Boca Raton, Florida: DUI and DWI Defense Lawyer
You may have heard that conviction on a first or second DUI or DWI offense doesn't usually carry a jail sentence. This may be true — in many cases — but a first-time DUI or DWI conviction still carries serious penalties.
On a first DUI or DWI offense, the penalties include:
- Minimum $250 fine
- About $300 in court costs (excluding attorney's fees)
- An order to attend 12 or 24 hours of traffic school
- Minimum six months' probation
- 50 hours of community service
- Your car will be impounded for a period of time
- Minimum six months' driver's license suspension
- Significant costs for high-risk insurance
If this is your second or third DUI or DWI offense, the penalties upon conviction will only be more serious, including potential jail time.
An experienced DUI/DWI defense lawyer can help minimize these penalties by investigating your case, negotiating a plea-bargain with the state attorney's office, or by taking your case to trial and seeking a not-guilty verdict.
Losing Your Driver's License after a DUI or DWI Arrest
For many of our clients, the most important question after a DUI or DWI arrest is, "How can I keep my driver's license?" Your driver's license will be suspended at the time of the arrest, and you will be given a ten-day temporary driving permit. A formal legal proceeding is required to fight the suspension and get your license back. This legal proceeding is separate from the criminal case against you. You should call a defense lawyer immediately after a drunk driving arrest. You must request a hearing to get your driver's license back within ten days of your arrest. Otherwise, you may lose the right to get your driver's license back for at least six months.
Contact the Law Offices of Peter Perettine to Jump Start Your Defense
Criminal defense attorney Peter Perettine has practiced criminal law in Florida since 1982, and he opened his criminal defense law firm in 1985. With more than 25 years' successful experience as a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Perettine is highly qualified to provide an aggressive and vigorous defense to DUI and DWI charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter charges that involve a DUI or DWI.
We offer free initial telephone consultations and in-person consultations for a reasonable flat fee that is credited against a client's retainer fee if we are hired.
Discuss your case in a confidential setting with an experienced attorney. Call our office at 561-737-0511 or send us an e-mail.
After hours, call our 24-hour emergency line: 561-368-6042.
