Resources for Saving Your License:
The 10-Day Rule:
Unless you or your Tampa DUI lawyer request a hearing before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 10 days following the date of your arrest, your license will automatically be suspended.
The circumstances surrounding your arrest may also affect the length of time your license may be suspended. If, for example, your blood/breath alcohol levels were measured at.15% or higher at the time of your arrest, the board may opt to suspend your license above and beyond the length of time you would have received based upon your number of previous DUI arrests. The board may also consider such an aggravated suspension if there were minors present during the time of your arrest.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer? The 10-day rule is your most immediate reason. The state is unforgiving and can suspend your license even if you are found ‘not guilty’ in a criminal court of law. A Tampa DUI attorney can represent you in front of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and help to save your license.These meetings are often highly technical and concern matters of evidentiary admissibility (something for which you will want a lawyer). And even if the board suspends your license, a Tampa DUI lawyer can request a temporary permit that will allow you to drive for specific purposes (like work) while under restriction.
What If I’m From Another State? If you are not from Florida but were nonetheless arrested for a DUI, the decision of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can and will affect your license’s status in your home state. This is possible because of reciprocity compacts that exist between state agencies.Without skilled legal representation, the administrative board’s decision to suspend your license will honored by your home state’s DMV and your license WILL be suspended. Save your license and your driving privileges and call our attorneys today.