Clearwater DUI Lawyer

A drunk driving arrest is embarrassing, and it can lead to even harsher consequences. To keep your record clear, you’ll need a Clearwater DUI attorney to help with your case.

A DUI in Clearwater, Florida, is an expensive charge that can hurt you for some time. Even if you can pay off your fines fast, other consequences might not be so easy to deal with. Your best option is to get help in getting your charges lowered or even dropped completely.

That’s why you’ll need a Clearwater DUI lawyer from Hersem Law before you go to trial. You need a lawyer who can look at your unique situation and find the defense you need to deal with your charges. If you’re concerned with your charges and you need help recovering from them, get the assistance you need from an attorney you can trust.

Penalties for DUI in Clearwater

When you’re dealing with a Florida DUI, keep in mind that the consequences are serious, especially if this isn’t your first offense. While it might seem best to just pay the fines and move on, even a misdemeanor charge can haunt you. Moving on from the drunk driving incident won’t be quite as simple as it sounds.

Before you accept any penalties for a DUI conviction, keep in mind how serious your charges are. Even a first offense can leave you struggling, so take time to understand the penalties you could be paying if you don’t fight back against your charges.

For example, did you know a DUI can be charged as a felony in some cases? And even misdemeanor DUIs can stick you with jail time and huge fines, as well as a drivers license suspension.

Fortunately, a qualified and experienced attorney can help you fight your DUI charge and avoid these penalties or reduce them.

The Damage Doesn’t Stop after Your DUI Charges

Don’t forget that a DUI charge in Clearwater doesn’t stop at losing your license and, in some cases, your freedom. You could also face long-term consequences you might not know about before accepting the charges. For example, you might receive an ignition interlock device, which makes it impossible to start your car before you pass a sobriety test.

That’s embarrassing enough, along with your suspended license, but what about your social life? Most employers, banks, and landlords will complete a background check on all potential employees or residents. If they see a misdemeanor or a felony on your record, including a DUI, you might lose opportunities you need.

A DUI defense attorney can protect you from these consequences. We understand that you’re dealing with a difficult situation, and the consequences looming over you can be distracting. We’ll make sure you get the help you need to overcome these consequences.

Dealing with a DUI Arrest in Clearwater

What happens when you’re arrested for a DUI in Clearwater? Before an arrest happens, it’s best if you know what to expect and who to call when you’ve been arrested. While you won’t have the chance for a more discreet arrest, knowing what to do can make the process less stressful.

Once you’re arrested, you’ll be put in the back of a police car and taken to the local Clearwater jail. From there, you’ll go through the booking process. Your information and charges will be put into the records, and you’ll need to wait around for this process. Once you’ve done so, your bail will be posted, which your lawyer can help you arrange if you or your family or friends can’t.

After you’ve received information about your charges, paid your bail, and learned your court date, you’ll usually be allowed to leave. In some cases, you may need to show you’re sober before you leave, based on your charges. After this, however, you’ll need to get to work defending yourself from your DUI charges.

Defenses After Drunk Driving Charges

When you’re preparing for your case, a strong defense is vital. Your drunk driving lawyer will focus on the details of your case to determine what direction will get your charges dropped or lowered.

Even if there seems like no hope for getting your charges dropped, a lawyer can help. You may need to make an affirmative defense, for example. That means that, while you might have been driving under the influence, you had no choice or otherwise didn’t realize you were acting dangerously.

Keep in mind, however, that every case is unique. While you’ll find plenty of possible DUI defenses online, you need the right defense for your unique claim. Fortunately, our Clearwater lawyers are experienced with many possible defenses and will find the best choice for you.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate in DUI Cases?

If your lawyer believes that something was wrong with the field sobriety tests, that may be the best direction from which to attack your case. Sobriety tests may not always be accurate, especially if you’re sick or if you’ve eaten something.

That means you might need an expert witness on the case. This type of witness wasn’t at the scene, but they can testify to the inaccuracy of these machines and what could have gone wrong when you were pulled over.

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

Those online lists of possible drunk driving defenses can be tempting. You might believe you can handle your defense yourself, without needing to pay the fees that come with teaming up with a top-rated defense attorney. Unfortunately, that could cost you more in the long run.

A defense attorney has the experience and tools you need to deal with your charges. So, while you may believe you have the answers you need, you might not have the resources necessary to have your charges lowered or dropped.

Speak to a Clearwater Drunk Driving Lawyer

Unfortunately, even being a few drinks over the limit can badly affect your life. Without the right help, you could be dealing with the aftermath of a conviction for years after the final verdict is read.

Fortunately, you don’t have to fight back by yourself. You’re struggling to deal with the consequences of your driving under the influence, and you need help recovering after you were pulled over. Even lowered charges can ease your suffering and consequences, making your verdict manageable.

If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, you’ll need help from Hersem Law. We understand the difficulties that come from DUI charges, and we’ll fight so you can keep your freedom. Get started today with a strategy session about your case so you know what to expect before your trial begins.

Eager to start defending your future? Reach out to a Clearwater DUI lawyer. Call 813-251-7291 or fill out the online form below today.