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The Tampa Bay area is home to several major colleges and universities. For this reason, we often handle cases of college students who have been arrested and charged with drunk driving. Sometimes, law enforcement may make a mistake and think a fatigued student is a drunk driver.
In many ways, college DUIs are the same as regular DUIs. However, some circumstances are unique to college students when they are facing DUI charges. Fortunately, regardless of the circumstances surrounding any DUI case, our Taracks & Associates’ Tampa DUI attorney is equal to the task. We’ll review your case thoroughly to determine loopholes we can leverage to secure your freedom.
Note: Our lawyers handle cases for college students at the following universities and other Tampa Bay universities not listed below:
Are you a college student who has been arrested for a Florida DUI? Contact our experienced attorneys at (813)-281-2897 to book a free case review now.
There are many factors that you should consider when hiring a DUI attorney. Some primary characteristics you want to look for include experience, commitment, reputation, aggressiveness, and affordability. Fortunately, you don’t have to search too far as our attorneys at Taracks & Associates law firm embody these qualities.
Our firm has extensive experience with these types of DUI cases. We know specifically how to represent college and university students when they are facing DUI charges. DUI defense has been the core of our legal practice for many years. With a former prosecutor on our team, we have a solid advantage that many other law firms can’t boast of.
Due to decades of providing impeccable legal services, we have achieved a sterling reputation among past clients and peers. Our excellent track record of successful college student DUI cases and client testimonials are proof of this. You can trust us to deliver the best possible outcomes in your case, no matter the unique challenges that arise. Our commitment to serving your best interests remains unparalleled.
As aggressive litigators, we maintain a confident approach in the courtroom, zealously fighting to protect your rights. Become our next success story by reaching out to us at (813)-281-2897 now.
The repercussions of a Florida DUI arrest or conviction can be long-lasting and may significantly affect your career prospects. They include:
A conviction for DUI in Florida is often accompanied by substantial fines, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. You may also face probation, community service, and mandatory DUI education programs. Worse still, you may be sentenced to some years in jail, depending on the severity of your charges.
In addition to criminal and administrative penalties that a person might face after a DUI arrest, college students may also face disciplinary action at the university level. School procedures differ when it comes to punishing students when they are arrested. Many universities place students on probation, and some schools will even completely expel a student for a DUI. If your school has a DUI disciplinary policy, then the Tampa DUI defense attorney at Taracks & Associates can assist in this area. On many occasions, we have accompanied students to their school board hearings.
Many college students do not live on campus but commute to their classes and school events. If you are a commuter student who is reliant on your ability to drive, then a DUI can pose an additional threat to your education. Our firm can represent you at a DMV hearing to fight for your driving privileges. We also help college students who may have already lost their driving privileges to obtain a hardship/restricted license so that they can at least drive to their college or university.
As a college student, you are pursuing an education so that you can have a successful career after graduation or enter into a graduate program for further study. You do not want to have to graduate with a criminal arrest history. Having a DUI on your record could prevent you from gaining good employment or being accepted into a good graduate program — especially if you’re hoping for a career in law, education, medicine, and other areas that require professional licenses.
If you or your child was arrested for drunk driving, our firm can petition for a sealing or expunction of their criminal records. Although DUI arrests can be expunged, convictions cannot be. This is why aggressive defense representation is essential.
Depending on your case’s intricacies, the following defenses may be your best bet for fighting a DUI charge in Florida:
Improper Police Stop
Law enforcement must follow proper procedures to legally arrest you for DUI. Any deviation from the standards can work in your favor. For example, evidence generated where the police officer had no probable cause to stop your vehicle will be inadmissible in court.
Inaccurate Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Tests
Field sobriety tests aren’t always reliable, and you can leverage this fact to build a strong DUI defense. You can argue that the results were affected by poor lighting, physical injuries, weather conditions, etc. Breathalyzer tests may also give inaccurate results due to improper calibration, operator error, or external factors such as certain prescription medications.
Illness/Mistaken Behavior
Under the right circumstances, you can escape a DUI conviction by proving that you were sick, not drunk. That’s because certain medical conditions such as neurological disorders and diabetes have symptoms similar to alcohol impairment.
There are many more legal defenses to DUI that may be explored in your case. Speak to our DUI attorneys to understand your options by calling (813)-281-2897 immediately.
Facing a DUI charge as a student in Florida can be a very frightening experience. You likely are confused about a lot of things and need direction in specific areas. Give yourself much-needed clarity by reading the answers to some of the questions most likely to be on your mind:
How Do I Prevent Future DUI Incidents As a Florida Student?
Take proactive steps to avoid driving after drinking by using ride-sharing services and public transportation instead. Alternatively, you can ensure that the designated driver in the group stays sober during every outing. Also, take advantage of resources and educational programs dedicated to curbing student DUI that your college may offer.
Are There Specific Rules for Underage Drunk Drivers in Florida?
Yes. While the general legal BAC limit for Florida motorists is 0.08%, drivers below 21 years old have a 0.02% BAC limit. Even if they are not criminally charged, underaged drivers will still face administrative penalties, such as license suspension.
Should I Take a DUI Plea Bargain?
While a DUI plea bargain is available in some cases, there are many factors to consider before accepting one. Generally, a plea bargain should be the last resort if there are other available alternatives to explore. It’s important to have our DUI attorney thoroughly review your case and advise you on the best approach to resolving it.
When Should I Reach Out to My Florida College Student Attorney?
Timing is important in DUI cases. The earlier you have our legal team on your case, the better your chances of achieving favorable outcomes, so reach out to our Florida College Student DUI attorney the first opportunity you get. Ideally, this should be done immediately after an arrest and before providing statements to police officers.
If this section doesn’t exhaustively address your concerns, feel free to reach us at (813)-281-2897 for personalized guidance.
College is no doubt a huge investment. A DUI of any severity can compromise a student’s future and the financial investment they have already made toward pursuing their education. If you or your child is facing suspension, expulsion, or a loss of license that can impede the ability to commute to school, then our firm can step in and help.
A DUI charge can be devastating for anyone, but perhaps more so for a college student. At Taracks & Associates law firm, our lawyer has handled this type of case many times before, and we also have former prosecutors on our team. With our experience on your side, you can fight to get your DUI dismissed or reduced.
Schedule a free consultation with our legal team by dialing (813)-281-2897 ASAP!