brings unique knowledge and experience to his clients. When you call our office, our legal team will:
- Conduct a free, in-depth evaluation of your case;
- Explain what you are facing if convicted of a DUI;
- Investigate the charges—gathering the evidence needed to build a defense; and
- Take action to help you get the best possible outcome.
Drunk driving charges should always be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the charges are false or unsupported by the evidence, they should be dismissed. In other cases, the best approach may be to focus on limiting penalties—keeping a client out of jail. Regardless, our Atlantic Beach, FL attorneys will devise and execute a defense strategy best suited for your situation.
Get Help From Our Atlantic Beach DUI Defense Attorneys Today
At Lockett Law, P.A., our Florida DUI defense lawyers have the skills, experience, and dedication needed to protect your rights and secure your freedom. If you were arrested on DUI charges in Duval County, we are ready to help. To schedule your free, completely confidential case evaluation, please contact our legal team right away. We represent defendants in Atlantic Beach and throughout Duval County.
