Tampa DUI Attorney

DUI arrests are all too common in the Tampa area, and the consequences are severe. Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, has more DUI arrests than any other county in Florida. The state of Florida imposes some of the harshest penalties in the country for driving under the influence, including jail time, hefty fines, mandatory DUI school, community service, and driver’s license suspension. The repercussions of a DUI conviction go beyond legal penalties; they can significantly impact various aspects of your life, including your employment, education, insurance rates, and professional licenses. If you are facing DUI charges in the Tampa area, having the best Tampa DUI attorney is crucial to protecting your future.

Understanding DUI Penalties in Tampa, FL

Florida's DUI laws are strict, and the penalties can be life-altering. For a first-time DUI offense, you could face up to six months in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, and a minimum license suspension of 180 days. If your blood alcohol level (BAL) was above 0.15, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, the penalties are even harsher, with potential jail time extending to nine months and fines doubling. Multiple offenses carry even stiffer penalties, including mandatory ignition interlock devices and longer license suspensions. The long-term impact of a DUI conviction on your record can affect everything from job opportunities to your personal reputation, making it essential to have a skilled Tampa DUI lawyer on your side.

The Importance of Hiring a Skilled Tampa DUI Attorney

When charged with DUI in Tampa, FL, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. The legal system can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with court procedures and the intricacies of DUI law. Hiring a qualified Tampa DUI attorney who knows the ins and outs of the local court system can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A dedicated lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, looking into every detail—from the legality of the traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests and the accuracy of breathalyzer results.

Why Choose Marc A. Joseph, P.A. for Your DUI Defense

This is where Marc A. Joseph, P.A. stands out as your best chance to fight DUI charges effectively. With years of experience defending DUI cases in the Tampa area, Marc A. Joseph is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who is intimately familiar with the Tampa courts, judges, and local procedures. This familiarity gives him a strategic advantage in building a strong defense tailored to your specific circumstances.

Marc A. Joseph has the legal knowledge and tactical skills to meticulously review all aspects of a DUI case. From questioning the validity of the breathalyzer and field sobriety tests to challenging the legality of the traffic stop, Marc Joseph leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome for his clients. With a strong track record of reduced charges, dismissals, and acquittals, Marc Joseph is recognized as one of the leading DUI lawyers in Tampa.

How Marc A. Joseph Can Help Defend Your Tampa DUI Case

Hiring Marc A. Joseph, P.A. means you will have an attorney who is dedicated to providing a personalized defense strategy. He will start by conducting a thorough review of the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and video footage. If there are grounds to challenge the evidence—such as improper police conduct, faulty breathalyzer equipment, or violations of your rights—Marc Joseph will aggressively pursue these avenues to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

One of the key strategies Marc Joseph employs is examining whether the police followed proper procedures during your DUI stop and arrest. In Tampa, law enforcement must adhere to strict guidelines when conducting field sobriety tests and breathalyzer exams. Any deviation from these procedures could render the evidence inadmissible, potentially weakening the prosecution's case.

Protecting Your Future After a DUI Arrest in Tampa

Beyond the immediate penalties, a DUI conviction can have far-reaching implications on your life. A criminal record can make it difficult to secure employment, obtain professional licenses, or even pursue higher education opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction can raise red flags that impact your job prospects. Additionally, insurance companies often increase rates or cancel policies altogether after a DUI, creating financial strain.

If you are a professional with a license—such as a doctor, nurse, or pilot—a DUI conviction can jeopardize your standing with licensing boards, putting your career at risk. Having an experienced Tampa DUI attorney like Marc A. Joseph, who understands these complexities, is vital to navigating these challenges.

Contact Marc A. Joseph, P.A. – Your Trusted Tampa DUI Lawyer

If you are arrested for DUI in the Tampa area, don't face the legal system alone. You need a dedicated Tampa DUI lawyer who will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome. Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has the experience, knowledge, and commitment to provide the aggressive defense you need. Don’t let a DUI arrest define your future—call Marc A. Joseph, P.A. today and take the first step towards protecting your rights and your future.

