Facing a DUI charge in Fort Lauderdale? At Zirpoli Chase, we believe in fighting for your rights with personalized, relentless defense.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys have advanced training in defending clients against DUI charges and other criminal offenses in Broward County.
Get in touch today for a consultation, and let’s start building the strategy that protects your future.
Whether facing your first DUI offense or dealing with more severe charges, we offer tailored legal strategies to protect your rights and future. Hiring a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney is crucial for navigating the legal complexities and achieving the best possible outcome.
DUI Laws in Florida
Legal Blood Alcohol Limits
In Florida, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are set to ensure road safety and vary depending on the driver’s category.
For drivers over 21 years old, the legal limit is 0.08%. Commercial drivers, held to stricter standards due to the nature of their jobs, have a lower limit of 0.04% BAC.
For drivers under 21 years old, the state enforces a zero-tolerance policy with a limit of 0.02% BAC.
Florida law enforcement officers use breathalyzers or blood tests to accurately determine a driver’s BAC. Suppose a driver is found with a BAC above the legal limit. In that case, they can not only be charged with a DUI offense, leading to severe consequences such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time, but also have SEPARATE consequences with the DMV.
Understanding these limits is crucial for all drivers to avoid the harsh penalties of a DUI conviction.
Implied Consent Laws
Florida’s implied consent laws play a significant role in DUI cases. By holding a Florida driver’s license, you automatically consent to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if a law enforcement officer suspects you of driving under the influence.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for one year for a first refusal. If you have previously refused a test, the suspension extends to 18 months, and you may also face additional charges.
Implied consent laws are designed to aid law enforcement in obtaining evidence of DUI offenses. However, they also add a layer of complexity to DUI cases. A skilled DUI defense attorney can help navigate these laws, challenge the validity of the tests, and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
DUI Consequences and Legal Repercussions in Florida
A DUI conviction in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can result in harsh penalties, including fines, community service, probation, an interlock device, an intoxilyzer installed in your vehicle, and a possible jail sentence. Florida law also mandates driver’s license suspension following a DUI conviction, even for first-time offenders.
A DUI conviction may also lead to a permanent criminal record, significantly impacting your employment and professional reputation. Prior convictions can further increase the severity of penalties, making it essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Zirpoli Chase’s experienced DUI attorneys are equipped to minimize the impact of these consequences and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
How a DUI Arrest Works
A DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale can be a daunting experience, but understanding the process can help alleviate some of the stress. When a law enforcement officer suspects a driver of DUI, they will typically conduct a series of field sobriety tests to determine the driver’s level of impairment.
These tests may include walking straight, standing on one leg, or following an object with your eyes. If the driver fails or refuses to take these tests, they may be arrested and taken into custody.
Once in custody, the officer will read the driver their Miranda rights, informing them of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.
The officer will then ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test or blood test to measure their BAC. If the driver’s BAC is above the legal limit, they will be charged with a DUI offense and face the associated consequences.
Navigating the criminal justice system after a Fort Lauderdale DUI arrest can be complex and overwhelming. A skilled DUI defense attorney can help guide you through each step, from the initial arrest to court appearances and potential plea negotiations.
They can challenge the evidence, question the procedures followed by law enforcement, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Why Swift Legal Action Matters
Following a Fort Lauderdale DUI arrest, immediate action is critical. You have only 10 days to request a hearing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
During this window, a DUI defense attorney can help you retain driving privileges and seek a hardship license if necessary. Failing to act can result in losing your license for up to 18 months.
At Zirpoli Chase, our Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys take immediate steps to handle your case's administrative and criminal aspects, ensuring you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Zirpoli Chase’s Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense
As seasoned criminal defense lawyers, Lindsay Chase and Fallon Zirpoli provide a thorough and aggressive approach to DUI defense. Our DUI attorneys analyze every aspect of the DUI investigation, from the initial stop by law enforcement officers to the testing procedures for determining blood alcohol levels.
The attorneys will scrutinize whether law enforcement had probable cause for the stop and whether the field sobriety tests and breathalyzer readings were conducted according to proper protocol. Any procedural errors identified can be used to weaken the prosecution’s case.
With a deep understanding of DUI laws and the Florida court system, Zirpoli Chase offers a comprehensive defense strategy to protect your rights.
