Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer
Request Free ConsultationHave you been arrested in Tampa for a DUI? At Franchi Law we understand the profound impact a this charge can have on your life. You may be feeling lost and stressed at the thought of attempting to navigate the legal system, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our defense team at Franchi Law can help.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Tampa, turn to Franchi Law for help. Our team of experienced Tampa DUI defense attorneys will provide sound legal advice so that you can make the best decisions for you. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation by calling us at (813) 800-4LAW.
What Are The Consequences of a DUI In Tampa?
When it comes to defending a DUI case in Tampa, experience matters. Would you rather have a DUI attorney in Tampa that has only ever been a defense lawyer, or would you rather have a DUI attorney who worked in law enforcement and administered Field Sobriety Tests? Would you also rather have a former Assistant State Attorney? At Franchi Law, your defense team includes both.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Tampa, you need an experienced Tampa DUI defense attorney. You need someone who will develop a strong plan to defend your Tampa DUI case. Penalties for this crime can be anywhere from probation to jail time, as there are usually heavy fines and conditions for a DUI conviction.
Some Of The Most Common Penalties Of a DUI Include:
- Suspension of your Florida driver’s license
- Time spent in jail
- Costly fines
- Probation
- Having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle
- Community service
- Alcohol awareness classes
- Substance abuse evaluation or treatment
Prior DUI convictions can complicate matters and increase the penalties you face. A DUI conviction in Tampa can possibly have implications on your current or future employment.
When defending a DUI case in Tampa, we look at several different parts of the arrest. We start with the stop. We analyze if the basis for the DUI stop were valid, and therefore legal. Next, we look at whether the Field Sobriety Tests were administered properly. Lastly, we look at the breath test.
At Franchi Law, we will give you our honest opinion of the strength of your case based on the factors described above.
What Signs Of Intoxication Does An Officer Look For After He Pulls Someone Over?
The traditional symptoms of intoxication taught at the police academies are:
- Flushed face
- Red, watery, glassy and / or bloodshot eyes
- Odor of alcohol on breath
- Slurred speech
- Fumbling with wallet trying to get license
- Failure to comprehend the officer’s questions
- Staggering when exiting vehicle
- Swaying / instability on feet
- Leaning on car for support
- Combative, argumentative, jovial, or other “inappropriate” attitude
- Soiled, rumpled, disorderly clothing
- Stumbling while walking
- Disorientation as to time and place
- Inability to follow directions
These factors are so important in evaluating a DUI case because driving is considered to be a task that is both cognitive and physical. The theory goes that if you are intoxicated, you can complete a cognitive task or a physical task, but not a task that is both cognitive and physical at the same time. This is the basis for the field sobriety tests. Our Tampa criminal defense attorney, William Franchi has many years of experience of administering these tests, so he knows what law enforcement is looking for when he watches the DUI videos for clients.
Franchi Law Aggressively Defends Tampa Felony and Misdemeanor DUIs
Florida laws define and penalize the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) per FLSA § 316.193. Essentially, the state can get a conviction against you if prosecutors can prove that you were operating a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol to the point that your faculties are otherwise impaired, such as a blood or breath alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher, amounting to felony or misdemeanor charges with potentially severe consequences.
The experienced and aggressive Tampa DUI defense lawyer at Franchi Law defends against DUI charges, including:
- Aggravated DUIs
- Boating DUIs
- Commercial driver DUIs
- First-time DUIs
- Implied consent violations
- Injury DUIs
- Manslaughter DUIs
- Marijuana DUIs
- Prescription drug DUIs
- Property damage DUIs
- Repeat DUIs
- Underage DUIs
One of the above-referenced crimes could significantly impact your freedom and civil rights. Stand firm knowing it is well within your power to stand up against flimsy evidence. Our legal team will consider every angle of your case so that you have a sensible defense for the given circumstances.
Should I Handle My Case on My Own or Hire a Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer?
It is legally possible to handle your DUI case without a lawyer, but why would you want to? Wouldn’t it be better to put your trust in a Tampa DUI defense attorney who has handled DUI cases, and knows what to expect from the prosecution? At Franchi Law, our firm represents people throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the Gulf Coast.
Florida Law Allows for Severe DUI Conviction Penalties
Like many other states, Florida judges can penalize DUI convictions with prison and fines. They can only impose a sentence if you take a plea deal or face a jury conviction, which is not an easy undertaking for prosecutors. However, without conflicting evidence and facts, it is possible to convince a judge or jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here are the following penalties you could face if that happens at a minimum:
- Misdemeanor or felony criminal records
- At least $500 in fines
- Up to six months or more of incarceration
- Loss of driving privileges for six months
- Ignition interlock device (IID) installation
- Community services
- Or more
These penalties can be life-changing for many people, but charges do not indicate that you will face these penalties. After all, the prosecutor must prove their case against your side of the story. Our experienced Tampa DUI defense lawyer will make their endeavor as challenging as possible when hiring Franchi Law to represent your story.
Potential Defenses Against DUI Charges in Florida
You have the right to defend your charges for several good reasons. First, it is a violation of our government not to afford you the due process of the law. Second, you use that due process to present additional evidence and alternative facts not previously discovered by prosecutors and police.
Potential defenses deployed by the Tampa DUI defense attorney at Franchi Law in your case could include the following:
- Potential defense 1. Illegal stops: Did the responding officer have a good reason to pull you over? If not, it does not matter what the test results say. An illegal stop is a significant issue that should have prevented illegal sobriety tests.
- Potential defense 2. No probable cause: Police must also have a lawful reason to arrest you. Sometimes, it is a judgment call, and they may have gotten it wrong. Working with a DUI defense lawyer who understands the law can make the arresting officer sweat on the witness stand.
- Potential defense 3. Flawed test results: Were field sobriety tests handled according to standardized rules? Did they keep their breath test device in good repair? Courts cannot trust deviations away from proper procedure, thereby giving you an out when defending your actions in court.
Retain Your Right to Drive While Awaiting Trial
Per FLSA § 322.28, you can lose your right to drive for a DUI arrest. This suspension is automatic unless you win at the Administrative License Revocation hearing, a civil matter rather than a criminal matter. You will face two cases if you want to retain driving privileges, an essential need for many families and employed workers.
Remember that timing is critical as you only have ten (10) days to request this hearing after receiving notification. Franchi Law will fight for your right to drive and oversee your pending criminal DUI matter. We will argue to keep your license by invalidating the suspension or amending the terms and conditions.
Why Hire Our Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer
Our Tampa DUI defense lawyer, Attorney William Franchi, has years of experience aggressively defending against charges. From felonies to misdemeanors, he can offer a tough defense involving even the most challenging matters. Attorney William Franchi has prior experience as a deputy sheriff with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. During his time as a deputy, he directly administered field sobriety tests. Franchi Law will always stand by your side and place you in the driver’s seat by following your chosen strategy after receiving our legal advice.
Contact Franchi Law Today
We know how frightening and confusing facing DUI charges in Florida is. Let our legal team demystify the process for you at no cost. Call Franchi Law at (813) 800-4LAW or contacting us directly. We offer in-person and remote meetings if you are unable to travel to our Tampa-based office.