Clearwater DUI FAQ

If you’ve been pulled over and arrested for a DUI, your future could be on the line. You’re facing major penalties that could haunt you for a long time if you don’t fight back now. Luckily, you have a chance to enlist the help of an attorney from Hersem Law and fight back.

You likely have many questions. We’ve answered a few of the most common below. If you’re looking for help with the administrative process, click here. For more individualized answers, reach out to a lawyer from Hersem Law. We can help you build a defense that works. 

What financial penalties could I face for DUI in Clearwater? 

If you’ve been pulled over for a DUI, a conviction could lead to hefty fines. Those fines could add up and leave you in debt. 

Even if you pay off the fines, your auto insurance company will take note. Your insurance rates will increase, and in some cases, you may even lose insurance coverage, which could leave you looking at even more expensive alternative coverage. 

Could I go to jail for a DUI? 

Yes, you can go to jail for a DUI, even for a first-offense conviction. There isn’t a mandatory jail sentence for a first DUI, however, but you could face six months in jail for a misdemeanor. Aggravating factors could mean even more time behind bars. And if this isn’t your first offense, you could spend a year in jail for a standard DUI. 

What if I was arrested for DUI but my car wasn’t moving? 

In some cases, you could be arrested just for sitting behind the wheel if you’re intoxicated. Although you weren’t driving, the police officer may claim that this means you showed an intent to drive. That could lead to a DUI even if you never pulled out of the parking spot. Call a Clearwater DUI attorney at Hersem Law to help you build a defense. 

Can I refuse a breath test? 

Although you’re allowed to refuse your Breathalyzer test, you will be penalized for it. Drivers give implied consent when they receive their driver’s license, which means that, by accepting your license, you also accept that you could be tested for drugs or alcohol when you drive. 

If you refuse to take the test, your license will be automatically suspended. The first time you refuse, it will be suspended for a year. That jumps to eighteen months if this isn’t your first time refusing a breath test. 

Multiple breathalyzer refusals can also lead to a criminal charge. That’s why it’s so important to contact Hersem Law whether you refused a test or blew over the legal limit.

Call a Clearwater DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for drinking and driving, you may be concerned about the costs of your DUI and what you can do to avoid a conviction. Fortunately, you have options. 

To get answers, reach out to Hersem Law. We offer free strategy sessions, so you can get answers about your Clearwater DUI case before you commit to our firm. To get started with a free strategy session, reach out by calling 813-251-7291 or by filling out the online form below.