DUI vs. Reckless Driving vs. Street Racing: What High-Profile Drivers Need to Know

Florida has tough laws against motor vehicle misconduct, and the legislature continues to tighten them. If you are a high-profile individual who has been charged with DUI, reckless driving, or street racing, a Florida DUI defense attorney at Alers Law Firm can provide you with vigorous legal representation.

Certain motor vehicle offenses in Florida can lead to jail time. The consequences of a conviction stretch far beyond that. If you are a high-profile individual, there may be even more ramifications that you may face, making it extremely important that you take the charges seriously and do so immediately.

Schedule an immediate consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Florida at Alers Law Firm to discuss your case by calling our team at 407-930-4888. We can help devise a legal strategy to not only deal with the charges but also all of the other potential effects that you are facing.

When you have a high-profile position and you are publicly visible, any type of criminal charge relating to driving can carry a number of consequences. Your business, and even your potential continued employment, may be at risk if you are convicted of a serious motor vehicle-related crime. Not only do you need to defend against criminal charges, but you need a multi-pronged strategy to deal with other effects, such as the potential loss of your job or serious damage to your reputation.

The Nature of Serious Motor-Vehicle Related Charges in Florida

First, you need to be aware of the specific nature of charges that you are facing. They can include:

• DUI: Driving under the influence is presumed when you are stopped and found to have had a blood alcohol level higher than 08. You can also be charged with DUI for being under the influence of a controlled substance when behind the wheel. A first conviction can lead to a jail sentence of up to six months and the loss of your license for a period of six months to a year.
• Reckless Driving: This occurs when a motorist drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Excessive speeding more than 30 mph over the limit can be charged as reckless driving. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first conviction. The penalties can escalate if there are serious bodily injuries resulting from an accident.
• Street racing involves any type of competition with another motorist on the road or testing speed against them. It is its own separate criminal offense, and it can be punished by up to six months in jail and the loss of driving privileges for a year.

Other Consequences of a DUI

One of the most critical consequences that you can face for a DUI or other motor vehicle-related conviction is the potential loss of your professional license. Any conviction may need to be reported to a licensing board, such as your State Bar or a medical examination board. While the loss of your professional license is not automatic, you may be ordered to attend substance abuse classes by a professional board.

In addition, information pertaining to any conviction is publicly available, and it can harm your reputation. You may potentially lose your job or have difficulty obtaining another position in the future. Further, a conviction can not only cause significant embarrassment, but your criminal record may follow you for the rest of your life.

You Have Legal Options if You Have Been Charged with a Serious Motor Vehicle Offense

Any potential professional impact is something that you will need to consider when you have been charged with a motor vehicle offense. When you hire a Florida criminal defense attorney for your case, they will consider the entire picture of your situation and all of the consequences you may face. Pleading guilty in your case is not a foregone conclusion. Of course, you have the option to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor, but you can also fight the charges in court if you have valid legal defenses. You must be very aware of the potential ramifications of a guilty plea, so any decision that you make should not be rushed and should be made in consultation with an experienced attorney.

Contact a DUI Defense Law Firm in Florida

Speak to a Florida criminal defense attorney at Alers Law Firm immediately to learn more about how your case may proceed and how you can deal with the charges against you. Schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 407-930-4888.