Over the last decade, millions of Americans have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Our country’s fondness for alcohol is well-documented. Approximately seven out of every ten Americans admit to drinking within the last year, and over half of Americans admit that they consumed alcohol within the last month. While there’s nothing inherently illegal about getting a buzz, if you decide to operate a vehicle when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, you could be convicted of DUI if pulled over by a law enforcement officer.
Professional athletes, judges, police officers, and even lawyers have been convicted of DUI. It’s a relatively common charge, but making reparations can be expensive, and repeat offenders typically spend time behind bars. If you’ve been charged with DUI, consult a DUI defense lawyer in St. Petersburg from The Rickman Law Firm for aggressive, experienced representation in a court of law.
When you hire an attorney to represent you following a DUI charge, you want to ensure that they have not only handled cases like yours in the past, but have also developed defense strategies with a high success rate. Typically, an attorney will attack certain aspects of the DUI process to poke holes in the arresting officer’s report.
For example, Anthony Rickman, the lead attorney at The Rickman Law Firm, can assess the traffic stop to see if your rights were violated. Did the police officer have probable cause for pulling you over? If the prosecution cannot prove that they had probable cause, such as video evidence of a traffic infraction or evidence that you were driving while impaired, it may be possible to have your charge dropped.
The field sobriety test is another area of a DUI charge that can be exploited for a positive outcome in court. For instance, if you were nervous, have a physical disability, or naturally lack the coordination to perform a field sobriety test, you may be able to avoid a conviction. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, your driver’s license will be automatically revoked for one year, so contact a DUI defense attorney in St. Petersburg immediately to see what actions can be taken to repudiate this revocation.
When you’re charged with a DUI, it can feel like your life is spiraling out of control. Before you stress yourself out, take a deep breath and relax. Anthony Rickman is the best DUI lawyer in St. Petersburg, and he has handled many cases just like yours. In addition to defending your rights and representing you through the process of working with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Anthony Rickman can increase your chances of reaching your preferred outcome — dismissed or reduced charges. Every case is different, and yours will be evaluated as such. After a careful assessment of your charges, you will be informed about the best course of action moving forward. However, effective results are time-sensitive, so don’t hesitate to call.
For a free consultation with the best DUI attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.