Criminal

Blick Law specializes in what it takes to defend you in a criminal case.

DUI

Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer

Get a FREE case evaluation from Tampa Bay Traffic Lawyers at Blick Law Firm in Tampa, FL by calling 888-973-2776 today!

Driving home under the influence may seem harmless, but if caught, the consequences are severe.  Hiring a Tampa DUI defense attorney to represent you is recommended the moment of arrest. A DUI defense attorney will ensure your rights are protected, guide you through the court proceedings, and help you obtain a favorable outcome for your case.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you likely have many questions, such as:

  • Will I lose my driver’s license?
  • Will I face jail time?
  • Will I lose my job?
  • Can I beat the charge?
  • Can I remove the charge from my record?
  • How will a DUI affect my future?

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, generally refers to a person who has physical control of a vehicle while that person’s normal faculties are impaired by any type of drug, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescription medication. Therefore, if you are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol and are in actual physical control of a vehicle, you can still potentially be charged with a DUI.

When a person is charged with a DUI, the consequences may include:

  • License Suspension
  • Drastic Insurance Increases; especially when required to obtain FR-44 insurance coverage
  • Complications with Employment; both present and future
  • Driving Restrictions that require additional costs such as an Interlock Device installed in your vehicle for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or even 2 years, depending on your situation
  • Probation
  • Legal Fees and Court Costs

A determining factor to the severity of a drinking and driving case may result from past record(s). If you are a first time offender your sentence(s) are typically made up of:

  • Serving 50 + hours of community service(s)
  • Court fees
  • DUI School
  • Attending Victim Impact Pane
  • Possible ignition interlock

Charges for a first time offense start at $500 and can be as high as $1,000 in court fines; depending upon the severity of your blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. All cases may be faced with jail time. Repeat offenders are more likely to incur higher court fines and/or community service hours.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Fine Schedule s. 316.193(2)(a)-(b), F.S.

  • First Conviction: Not less than $500, or more than $1,000. With Blood/Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000.
  • Second Conviction: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $2,000, or more than $4,000.
  • Third Conviction: More than 10 years from second: Not less than $2,000, or more than $5,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $4,000.
  • Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not less than $2,000.

These consequences contribute to a multitude of difficulties that one faces when battling a DUI charge. It is important to fully understand and appreciate the severity of possible consequences associated with DUI, and always take all possible steps to avoid Driving Under the Influence.

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. However, a police officer may still arrest you for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if they suspect that your normal faculties are impaired while operating a motor vehicle. Having a BAC under a .08 will increase your chances of overcoming the DUI conviction, but you may still be arrested and endure several hassles that go along with combating a DUI charge.

Police officers will pull drivers over for a number of traffic offenses, even minor ones, and initiate immediate conversation to determine the potential impairment of the driver. To assess the physical signs of impairment, Police will be looking for the ability to maintain eye contact, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath, or bloodshot eyes.

Know that your behavior once you’re pulled over is being scrutinized immediately, especially when pulled over late in the evening or after leaving a bar. Therefore, being polite, answering questions respectfully, and not making legal arguments is in your best interest.

While it is your right to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, not doing so will certainly raise the officer’s suspicion and they will likely investigate further. It is wise to answer questions vaguely and avoid delving into specifics, including any amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party, bar, or football game.

If the Police are suspicious, they will tell you to exit the vehicle, and you must. However, you may refuse to submit to any sobriety tests conducted. Even if you think you can pass the sobriety exercises, it is likely in your best interest to politely refuse because the officer determines whether you passed based solely on their own judgment. Know that you always have the right to contact an attorney before you submit to any test.

If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately! Call Blick Law Firm today at 888-973-2776. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward.

Let Blick Law Firm help you in your time of need. Michael C. Blickensder has over 25 years legal experience and has handled hundreds of DUI cases. Gleaning from our many years of criminal and DUI trial experience, Blick Law Firm will determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

How Does the State Prove a DUI Occurred?

Under Florida law, the State can prove a DUI by:

Proving a person’s normal faculties were impaired, or

Proving a person drove with blood alcohol content level of .08 or above.

*Every state has some sort of “drunk driving” statute. The term “drunk driving” is in quotes because none of these laws require one to be “drunk” or “intoxicated” to be guilty. All that is required is that a person’s ability to operate a vehicle has been impaired or that a person’s blood alcohol level exceeds the state limit (which is now .08% in all states). Some states call it DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). The consequences of a DUI differ drastically from state to state and are influenced by your age, blood alcohol limit, DUI history, and whether an injury or death occurred as a result of the DUI.