Defense Strategies Utilized by Zirpoli Chase
At Zirpoli Chase, we use a variety of defense strategies to ensure the best possible outcome for your Fort Lauderdale DUI case:
- Challenging Breath and Blood Test Results: We investigate whether the breathalyzer or blood test was administered correctly, focusing on possible inaccuracies in equipment calibration or handling. Additionally, medical conditions like acid reflux or diabetes can lead to false results, which we can use to challenge the prosecution's evidence.
- Questioning Field Sobriety Test Accuracy: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by external factors, such as weather or uneven surfaces. Our DUI defense lawyers scrutinize how these tests were conducted and whether they were administered fairly and impartially.
- Examining the DUI Investigation: Law enforcement officers must adhere to strict procedures during DUI investigations. We investigate whether the arresting officers followed proper procedures, including whether they had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate the stop. If any missteps are found, they may provide grounds for dismissing evidence.
These defense tactics allow our DUI defense attorneys to challenge the validity of DUI charges and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
Handling Serious DUI Charges
DUI charges can escalate if the incident involves more severe offenses such as DUI manslaughter or DUI with bodily injury. In these situations, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At Zirpoli Chase, we have extensive experience handling complex cases, including those that involve felony charges.
Our trial lawyers meticulously review all evidence, ensuring that law enforcement officers follow the correct procedures during the DUI investigation. Additionally, our attorneys are skilled in negotiating with the state attorney’s office, seeking reduced charges or alternative sentencing options to avoid lengthy jail sentences.
Probable Cause in Fort Lauderdale DUI Arrests
Probable cause is required for a law enforcement officer to make a DUI arrest. This means that the officer must have a valid reason to believe that you were driving under the influence, often based on observations such as erratic driving or the smell of alcohol.
Our Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys thoroughly review the circumstances of your arrest to determine if probable cause existed. If it can be proven that the arresting officer did not have sufficient probable cause, the evidence gathered during the DUI investigation may be inadmissible, significantly weakening the prosecution's case.
Client Testimonials and Proven Results
Zirpoli Chase has a strong record of defending clients against DUI convictions and other criminal offenses in South Florida. One client said,
“... I thought my life was OVER because I got a DUI. After countless calls TRYING to get someone to take on my case, I get a phone call as I’m sitting outside before work, and it was Fallon. I kid you not, the second she introduced herself over the phone I felt a HUGE weight off my shoulders. I didn’t have the funds at the moment but Fallon still did what she could to start it up and has been extra EXTRA EXTRA patient with me through the whole process. No matter where I go in life Fallon will always have a special place in my heart. As my trail is coming to an end, I couldn’t be more grateful to have you guys help me and not let me give up. Fallon if you read this thank you for ALWAYS answering my random questions no matter how busy. Zirpoli Chase Law Firm is amazing, if you’re looking for someone who will LITERALLY fight for me and need your voice heard, hit my girls up.
Thank you guys so so so much, I am forever THANKFUL and grateful…”
Our law office has successfully represented clients with misdemeanor felony DUI charges and DUI manslaughter, offering skilled legal defense and a client-centered approach to every case.
DUI Knowledge and Empowerment
We believe in empowering our clients by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions. Our Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys work closely with each client, explaining every step of the legal process and ensuring they understand their rights.
Whether seeking a hardship license after a DUI arrest or contesting prior convictions that impact your current case, Zirpoli Chase is dedicated to confidently guiding you through the legal system. Our DUI Handbook and other resources provide information on DUI laws, blood alcohol limits, and legal defense options.
Being criminally accused of a DUI in Fort Lauderdale can have long-lasting consequences, but with the right legal defense, you can protect your future.
At Zirpoli Chase, our experienced DUI attorneys offer skilled representation to individuals facing DUI charges, drunk driving allegations, and other criminal offenses.
Whether you’re dealing with a first-time DUI offense or more serious charges, our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyers are here to defend your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney and take the first step toward resolving your DUI case.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you or a loved one is facing charges for a violent crime in Broward or Miami-Dade County, don't wait. Contact our expert defense team today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for your rights.
Looking for help with your case?
If you have a case open or questions about your case, reach out to speak directly to our lawyers, Fallon Zirpoli and Lindsay Chase.
For fastest response, call us directly at
954-737-0820
Please provide us with your details and we'll be in touch as quickly as possible.