How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida

Investing in a DUI Attorney Can Positively Impact Your Future

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, you are facing severe consequences that can affect you, your family, and your future in so many ways. In fact, even first-time offenders who are found guilty can face prison time.

Because of the tangible and intangible ways this situation can impact your life, engaging the representation of an experienced and reputable  DUI defense lawyer is wise. Their fees represent more than an out-pocket-cost; they are an investment in your well-being and future.

Why Legal Counsel Is Important

Can I Represent Myself?

While the simple answer to this question is yes, in reality this is likely not the best solution to your problem. Quite honestly, Florida takes driving under the influence very seriously.

 

Here is why self-representation is not a good idea:

• DUI laws are complicated.
• Complex legal processes are involved.
• You would be emotionally involved in the case.
• You could accidentally incriminate yourself.

Remember, you have just been accused of a DUI. The outcome of your case and possible consequences can be mitigated by working with an experienced lawyer. Consider this: Even attorneys engage the services of colleagues when they need advice and counsel outside of their specialties.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Charge?

Simple questions deserve straightforward answers. That said, inquiries regarding the cost of a DUI lawyer in Florida are involved. In fact, their fees depend upon a host of factors, including the details of your case. Clearly, the more complex your situation, the more your lawyer will charge.

Additionally, experience is a contributing factor with regard to legal fees.  An established attorney with years of experience, local knowledge, and a reputation for providing quality service will likely charge more than someone just beginning their career. These are all things of which you should be aware and take into account when engaging representation.

The Costs of DUIs Extend Far Beyond Legal Fees

While understanding the fee structure of the DUI lawyer you engage to represent you is important, it is equally critical to recognize the other costs associated with a DUI. Some you should consider include:

• Legal Fines: These may range from $500 – $5,000 depending upon the circumstances surrounding your incident. Fines are generally less for first-time offenders with BAC’s below .15.  Fines increase for higher BACs, having minor passengers in the vehicle, property damage and injuries, repeated offenses, and loss of life.
• Lost wages:  You will lose income if you are imprisoned and are unable to work and earn a living.  Once again, jail time varies depending upon the factors shared above. For the most serious offenses, those involving loss of life, prison terms can reach 15 years. That said, even a conviction of minor charges can result in incarceration. It’s important to recognize that your available time is finite. Simple community service penalties (first-offense maximum is 50 hours) would render you unable to work during the time you were volunteering, thus decreasing your ability to earn money.
• Vehicle impoundment as required by Florida Law
• DUI education and treatment programs
• Court costs
• Ignition interlock device
• Towing fees
• Probation supervision
• Hardship license
• Higher rates for automobile insurance.

These tangible costs, combined with the lasting damage to your reputation and impact on your family, are worth considering. Engaging a DUI attorney can help mitigate these costs and is a valuable investment in your future.

Working with a Skilled and Reputable Attorney Can Make a Real Difference

What You Can Expect Your DUI Lawyer to Do

Many don’t realize the scope of services their DUI attorney will provide. The time commitment associated with quality representation is substantial and extends far beyond standing next to you during a court appearance. When you engage a qualified and reputable DUI attorney, they will handle your case from start to finish. Below is a general outline of what you can expect them to do:

• Meet with you in order to gain a complete understanding of your DUI incident. Your personal account of the event can be extremely valuable.
• Review the details of your arrest to determine whether any of your rights were violated and all sobriety tests were performed appropriately.
• Investigate the charges, including reviewing all available evidence (breathalyzer and bloodwork results, arrest records and witness statements).
• Personally interview witnesses to ensure they have accurate information and complete details; DUI defense attorneys know the right questions to ask.
• Explain the legal process to you, answer your questions, and address your concerns throughout the legal process.
• Complete and file all legal paperwork correctly and in a timely fashion.
• Manage all communications with prosecutors and the courts.
• Negotiate charge reductions and penalties on your behalf.
• Develop your defense using their understanding of the circumstances surrounding your case, their knowledge of the law, and experience working in the Tampa legal community.
• Represent you in court.

Clearly, their approach is multi-faceted and requires experience, knowledge, and a significant amount of time.  The investment they make in your future is real and worthwhile.

Defense Strategies Can Make a Difference

Part of the value in working with a DUI defense lawyer rests in their inherent knowledge of the process and the system. They know what to ask you, what to look for with regard to the evidence, and what to ask witnesses in order to build your defense. Some common defense strategies that may be successfully employed include:

• Citing an improper traffic stop.
• Attacking the validity of the blood or breathalyzer tests. Law enforcement may not have conducted the tests appropriately, or the equipment may have been faulty. Calibration may be of concern.
• Illustrating issues with the procedures associated with your traffic stop and subsequent arrest. Violations of your rights can impact the admissibility of uncovered evidence.
• Identifying witnesses to testify and support you.
• Presenting information including medical or physical conditions (like exhaustion) that may have resulted in your driving impairment, as opposed to drugs or alcohol.

Your DUI attorney may also be able to successfully plea bargain, reducing both the charges against you and the subsequent consequences. Determining which strategy could be most effective and leveraging it appropriately requires the knowledge and skills of an experienced professional.

Excellent Legal Service Is an Investment in Your Future

Taracks & Associates Know How to Handle DUI Charges in Tampa

If you are facing DUI charges, identifying the best attorney with whom to work and engaging them to represent you can make a very real difference in your future.

Taracks & Associates, founded by Barry Taracks, is well-positioned to offer you the comprehensive legal services you need.  For over three decades he has been providing hands-on criminal defense services.  In fact, he has represented more than 10,000 individuals and has extensive experience in defending DUI cases. As a former prosecutor, he knows what to expect and how to respond appropriately. His reputation for both successful outcomes and for providing stellar legal defense services are why so many engage him.

Rest assured, when you work with Taracks & Associates your case will receive the attention it deserves. The team understands that each individual and their case is unique; they take the time to fully comprehend what happened and review every component of the case. Small things can often make a big difference.

Contact Us Today

DUI charges require action right away; you simply don’t have time to waste. Our team is ready to begin work on your case immediately.

We provide all clients with a no-cost consultation. During this meeting we can review your case and share how we believe we can advocate for you and make a difference in your life.

 

We recognize that mistakes happen, and we fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ futures.

Reach out to us at 813-281-2897 to schedule your no cost case review. Once we understand the entirety of your case, we can provide more specific fee details. Protecting your rights and your future are our ultimate goals.