DUI Attorney Serving Melbourne, Merritt Island, Titusville and the rest of Brevard County.

If you’ve been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (known as the acronym “DUI,” and also sometimes called DWI or OUI), you need to take this charge very seriously. Many people make the mistake of taking their DUI arrests lightly instead of seeking qualified and proven legal representation. If you’re convicted of DUI, you could end up facing penalties including loss of driving privileges, fines, community service, or in some cases, jail time. Additionally, your insurance rates can be increased. And you may even be excluded from some job opportunities due to a DUI conviction.

The first question that should always be asked on a DUI case is why were you stopped? A police officer cannot simply pull a person over because he wants to or because he has a hunch. Rather, they must have a reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation has occurred or that criminal activity is afoot. The reason why the stop is such an important issue is because if the stop is deemed by the judge to be unconstitutional, then the rest of the evidence will be suppressed and your case will be dismissed. One example of an unconstitutional stop is if the police officer pulls a person over because they happened to drift into another lane one time. Florida courts have decided that all people, whether under the influence or not, happen to drift into another lane at times and have declared that a single violation of the lane laws is not enough for a police officer to pull a person over. If you believe that you were pulled over for an unfair reason, you may be right and you may be able to get your case dismissed even before trial.

There are many other ways that one of our experienced DUI attorneys in Melbourne, Merritt Island, or Titusville offices can help you with your DUI case. Only after a thorough investigation of your case will you be able to know all of the possible flaws in the prosecutor’s case against you. Bross, Bross, Thomas and Savy also has a team of expert witnesses that we may use to either re-test your blood sample for possible flaws in the alcohol reading, or testify at trial on your behalf. Bross, Bross, Thomas and Savy LLC specializes in DUI cases, and will do everything possible to put you in the best position to win your case. We have flexible payment plans to help you in your time of need and we will always provide you with the personal attention you deserve.

Drunk driving laws have become increasingly strict over the past several years. However, it is still important to know your rights when you are pulled over. If you are arrested, do not say or do anything that would offend an officer. Remember, he or she is just doing their job. But it is important to remember the following rights:

You have a completely legal Constitutional right to remain silent.

You are only required to provide your name, address, car registration, driver’s license, and insurance information. Other than that, do not say anything. You might unwittingly incriminate yourself. Remember that you must invoke this right — politely inform the office that you invoke your legal right to remain silent.

TIP: You have a Constitutional right to an attorney.
After the police release you from custody, contact a qualified DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Bross and Bross specialize in DUI charge defense.

Right to respectfully refuse field sobriety tests.
In Florida, you have the option of whether to take a breath test at the time the officer pulls you over. However, keep in mind that you are legally required to take a chemical test at the police station. While you should be polite to the officer during your arrest, do not allow anyone to pressure you into sacrificing your rights.

The sentence for first-time offenders may include fines of between $250 and $1,000. According to Florida state DUI laws, individuals may face jail time of up to 6 months for a first offense, or up to 9 months if a minor was present in the vehicle at the time of arrest. Additionally, you will have to perform 50 hours of community service. Your vehicle may also be impounded for 10 days. Of course, penalties increase with enhancements such as higher blood alcohol count or minors in the car, and with each subsequent conviction. If you are a convicted of a third DUI within 10 years or a fourth (or more), these are charges are prosecuted as felonies in the state of Florida. Additionally, if you have caused serious bodily injury to anyone as part of the incidents leading to your DUI arrest, you face third degree felony charges. Felony DUI carries penalties of not more than five (5) years imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines. Your license will be revoked a minimum of 90 days and maximum of one year for your first DUI. Additional convictions, especially felony convictions, carry stricter penalties. First offenders may qualify for hardship reinstatement.

A DUI defense lawyer in our Melbourne, Merritt Island, or Titusville offices can help. It is never a good idea to represent yourself in a drunk driving case, especially if you have faced similar charges in the past. A competent DUI defense lawyer can assist you in getting back your license if it was suspended, and determine the positive aspects of your case that might convince the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you.

It’s easy to see that it’s a wise idea to enlist the help of an attorney who specializes DUI cases. A lawyer from Bross, Bross, Thomas and Savy LLC can help you understand your legal rights under the law. We’ll identify illegal police actions, determine which defenses apply to your case. Whether this is your only DUI charge or your third, an attorney at our law firm can provide the support, advice, and representation you need to fight your DUI charge. Contact us today—your future depends on it.