North Palm Beach DUI Lawyer
Facing a charge for DUI is one of the most common ways people find themselves wrapped up in the criminal justice system for the very first time. Unfortunately, in North Palm Beach, even a first offense for DUI can tarnish what would otherwise be a clean criminal record.
After over 30 years working in criminal justice law, North Palm Beach DUI lawyer Brian Gabriel has accumulated a thorough understanding of Florida’s DUI laws and how to defend those who have been accused of violating them. Mr. Gabriel has studied the science used to test blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and has discovered flaws in the instruments used to test it.
What are the Laws Against Drunk Driving in North Palm Beach, Florida?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a million drivers are arrested annually for driving under the influence (DUI). In North Palm Beach, DUI is one of the most common criminal charges for which people are arrested, primarily because it is one of a limited number of crimes that can be committed without intent.
Florida Statute 316.193 states that an individual can be arrested for driving under the influence if they are in physical control of a vehicle while impaired or have a BAC of 0.08%. The following modes of transportation are not allowed to be controlled by an operator who is “under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any chemical substance or any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired”:
- Aircraft
- Bicycle
- Motor vehicle
- Golf cart
- Riding lawn mower
- Vessel
- Watercraft
Do not place your DUI case in the hands of an attorney who lacks experience defending DUIs in North Palm Beach. Your reputation, lifestyle, and freedom are all at stake in Florida DUI cases. With that in mind, it’s crucial to fight your case with representation from a trusted and knowledgeable North Palm Beach DUI lawyer.
What is the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor DUI in North Palm Beach?
Various factors can influence the penalties for a DUI case in North Palm Beach. They include:
- What your blood or breath alcohol level was at the time of the arrest
- If the DUI involved an injury or fatality
- If you have any prior DUI convictions
- If there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of your arrest
- If there were any open containers
- What you said to law enforcement during the traffic stop
- If the DUI resulted in an accident and the driver failed to provide their information or render aid
Although most DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanor crimes in Florida, a first DUI offense could send you to jail for up to 6 months and result in having to pay heavy fines. If your DUI is elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony charge, you could be facing life-changing consequences. In Florida, those convicted of a felony DUI are no longer allowed to vote, own a firearm, hold public office, serve on a jury, or renew some professional licenses. Other penalties include:
- Having to pay up to $5,000 in fines
- Spending up to 5 years in prison
- Vehicle impoundment of up to 90 days
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Forced enrollment in DUI school
- Life-long status as a convicted felon and loss of some civil rights
- Completion of up to 50 hours of community service
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle
- Probation
In order for a sobriety or breathalyzer test to produce an accurate result, it must be appropriately administered. However, police officers sometimes fail to follow all protocols accurately and the tests they use may also be flawed. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has successfully called into question results from the Intoxilyzer 8000—the state’s official breathalyzer—in multiple cases because of defects in the device.
Call an Experienced North Palm Beach DUI Lawyer
North Palm Beach DUI Lawyer Brian Gabriel has built strong defense strategies for clients facing charges for DUI, vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and other alcohol-related crimes for over 30 years. Over the years, Mr. Gabriel has built relationships with investigators, experts, and judges in Palm Beach County and has earned the respect of the legal community.
When you choose to fight your North Palm Beach DUI with DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel, he will handle your case and apply the over 30 years of experience to diligently representing the charges brought against you. To request more information about your DUI defense options, call the Law Office of Gabriel and Gabriel today at (561) 622-5575 or complete our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
