Pompano Beach DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida is a serious criminal offense that may result in jail time, steep fines, and loss of your driving privileges. However, many people don’t realize that extenuating factors are sometimes involved in a DUI stop that may have little to do with drinking before driving. Knowing your rights can ensure that you make sound decisions during a DUI stop and don’t say or do anything that may worsen the situation. 

As a Pompano Beach DUI lawyer, Brian P. Gabriel has an extensive background in Florida DUI law. He has successfully helped numerous clients resolve their cases with their rights intact. 

Florida DUI Stops: Do’s and Don’ts

There are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when contending with a Florida DUI stop. The more prepared you are in your interactions with law enforcement, the more likely you will either only be temporarily detained or at least avoid escalating the situation on the scene.  

DO

• Take a deep breath and try to relax. The more outwardly nervous you act during the traffic stop, the more suspicious law enforcement may become of your state of mind. 
• Upon request, provide the officer with your valid driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
• Be respectful and polite during the entire interaction.
• Stay in your car unless the officer on the scene asks you to do otherwise. 

DON’T

• Volunteer any information during the traffic stop. Only answer questions as required and say nothing more. Don’t openly admit to drinking, even if you have only had one or two. This may be enough for the officer to become more suspicious. 
• Take a field sobriety test. The truth is that these tests may be derailed by any number of factors, including simple clumsiness, so taking them only reinforces the officer’s perception of you at that moment. 

Remember that law enforcement on the scene of a possible DUI will employ any number of methods to gauge your sobriety. In many instances, this perception is created by the individual officer, so it can be highly subjective. A breath test is one of the most common requests to determine your level of intoxication. 

In Florida, the officer must have probable cause to compel you to take a breath test. Here’s where the situation becomes tricky. If you do take the test, the results – which may be inaccurate for many reasons – can be used against you should the state opt to file DUI charges. However, Florida law stipulates an automatic driver’s license suspension if you refuse the test, even if you are not convicted of a DUI. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Florida?

It is important not to panic if you’ve been arrested under suspicion of a DUI in Florida. When you panic, you stop making sound decisions and increase the chances of saying or doing something to hurt your chances of resolving the case successfully. 

The first step you should take is contact a reputable Pompano Beach DUI lawyer. Never talk to the police without an attorney present or you may risk saying something to incriminate yourself, making it challenging to salvage your case. Wait for instructions from your attorney so that you stand the best chance of resolving the situation to your satisfaction. While the officers may seem and sound intimidating, this is where knowing your rights and employing them can make a significant difference in your case outcome. 

Reach Out to a Pompano Beach DUI Lawyer to Learn More

Don’t attempt to deal with the ramifications of a Florida DUI on your own. The implications of a DUI conviction can be more wide-reaching than you may think, and a conviction can be impactful for years to come. Working with a Pompano Beach DUI lawyer is imperative to retaining your freedom and, in some instances, your driving privileges. DUI Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has spent more than 30 years helping successfully resolve their DUI cases. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career. 

Start with a free consultation today by calling The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.