DUI / BUI Defense Lawyers in Fort Myers and Naples, FL
Driving under the influence (DUI, also known as DWI or driving while intoxicated) is considered a serious crime in the state of Florida, as is boating under the influence (BUI). Michael Raheb has successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with DUI, BUI, or related matters, such as:
- DUI manslaughter, homicide, and hit and run
- Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Reckless or careless driving
- Resisting arrest or attempting to elude a police officer
- Road rage charges
- Vehicular homicide
To start planning your DUI/BUI defense, contact Michael M. Raheb today.
Harsh Penalties for DUI
Florida has some of the toughest DUI penalties in the United States. In most cases, the Florida statutes allow immediate suspension of your driver’s license upon arrest. If you’ve been charged with DUI, Mr. Raheb can file an action for a hearing within 10 days of your arrest to help you get your license reinstated.
If you are convicted of a DUI offense in Florida, you could end up with a permanent criminal record for the rest of your life. Your driver’s license could be revoked, and you could be placed on probation. Substance abuse classes are mandatory. Even first-time DUI offenders face possible jail time. If the offense is second-time or more, jail time will probably be mandatory. For third DUI offenses, a felony conviction carrying up to five years in prison is possible.
A DUI conviction often results in higher auto insurance premiums, for years to come. And if you’re not a U.S. citizen, being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in deportation back to your country of origin.
Even refusing a breath test at the scene of your arrest could have you facing up to a year in jail.
Michael Raheb is a seasoned attorney with years of experience fighting DUI charges. Don’t let the worst happen to you—contact Michael Raheb and get the defense you need.
BUI
Although many people don’t realize that boating drunk is a crime in many waterways, it is definitely a violation of state law to operate a boating vessel in Florida’s waterways while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A vessel operator suspected of BUI in Florida is required to submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine his or her blood or breath alcohol content, just like operators of road vehicles.
According to the Florida BUI statute, a vessel operator is presumed to be “under the influence” if his or her blood or breath alcohol level is at or above .08. In addition, a vessel operator under 21 years old who is found to have a breath alcohol level of .02 or higher is in violation of Florida law.
Florida’s BUI Penalties
In Florida, boating drunk and failing to comply with a sobriety exam can result in suspension of your boating license. For some BUI offenses, you could even lose your boat.
Defense attorney Michael Raheb has years of experience defending against BUI charges. If you or a loved one has been arrested for or charged with a BUI offense, contact the law offices of cMichael Raheb to schedule a no-fee, private consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
