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DUI Your Legal Lifeline in Stormy Seas

Sarasota DUI Defense Attorneys

Defending Drivers in Manatee Counties & Lakewood Ranch Since 1993

DUI arrests in Sarasota and Manatee counties can be a painful experience. Roadside field sobriety tests given to suspected drunk drivers are typically embarrassing. The terrible reality of handcuffs and spending time in jail can be emotionally challenging for any driver. Furthermore, the penalties that could follow a conviction mean that DUI consequences can have long-term implications on your life.

At McIntosh Law, we know how to lessen or avoid the consequences of a DUI arrest. Our Sarasota DUI lawyers, led by attorney McIntosh who has training in forensic blood testing, can investigate the details surrounding your arrest and analyze whether the police properly conducted any breath, blood, or field sobriety tests. Our extensive knowledge of Florida DUI laws puts the skilled legal representation of our entire team on your side. 

Request a confidential consultation with a DUI attorney in Sarasota at McIntosh Law by phone at (941) 299-0701. You can also use our online contact form to get started.

Understanding DUI Charges in Sarasota

Under Florida law, DUI charges are based on the following: 

  • A blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, or
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or any chemical substance to the extent your normal faculties are impaired (regardless of BAC level).

Chemical substances can include illegal drugs, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter products, such as allergy or sleep aids.

Our team of DUI defense attorneys in Sarasota is skilled in investigating these intricate details to defend your rights effectively, examining how substances in your system were determined by law enforcement during the arrest.

What are the DUI Penalties in Florida?

In Florida, DUI penalties can be harsh. Judges must impose specific minimum penalties and adjudicate the driver guilty unless a skillful attorney can negotiate a reckless driving plea or another offense.

Consequences of a DUI conviction include: 

  • For a first conviction: You may face a fine of no less than $500 and a maximum of $1,000. Additional penalties include probation time, DUI school, and driver's license suspension.
  • For a second conviction: Mandatory jail time and fines increase significantly for a conviction within five years, and your license may be suspended for five years.
  • A third conviction: If the third conviction occurs within 10 years, it can result in a lifetime loss of your license and no less than 30 days in jail. However, many judges impose harsher penalties than the minimum required.

Because the penalties escalate with each subsequent conviction, successfully challenging the first DUI arrest becomes critical.

How Does the DUI License Suspensions Works in Florida?

If you face charges for a DUI/DWI, it is vital that you act quickly to protect your driver's license. You must request a DUI DMV Administrative Hearing within 10 days of your arrest. Contact McIntosh Law, your DUI defense attorney in Sarasota, to protect your legal rights. We can walk you through the process and help you prepare for your hearing.

A license suspension can significantly impact daily life by affecting your ability to commute to work, run errands, and even attend to family obligations. Our firm is prepared to explore every option available to contest a suspension or secure a hardship license that allows limited driving privileges. Furthermore, we can guide you through the intricacies of meeting reinstatement requirements once your suspension period ends, ensuring all legal matters are handled with precision.

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Skilled Defenders On Your Side Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

Here's What Sets Us Apart
  • Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication

    With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.

  • Powerful Team Approach

    You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.

  • Strategic & Experienced Defense

    Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.

  • Proven Success

    Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.

What are Aggravating Factors in Florida DUI Offenses?

Certain factors can aggravate a DUI charge, leading to enhanced penalties:

  • High BAC levels: A BAC significantly higher than the legal limit, such as 0.15 percent or higher, can result in more severe charges.
  • Reckless driving: Exhibiting dangerous driving behavior at the time of the arrest can escalate the charge.
  • Presence of minors: Having a child in the car during the offense can increase penalties.
  • Accidents and injuries: Causing an accident, especially one resulting in injury or death, dramatically increases the severity of the charges.

Multiple DUI Offenses in Sarasota

Facing successive DUI charges in Florida carries progressively harsher consequences. Each subsequent conviction can lead to the following:

  • Longer jail sentences: Repeat offenders face mandatory increased jail time.
  • Higher fines: Financial penalties grow with each conviction, often reaching thousands of dollars.
  • Extended license suspensions: Repeat offenses can result in longer periods of license suspension or permanent revocation.
  • Mandatory treatment programs: Offenders may be required to complete substance abuse treatment programs.
  • Mandatory installation and maintenance of ignition interlock devices: These function as in-car breathalyzers, requiring drivers to provide a breath sample before the vehicle starts. 

With each subsequent DUI offense, the impact on your life becomes exponentially more significant. Beyond the legal penalties, multiple offenses can severely tarnish your personal and professional reputation. Individuals may face difficulty gaining employment or securing housing due to their record. Our DUI defense lawyers in Sarasota work to mitigate these long-term effects by diligently exploring all defensive options and emphasizing rehabilitation opportunities that can aid in reducing the severity of judicial decisions.

Florida DUI Manslaughter Charges

DUI manslaughter is one of the most severe DUI charges involving the unlawful killing of another person while driving under the influence. 

The legal consequences are severe and can include:

  • Long-term imprisonment: Convictions are subject to a minimum of four years in prison, usually followed by probation with community service requirements. 
  • Hefty fines: Typical fines can be up to $10,000.
  • Permanent criminal record: A DUI manslaughter conviction results in a lifelong felony record, affecting employment and personal reputation.
  • Civil liability: Convicts may also face civil lawsuits from victims' families, which can lead to additional financial burdens.
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Our Commitment to Your DUI Defense in Sarasota & Surrounding Areas

A DUI conviction follows you for life. There is no way to erase or expunge it. Do not take the easy way out and plead guilty without consulting an experienced DUI attorney in Sarasota. Hiring a proven defense lawyer now can save you from a lifetime record affecting job opportunities and your future. 

Every DUI case is unique. The best decisions concerning them are based on the facts of your case. At McIntosh Law, we are committed to providing a well-prepared and assertive DUI defense. We understand the complexities and nuances of DUI law and work to zealously protect your rights throughout the legal process. Let our team approach help you navigate this challenging time.

Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom; we strive to empower our clients with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Through dedicated client service and advocacy, we aim to rebuild trust with the community and restore your peace of mind. Our team is not just your legal representative but your partner in overcoming the challenges posed by a DUI charge. With a focus on personalized strategies, we ensure every client feels supported and understood throughout the entire legal process.

Call (941) 299-0701 or submit our online contact form to discuss your case with a DUI attorney Sarasota.

100+ Years of Combined Experience Decades of Experience, United for Your Defense

Standing Together When the Storms Rage

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