Hire a Lawyer for a DUI in Riverview, Florida

Driving under the influence in Florida is a serious offense. It carries severe legal penalties. Fighting a DUI charge can stress and frighten anyone, especially first-time offenders.

A DUI conviction can leave lasting personal and professional damage by hurting relationships and careers, and the process of trying to avoid those consequences can be emotionally taxing and expensive.

If you or someone you know faces DUI charges in Riverview, Florida, you need trustworthy, professional, legal help.

That’s where Franchi Law comes in.

Franchi Law is your professional source for help with a DUI accusation in Riverview. Having help in your fight against a DUI is critical.

Our attorneys understand how a DUI conviction can severely impact your future, and we know the legal system. We provide you with the best possible defense against criminal charges to minimize the effects on your life so you can get back to living it. Our Riverview DUI defense lawyers are ready to defend your rights and you.

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Riverview DUI Defense Guide

• Choosing Franchi Law for Your DUI Defense
• Riverview DUI Accusation and Defense
• DUI Penalties in Riverview, Florida
• The Riverview DUI Court Process
• What to Do After a DUI Arrest
• How Our DUI Lawyers Can Help You
• Our DUI Defense Methods
• FAQ

Choosing Franchi Law for Your DUI Defense

At Franchi Law, our dedicated DUI defense lawyers in Riverview are here to guide you through your DUI offense.

With a reputation built on excellence, our attorneys are recommended by other legal professionals who trust us to provide top-tier legal support. When you choose us, you can rest assured that you have steady, confident, knowledgeable courtroom advocates to fight for you.

We know that facing a DUI charge can be intimidating. That’s why our lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the legal process with confidence. From your first consultation to the case’s end, your attorney will be readily available to answer your questions, keep you informed, and provide you with clarity and reassurance.

At Franchi Law, we value honesty and transparency. We take pride in offering you a clear and direct DUI case evaluation. Our priority is to keep you fully informed and prepared for every potential outcome, helping you make the best decisions for your future.

Testimonials

Some of the best evidence for our success and dedication comes from our past clients. They say that we provide excellent service and are always available to answer questions, offer support, guide them through the process, and connect them with great providers.

Riverview DUI Accusation and Defense

In Florida, a DUI offense can lead to serious legal consequences. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you could face a conviction.

Field Sobriety Tests

When it comes to testing for alcohol or drug impairment, law enforcement may use field sobriety tests.

The Walk-and-Turn Test

This test measures a driver’s balance and attention. Participants must walk heel-to-toe in a straight line, turn on one foot, and then return the same way, proving their coordination and stability.

The One-Leg Stand Test

Drivers must stand on one leg for 30 seconds without swaying, hopping, or using their arms for balance. This simple test shows physical control and steadiness.

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test

In this test, drivers follow an object—usually a pen or the officer’s finger—with their eyes. It helps officers catch involuntary jerking in the eyes that may indicate impairment.

Important Information for Florida Drivers

In Florida, you can refuse to submit to field sobriety tests. Many lawyers recommend declining these tests politely because results can be subjective and detrimental in court. However, refusing might raise suspicion and lead to the officer asking for a chemical test–which is under Florida’s implied consent laws will require you to take.

DUI Penalties in Riverview, Florida

Florida law prohibits driving or using a vehicle while using alcohol or drugs. The state’s laws mean you could face charges, even if you were not driving.

The penalties for a DUI offense could potentially include:

• Six months or more of jail time
• Fines between $500 and $1,000
• Probation for up to one year, including monthly reporting
• 50 hours of community service
• Vehicle impoundment for 10 days

These are only a few of the possible consequences of driving under the influence in Florida. You may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for six months and could face license revocation for six months to one year. The stakes increase for repeat offenders.

Penalties for Second DUI Convictions

A second DUI conviction comes with even more serious repercussions. You could face fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 or spend up to nine months in jail. If this second offense occurs within five years after your first, expect a minimum 10-day prison term, alongside vehicle impoundment for 30 days and a five-year driver’s license suspension.

After your license reinstatement, you must install an IID for one to two years.

The Third DUI Conviction

If you face a third DUI conviction, the charges can escalate to a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines from $1,000 to $2,500. Similar to previous offenses, you’ll have an IID for two years post-license reinstatement.

However, if the third DUI conviction is within ten years of the last, it becomes a third-degree felony. This severe charge can lead to a $5,000 fine and/or five years in state prison. The court can also enforce a minimum 30-day imprisonment, requiring 48 hours of consecutive confinement.

The Riverview DUI Court Process

When facing DUI charges, you must understand the court process. Your Riverview DUI defense attorney will join you every step of the way.

