Visiting Miami and Arrested for DUI?
If you recently visited the Miami-Dade area or any other part of Florida and were arrested for driving under the influence, you probably have many questions racing through your mind. You might be wondering how to best respond to the arrest. You might also wonder how many times you will be required to return to Florida before your case will be resolved. At Stroleny Law, we understand the confusion that people commonly face after being charged with a crime when visiting from another state. We will work hard to ensure that you have all the information and resources you need to make the right decisions for your case.
Prepare for an Administrative DUI Suspension
If your driver’s license was taken by law enforcement during the DUI stop, or if you refused to submit to a breathalyzer, you will only have 10 days before an Administrative Suspension is issued. Within this 10-day window, it is critical to meet with a DUI attorney to see if your Administrative Suspension can be challenged.
While some states honor this suspension, others do not. Fortunately, a skilled criminal defense attorney in Miami can verify whether the state in which you reside has reciprocity with Florida and what steps must be taken so that you will be allowed to drive once you return home. If your license from another state was taken during a DUI stop, however, it is important to understand that you will likely face driver’s license restrictions within the state of Florida.
Applying for a Hardship Privilege
If your license has been suspended due to your DUI arrest, a criminal law firm in Miami can help you apply for hardship privileges with the state’s Department of Highway Safety. Frequently, filing for a hardship provision requires:
- Applying for a Hardship Hearing, which must occur in the county where your DUI arrest occurred
- Enrolling in a qualifying DUI school and bringing evidence of your enrollment to the Hardship Hearing or making arrangements to provide proof in advance
- During the Hardship Hearing, answering questions about why you are requesting a Hardship License and agreeing to not combine alcohol or drug use in combination with the operation of a motor vehicle
How Long Must You Remain in Florida After a DUI?
If you have received a court date for your DUI or have been provided with instructions about an arraignment, you will not be required to remain in Florida until this date comes around. Instead, a Florida DUI attorney can appear at these and other court dates associated with the DUI on your behalf. We will be able to navigate matters concerning your DUI while you get back to your life and responsibilities at home. Do not worry; we promise to keep you sufficiently informed about all of the various updates that occur in your DUI case as they arise.
Tips to Quickly Resolve Your DUI Case
In addition to contacting a Miami criminal defense lawyer, there are several other important steps that you can take to reduce the numerous obstacles associated with a Florida DUI, which include the following:
- If you are required to have an Interlock Breath Test device installed in your vehicle, immediately schedule an appointment to have the device placed in your vehicle so that you can drive as soon as possible.
- Get a hardship immediately. Often, being caught driving on a DUI suspension is punished is worse than the underlying DUI charge.
- Immediately contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to reinstate your license after you’ve completed any term of probation.
Speak with a Skilled DUI Lawyer in Miami
If you need help creating a strategy to respond to a DUI arrest that arose while you were visiting the Miami-Dade area, do not hesitate to contact the law office of Stroleny Law today to schedule an initial free case evaluation. We will take the time necessary to respond to your questions, create a strong defense strategy, and remain committed to fighting for the results you deserve.