How to Reduce DUI Charges and Penalties in Florida

Being charged with a DUI can have harsh penalties that could leave you struggling to recover financially and otherwise after your arrest. Unfortunately, it can seem tough to fight back. You were pulled over, the officer completed a field sobriety test, and you were charged with drunk driving.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the charges as they are. Speak to a DUI lawyer in Tampa from Hersem Law on how to reduce DUI charges and penalties in Florida. Our attorneys can help you build a defense aimed at reducing or dismissing your charges, even if the situation seems dire.

Getting Lesser Charges

Even if the case against you seems tough to dispute, you may still be able to reduce the DUI charges against you. The officer will need to prove you committed a criminal offense, so you may instead seek to reduce those claims to something less damaging.

For example, you may seek to have your charges reduced to a reckless driving charge. While reckless driving is still a serious offense, driving under the influence could lead to a license suspension and even jail time. If you seek out these other charges, you may still face penalties, but they won’t be as harsh and may later be expunged from your record.

Challenging the Officer’s Evidence

A DUI, even with the officer’s evidence, may not be a clear-cut case. Instead, you might be able to challenge the evidence leveled against you and seek out less-severe penalties.

For example, video footage of the arrest that casts any doubt on the stop can help you. If you weren’t showing physical signs of drunkenness and were calm and courteous throughout the process, it can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed.

In other cases, you may challenge the sobriety test results. While these tests have been improved over the years, they must be handled properly to get accurate results. As such, if the officer isn’t properly trained, or if the tools used during your stop weren’t properly calibrated, you may focus on this to reduce your penalties.

Seek a Lawyer to Fight Your Florida DUI Charges

Being accused of a DUI can a frightening experience, especially if you’re concerned about the effects to your finances and your driving privileges. A conviction can disrupt your life.

That’s why you’ll need to know how to reduce DUI charges and penalties in Florida. Even if you’re concerned about the evidence against you, you’ll have a chance to fight back and get your case reduced or dismissed.

If you’re concerned about your drunk driving case, seek out the help of a lawyer from Hersem Law. We can review your case during a free strategy session so you know what to expect and how we’ll defend you. To begin, reach out by calling 813-251-7291 or by filling out the following online form.