Florida DUI Law Basics

A person has committed the violation of DUI in Florida if they drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above the legal limit: .08% for most drivers, .04% for commercial drivers, and .02% for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21. If a Florida police officer pulls you over with probable cause to believe you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the officer can request you take a blood, breath, or urine test for alcohol. Florida is an “implied consent” state, which means Florida drivers give their implied consent to such alcohol tests when they obtain their license. If the driver refuses, their license is automatically suspended for 12 months for first-time DUI offenders, 18 months for second or third-time offenders. In addition, the driver refusing the test can still be prosecuted for DUI, and their refusal to take the test can be used against them in court.

Once a person is charged with DUI, they must deal with two main issues: (1) restrictions or suspensions on their Florida driver’s license by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and (2) the criminal court system, which can impose penalties of jail time, monetary fines, and more.

The Effect of a DUI on Your Florida Driver’s License

If a Florida driver is arrested for DUI with a BAC above the legal limit, their license is automatically suspended through an administrative suspension by the DHSMV. The administrative suspension time is six months for first-time DUIs, one year for second-time or subsequent DUIs. You only have 10 days after your arrest to demand a formal review hearing by the DHSMV to contest your suspension. If your Tampa DUI attorney, makes a successful argument at this hearing, your suspension may be overturned. Also within ten days of your arrest, you may request a “hardship permit”, which is a permit issued to drivers allowing them to drive to work, school, and religious events. And if you are ultimately convicted of a DUI, you will face an additional drivers license suspension beyond the administrative suspension.

The DUI Criminal Process

The DUI criminal charges will differ depending on whether any property damage resulted from the DUI, or whether anybody was injured or killed. The driver can be charged with aggravated DUI if their BAL is .15% or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, which increases the potential jail time and fine amount. And there are higher penalties for second and third-time DUIs. First-time and second-time DUIs are generally charged as misdemeanors.

The stages of a DUI case are as follows:

First appearance
Arraignment: The hearing where you plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty.
Status hearings
Evidentiary hearings: If your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss your case.
Pretrial conferences
Trial: Either (1) jury trial or (2) bench trial by the judge.

An aggressive and knowledgeable Tampa DUI lawyer is essential during the criminal process. An attorney can challenge numerous parts of the DUI case, including whether you were lawfully stopped by the police, problems with the breath test, and whether or not you were actually impaired by alcohol. If your DUI case needs to be taken to trial, you could have expert testimony to cast doubt on the results of a blood, breath or urine test. Fighting the case with a superior Tampa DUI lawyer at your side could result in dismissal of the case before trial. Or you could agree to a plea deal and have your charges reduced to reckless driving. The details of the plea deal will also need to be negotiated, and this is where an experienced Tampa DUI attorney will be perfect to leverage his relationships with local prosecutors and judges.

Overview of Expertise

DUIs are one of the most common crimes in the Tampa area, and Marc A. Joseph has the experience as a criminal attorney to expertly defend Tampa DUI charges. A person facing DUI charges will want an attorney that is extremely knowledgeable about DUI law and can advise on all the potential risks and penalties. That person will also want a Tampa DUI lawyer who is familiar with the local courts in the Tampa area, having a better feel for the various prosecutors and judges that could handle your case. Marc A. Joseph is both of these ideal attorneys, with the expertise, knowledge, and experience with DUI cases, and his familiarity with the local courts. If you are arrested for DUI in the Tampa area, Marc A. Joseph is the Tampa DUI attorney that can help you when you need it most.

Contact Tampa DUI Attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been arrested for a DUI in the Tampa area, you can call Marc A. Joseph immediately for expert legal representation. As part of his free consultation, Mr. Joseph will analyze the facts of your DUI and help you assess the best options going forward, avoiding jail time if possible. Call (813) 234-6374 today to schedule your free consultation with Tampa DUI attorney Marc A. Joseph, P.A.

Are you looking for someone to help?

You are not just alone, we can help you.

Hire Us