Arrest

It starts with your arrest, usually during a traffic stop where law enforcement suspects you’re driving under the influence based on your roadside sobriety test. This first interaction is important and the first step.

Bail and the First Court Appearance

After your arrest, you may make bail. Your first court appearance, where the prosecutor brings charges officially, will be scheduled after that. This is your chance to begin addressing the charges against you.

Arraignment

During the arraignment, you’ll enter a guilty, not guilty, or no contest plea to the DUI charges. Your attorney will help you with this important decision so you can choose the best path forward.

Pretrial Motions

Your defense attorney can file pretrial motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence if your rights were violated during the arrest or if the evidence against you has major issues. The prosecution may also file motions based on case specifics.

Discovery

In the discovery phase, both the defense and prosecution exchange evidence for trial preparation. This includes police reports, witness statements, and any video evidence relevant to your case.

Plea Bargains

Many DUI cases end with plea bargains. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially reduce charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea, saving you time and reducing uncertainty.

Trial

If there’s no plea agreement, your case will head to trial. Both sides will present their evidence and arguments, leading to a verdict from the judge or jury.

Sentencing and Appeals

After a conviction, the sentencing phase will follow the trial, where the court will determine penalties. If warranted, your attorney may appeal to contest the conviction or the imposed sentences.

What to Do After a DUI Arrest

After police pull you over for a DUI, stay calm and know and protect your rights.

One of the most important steps is to use your right to remain silent. Avoid discussing your situation or recent activities because anything you say they will use against you in court.

Do as the officers tell you, but protect your rights. You should provide your identification and registration, but you have the right not to answer questions to avoid incriminating yourself. And you do not have to take the breath test.

Call a lawyer immediately. Ask to speak with Riverview DUI defense attorney at Franchi Law. Get legal help immediately to understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and build a good defense strategy.

How Our DUI Lawyers Can Help You

These penalties are scary, but with the right representation, the court could reduce the charges against you or even dismiss your case.

At Franchi Law, our dedicated Riverview DUI defense attorneys can advocate for you. We analyze the prosecutor’s evidence meticulously for any weaknesses that work in your favor and can negotiate plea agreements to suit your best interests.

You don’t have to go through a DUI charge alone. At Franchi Law, our experienced DUI lawyers are here to guide you through every step to uphold your rights.

Our services include:

• Personalized Case Evaluation: We’ll assess your specific situation and create a defense that fits your needs.
• Challenging Evidence: We can challenge the evidence against you, including validity and BAC test accuracy.
• Negotiations: We negotiate for reduced charges or lesser penalties.
• Court Representation: Our attorneys will represent your interests fiercely in court, safeguarding your rights throughout the process.
• Administrative Hearings Assistance: If you’re facing license revocation, we can help you through the administrative hearings.

Our DUI Defense Methods

If you face a DUI charge, the legal process can feel like a maze. The stakes are high, and the consequences could change your life forever. That’s why you need a dedicated DUI defense attorney.

Our DUI defense lawyers in Riverview understand the intricate legal standards and evidentiary challenges in DUI cases. We cover every detail, from evidence accuracy to any procedural errors made during your arrest.

We can:

• Challenge the Traffic Stop’s Legality: Law enforcement must have valid reasons for pulling you over. If your stop was unjustified, any evidence collected could be thrown out.
• Investigate Breathalyzer Test Integrity: We scrutinize the breathalyzer result’s reliability, especially whether the device was properly calibrated or operated.
• Evaluate Field Sobriety Tests: These tests can be subjective and influenced by factors unrelated to intoxication, such as health issues or the testing environment.
• Address Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues can have symptoms similar to intoxication. We can present evidence that challenges the prosecution’s claims.

William Franchi, Riverview  DUI Defense Lawyer

Our attorneys can protect your rights and get the best possible outcome. Your case matters, and we’re here to fight for you.

DUI charges in Riverview, Florida, come with complicated legal processes and heavy consequences. Our Riverview personal injury lawyers at Franchi Law know the law; they know what you’re facing with a DUI accusation.

Whether it’s your first charge or you’ve been through this before, let us help you. Call us immediately if you or someone you know is facing DUI charges so that we can get started on your defense. Call us at (813) 800-4529 for your consultation.

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FAQ

How long does a DUI case take?

The answer depends on many factors. The more complex your case, the longer it will take.

What do I need to show my lawyer?

When you reach out to the DUI lawyers at Franchi Law, make sure you have any paperwork and all details of your case. We’ll discuss the events from your perspective, but you should bring the police report, Breathalyzer or blood test results, court summons, and anything else relevant to your case.

Franchi Law – Riverview Office

11131 Winthrop Market St Suite C,

Riverview, Florida 33578 

Phone: (813) 800-4529