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Palm Harbor, Clearwater-Largo, Holiday - 727-781-0000

Kantaras & Andreopoulus Attorneys at Law

Clearwater Drunk Driving Lawyers

With law offices in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor, we serve Pasco, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties

Being convicted of a drunk driving offense is frightening, especially if you do not have the support of an experienced attorney.  It is important to be prepared for the possible consequences of a Florida Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction.

Drunk driving arrest in Clearwater

A police officer must have reasonable suspicion of your intoxication in order to legally stop you on the road.  The officer typically uses a variety of tactics to decide whether or not to arrest you, including the following:

  • Questioning: Florida law requires you to identify yourself, but you do not need to answer other questions.  Avoid questions pertaining to alcohol in particular.
  • Request to perform tasks: The officer might ask you to walk in a straight line, recite the alphabet, or balance on one foot in order to determine your level of intoxication.
  • Road side test:  You will be asked to blow into a small device commonly referred to as a breathalyzer.  Most attorneys advise drivers to refuse this test, as it is known to yield inaccurate results.

If the officer still suspects you of DUI, you will be taken to a detention center where you will be administered a breath or blood test.  You are legally required to take this test.  Arrest for DUI occurs if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or above.

You should invoke the right to contact a lawyer immediately following your arrest.

Drunk driving lawyer in Clearwater

If you are involved in a Clearwater drunk driving accident, your penalties will be enhanced from the typical DUI penalties.  However, penalties still depend on the circumstances of your accident.  For example, if you had no passengers and no one was injured or killed, a conviction will result in a 30- to 60-day prison sentence, probation, fines, and the loss of your license for a year.

If, on the other hand, someone is killed in the accident, you could be sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Clearwater drunk driving lawyers

While beginning the defense process may seem daunting, you should contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible following your arrest.  The Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos are known for their success in defense against DUI charges.

At Kantaras & Andreopoulos, we believe in providing each client with personal time and a tailored defense strategy.  Contact us at (727) 544-0000 to schedule a free consultation.