What Happens After a Florida DUI Arrest?

When you are arrested on charges of Florida DUI, many steps will take place before your case is concluded. Your Florida DUI arrest most likely resulted from a traffic stop or an accident that raised the officer's suspicion that you were driving under the influence. A series of field sobriety tests or on-site BAC testing may have given the officer reason to arrest you for a Florida DUI.  

Following your arrest, you will be booked and placed in jail where you are normally given the opportunity to post bail and be released. You will also be given a hearing date. At the court hearing, your charges will be assessed and you can either plead guilty or choose to defend yourself against your charges. This is where an experienced Jacksonville DUI defense attorney can really make a difference.

On the court hearing date, your attorney will dispute your Florida DUI charges. Your DUI defense attorney may question the validity of certain evidence or the procedures used up to, during, and after your actual arrest. Your DUI defense will be based on the specific circumstances of your case. After this process is complete, the judge or jury will deliver a verdict. Depending on their findings, your charges may be reduced or even dropped, and penalties adjusted as necessary.

A Florida DUI conviction can result in fines, suspension or revocation of your driver's license, community service, jail time, substance abuse rehab programs, and DUI traffic school. Our article library has more information on DUI convictions and what happens after a Florida DUI arrest.

Contacting a Jacksonville DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for Florida DUI, you don't have to plead guilty and accept the penalties. There are many DUI defenses that may apply to your case and a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney from Sullivan & Hepler can help. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.