Carlson & Meissner
Practice Areas

Clearwater, New Port Richey, Bradenton & Spring Hill Defense Attorneys
Serving the Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee & Sarasota Counties in Florida

The Law Offices of Carlson & Meissner
Serving the Community & Protecting Families Since 1971

Personal Injury - Criminal & DUI Defense - Family Law
Social Security Disability - Workers' Comp

DUI Defense

DUI - Driving Under the Influence

When you have been arrested for a DUI, you need a lawyer who can protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. A DUI charge can have serious consequences. Our goal is to do everything possible to preserve your rights, keep your record clean and prevent you from losing your freedom and your license to drive.

Remember that your arrest includes a cancellation of your driving privileges. Your DUI citation acts as your temporary driving permit for ONLY 10 DAYS following your arrest. If you or your attorney do not request a DMV hearing within 10 calendar days (including weekends) following your arrest, you forfeit your ability to challenge any DMV administrative suspension. In order to assure the possibility of maintaining your right to drive, you must apply for a Division of Motor Vehicles hearing within 10 days of your arrest.

You may be asking yourself many of the following questions:

  • Should I pay the other traffic ticket that I got with my DUI ticket?
  • What if I live out of state - must I stay in the state or do I have to come back to Florida for a court appearance?
  • Could the DUI affect my job? What about my insurance rates?
  • If a video of my field sobriety test was made, how will it be used?
  • May I drive now? Can I get Hardship license?
  • What does the breathalyzer test prove? Should I have taken the breath test or refused it?
  • How long will this case take? How much will it cost? What if I have a previous DUI?
  • What if I damaged property - or injured someone - or both? Could I go to jail?

Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, there are numerous challenges that can be made to fight a DUI charge. The circumstances of each traffic stop and arrest, and the breathalyzer test and equipment must be carefully evaluated. We have our own Intoxilyzer on site allows us to demonstrate at trial how the tests are administered and how the machines must be maintained in order to provide accurate blood alcohol readings.

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