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Fight Against Jail Time With A Brevard County DUI Attorney

More than 55,000 people are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) in the state of Florida each year. A first-time DUI offense can carry up to $1,000 in fines, 50 hours of community service and even six months in jail.

Reaching out to a DUI attorney who has experience handling these matters is crucial to keeping your license, staying out of jail and mitigating future consequences. At Goldman, Monaghan, Thakkar & Bettin, P.A., we represent individuals throughout Brevard County, Florida, facing DUI charges. We have assisted many individuals in the same situation you are in. From simple traffic offenses to third DUI charges, we have defended against them all for over 40 years.

How To Defend Against Drunk Driving Charges In Florida

There are several effective defense strategies that can protect you if you face a DUI in Brevard County or elsewhere in Florida. These may include:

  • Challenge breathalyzer results: Question the accuracy and calibration of testing devices
  • Examine officer conduct: Scrutinize the legality of the traffic stop and arrest procedures
  • Look at field sobriety test validity: Highlight potential physical or medical conditions affecting performance

When it comes to penalties, you can see:

  • Expensive fines
  • Points added to your license
  • Community service
  • Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Jail time
  • Probation

Facing DUI charges often intersects with other traffic violations, highlighting systemic issues in law enforcement practices. This makes it even more important to have legal representation as you navigate the administrative and criminal justice systems.

How Our Brevard County DUI Defense Attorneys Can Help

A criminal defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or reduce charges by leveraging local court dynamics in Brevard County. They can also identify procedural errors or constitutional rights violations that may lead to case dismissals. We handle many areas of law and possess decades of combined experience. We know the law and police procedures officers often utilize in drunk driving cases. Let us help you.

Answering The Most Common Questions About DUI Charges In Brevard County

Being arrested for DUI can raise immediate concerns about your freedom, your driver’s license and your future. Our attorneys regularly answer these questions for clients across Brevard County, including Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Space Coast communities.

Will I automatically lose my driver’s license after a DUI arrest in Brevard County?

Not automatically, but your license is at serious risk. In Florida, a DUI arrest can trigger an administrative license suspension by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, separate from the criminal case.

You typically have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a formal review hearing or apply for a hardship license. Missing this deadline can result in an automatic suspension, even if your criminal case is still pending.

Is it better to refuse the breathalyzer test or take it?

There is no universal answer. Florida’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test can lead to an automatic license suspension, even without a DUI conviction. Taking the test may produce evidence that prosecutors rely on. The better option depends on factors such as the reason for the stop, officer conduct and your prior history. We review these details to determine how the decision affected your case.

Can I get my DUI charge reduced to reckless driving?

Possibly. In some cases, a DUI charge may be reduced to reckless driving when there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Issues such as improper traffic stops, flawed testing procedures or unreliable observations can create opportunities for charge reductions. Whether this option is available depends on the specific facts of your arrest and how the case is handled.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Florida?

A first-time DUI conviction can result in fines, probation, community service, DUI school, license suspension and potential jail time. Penalties may increase based on blood alcohol level, property damage or whether an accident occurred. Even a first offense can carry lasting consequences that affect employment, insurance, and driving privileges.

The officer said I “failed” the field sobriety exercises. Does that mean I’m guilty?

No. Field sobriety exercises are subjective and not pass-or-fail tests. Factors such as nerves, fatigue, medical conditions, injuries, footwear and uneven surfaces can affect performance. These exercises do not determine guilt and can often be challenged based on how they were administered and interpreted.

Take Back Control: Call A Brevard County DUI Lawyer

With Goldman, Monaghan, Thakkar & Bettin, P.A., you can regain your life from the fear of a DUI conviction. To schedule a consultation with us, please call our Cocoa law office at 321-639-1320 today. Or, send us an email.