Regardless of the manner of the offense, a DUI conviction has severe consequences.  It is important if you are currently facing DUI charges that you seek legal representation.  Call Blick Law Firm today at 888-973-2776.

Why Hire a Tampa DUI Defense Attorney?

Blick Law Firm will contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within ten (10) days of your arrest date to request a hearing and possibly extend your driving privileges. A DMV hearing is an extremely important review of the facts of the case and may give rise to possible defenses which may result in a reinstatement of your driver’s license.
Blick Law Firm is experienced with the courtroom. With our experience, we may be able to obtain a reduced-sentence for you if applicable. Let us help you and work with you in your situation.

In many cases we may be able to help you in your case.  Call us today at 888-973-2776 and get the justice you deserve.

Get a FREE case evaluation from Blick Law Firm in Tampa, FL by calling 888-973-2776 today!

CRIMINAL CHARGES

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

Felony or Misdemeanor Charge?

At Blick Law Firm, we understand that being arrested or facing a criminal conviction is a difficult situation to face alone. Let us help you during this difficult time.

Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, having an attorney at the beginning of your case is extremely important.

Why Hire Blick Law Firm to Defend Your Legal Rights

Blick Law Firm can help you in your case.  Here’s how:

  • Inform you of your constitutional rights
  • Review the details of your case
  • Work diligently with the State Attorney’s office on your behalf
  • Conduct meetings to keep you and your loved ones informed of your case
  • Seek dismissal or reduction of charges for the outcome of your case
  • Apply our experience of over 25 years in the legal field to examine and evaluate your case.

An experienced trial law firm can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

After an arrest you may face many critical questions that can affect your job, loved ones, and future.  Michael C. Blickensderfer is a criminal defense attorney at Blick Law Firm that will aggressively defend your rights and bring his extensive trial experience to assist you in the defense of your case.

Consequences of a Felony or Misdemeanor Conviction

The consequences of a criminal conviction are severe and vary depending on the outcome of your case. Without a criminal lawyer by your side, you may potentially damage the outcome of your case and hurt your chances of a rehabilitated future.
Did you know, if convicted you may lose the right to vote; right to bear arms; live wherever you please; or be denied future educational loans?

What is the Next Step?

We know that you might be anxious or confused about the charges against you and the legal system. Call us and speak to an attorney about your case.  24/7, we are here to help. Call 888-973-2776.

Do not wait until it is too late; choose an attorney with over 25 years legal experience to represent you today!

Get a FREE case evaluation from Criminal Defense Lawyers at Blick Law Firm in Tampa, FL by calling 888-973-2776 today!

Remove or Seal Your Criminal Record

Does Your Criminal Record Follow You for the Rest of Your Life?

Unfortunately, a criminal record has long-lasting affects. A criminal record can affect a person’s chance at getting a job, one’s credit, public benefits, housing options, and more.

Most criminal records remain for life. This is true for felony convictions as well misdemeanor convictions.
Juvenile records or convictions are sealed by law in most cases. However, even a sealed record may appear on searches by government institutions.

What options do you have to remove convictions? It is important to seek counsel with a Criminal Defense Attorney to know your options. In some situations you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record. Expunging your record removes a past conviction from your record.

Can I Get a Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged?

You may be able to get your criminal record sealed or expunged.  Florida law outlines the requirements and procedures necessary to seal or expunge a criminal record.

Speak with an attorney to see if you may be able to seal or expunge your record.  Know your rights.  Call and speak with Blick Law Firm for a consultation to see if you are able to free your past for a new tomorrow!

Get a FREE case evaluation from Criminal Defense Lawyers at Blick Law Firm in Tampa, FL by calling 888-973-2776 today!

Civil Traffic Infractions

Civil and Criminal Traffic Tickets

Got a Ticket? Avoid Points on Your Driving Record

Why deal with the downtown traffic?

Why wait in long and inconvenient lines at the clerks office?

Why take personal and/or work time to handle your ticket?

Let Blick Law Firm help you with your traffic tickets.  An attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of your case, but, having an experienced attorney by your side may help the outcome of your case.  We may be able to help get your ticket dismissed, reduce any fines, or keep points off of your license.  Call us today.

Other Traffic Services

Blick Law Firm may provide driving record rehabilitation.  With driving record rehabilitation, we may be able to help to remove points off your license and restore your driving rights.   We also may be able to remove habitual traffic offender status (HTO).  Call to find out how we can help you today.

Let Blick Law Firm, your Tampa Bay attorney, represent you in traffic court so you do not have to deal with the hassle or inconvenience. We know your time is important to you.

Get a FREE case evaluation from Tampa Bay Traffic Lawyers at Blick Law Firm in Tampa, FL by calling 888-973-2776 today!